Automatic or manual?

[SummerRain41287]

I'm new to mumsnet, it was recommended by a close friend of mine.

Let me get straight to the point. I am 35 years old with 1 child and I should have completed my driving test many, many years ago. Please don't judge! 

I am now in the process of starting my theory practice so that I can hopefully pass and just concentrate on the driving.

Previously, I've had lessons using a manual vehicle and I just can't seem to grasp the (very basic!) concept of clutch control, changing gears smoothly and the rest of it.

DP says that it's 2022 and that most people drive automatic or dual vehicles now.

AIBU to go ahead with practising for an automatic driving licence?

Or

YABU and should just practice for a manual licence.

@GeneLovesJezebel

Manual always.

Can I ask what's your reason for choosing manual? I'm interested to hear both sides, not just those saying automatic. Thanks

@gasty

just do auto, I did as in a rush.

Yes I am also in a rush, that's 50% of the reason if I'm honest. It's not fair on my daughter to subject her to yet another cold winter walking to and from school. I also live quite far from the local town, we live in the sticks, so it's always a case of either getting an Uber or a lift if we ever want to go into town. It's a nightmare. I can't do it anymore.

@User405

And Summer good luck with your theory test. My dd said that she should have practiced the hazard test using a laptop and mouse because that's what she had to do on the day. She'd only done it on a touchscreen at home.

Interesting. Because I've downloaded an app as things have changed massively since I last practised for my theory. Of course, it was done on laptops or computers back then. I never considered that hazard perception may pose as a problem on a touch screen handheld device as opposed to using the mouse. Thanks for the heads up on this

@SummerRain41287 honestly I doubt many people now would even think about the fact you might have an automatic licence only. I passed my driving test in 1995, and as far as I'm aware it had to be a manual.

I failed many tests in a manual then passed first time in an automatic. Do it, you won't regret it!!!!

The app,is exactly why my dd has only practiced on a touchscreen. It was ok and she still passed it just wasn't what she was expecting.

You can do it on the .gov website as well.

www.gov.uk/theory-test/hazard-perception-test

Enjoy learning to drive and the freedom it will bring!!

[quote alwayswrighty]@SummerRain41287 honestly I doubt many people now would even think about the fact you might have an automatic licence only. I passed my driving test in 1995, and as far as I'm aware it had to be a manual.[/quote]
No, it didn't. A friend of mine took and passed her test on an automatic back in the 1980s.

option 1: pass with automatic, able to drive automatic cars.
option 2: take a lot longer, not able to drive, possibly never pass, not able to drive any cars.

Option 1 seems to be the most logical one? Once you're comfortable driving and if you feel you really want to drive manuals as well, you can upgrade your license. www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual

Once you're comfortable driving and if you feel you really want to drive manuals as well, you can upgrade your license. www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual

but you really won't need to.

it just feels like I'm taking the "easy" option and I don't want to be looked at strangely because I can't drive a manual. But as a pp said, eventually all cars will be automatic or electric and I never thought of it like that

honestly, nobody cares! And you can upgrade your licence if you want to (without any fear of losing the automatic one) but you won't want to, trust me

I passed my test on a manual but could never quite get confident on them - it didn’t come naturally to me. I had to concentrate very hard on it, and it always stressed me out, especially when driving in hilly places or busy places.

Switching to an auto changed my life. I actually enjoy driving now. No stalling. No hill starts. No rolling backwards if you misjudge where bite is. No fear of accidentally going into the wrong gear. I feel like 100% of my attention is on the road when I’m driving an auto (which is where it should be). When I drive manuals I always felt I had half my attention on the controls, not on the road. I wouldn’t care if I only had an automatic only licence because I am never getting behind the wheel of a manual again.

But, to give you a bit of balance, my DH hates our automatic. He claims it doesn’t change up and down quickly enough and doesn’t react quickly enough when you need to take advantage of tiny windows of opportunity in busy traffic.

I disagree but that is his view!