AIBU to go automatic only for daughter's driving lessons?

[flawless234]

My daughter's only just started her driving lessons, and we've opted for automatic exclusively. Why, you ask? Well, it just seems obvious to me.
A few of her friends are learning manual too, and they're clearly in the majority, which my daughter feels. But, logically speaking, and I'd be interested to know what you all think, I'm thinking that we're seeing more automatic cars on the roads these days. Plus, with the rise of electric cars, they're automatic anyway. I, for one, haven't driven a manual since 2016 since I switched to an automatic then and honestly, I'm never going back.
I've found that getting an automatic instructor is a bit of a challenge, simply because there are fewer of them. So, I'm just wondering, what's the logic behind the newer generation, or kids now, starting to learn manual? Does it really make much of a difference? I don't think it will.
In my opinion, learning manual seems like more of a hassle. You're trying to master driving and controlling the car, and then on top of that, you're learning all about road safety and everything else. It just seems like too much fuss, if you ask me.
AIBU to think that learning automatic is the more sensible option these days?

Automatic cars (non electric) use more fuel than manual.

My DS is about to switch from manual lessons to automatic (if we can find an instructor!). He really dislikes changing gears, even though he's had enough lessons that it's not much of a challenge anymore - unless he's trying to start on an incline. He's not a keen driver, wasn't even excited to start lessons, so we're happy with the path of least resistance to give him his independence!

From a safety standpoint, driving an automatic seems to make so much sense as there's less to think about and you don't get those little lurches when changing gear at low speed.

We have an EV and a manual car and DH and I both vastly prefer driving the EV, especially on long drives. We also always choose an automatic when hiring a car abroad as it feels safer to have one less thing to think about.

My whole family is insured on each other's cars, which has been very handy for all sorts of situations, esp. since we had DC. I think being able to drive "any" car if circumstances arise doesn't really have a downside, so you might as well get the full license.

Not anymore:
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/manual-automatic-fuel/

'In most cases, automatic cars actually use less fuel than their manual counterparts. Automatic cars are designed to use less fuel and save you money. In the long run, it can be much cheaper to drive an automatic car as opposed to a manual.
The main reason why automatic cars are generally better for your pocket is that they tend to have a better gear ratio, which means they use less fuel when driving at lower speeds. Some modern automatic cars also boast features such as improved engine efficiency and electronic transmission systems - both of which can help to reduce fuel consumption even further.'

Only something like 1 in 4 cars come with the OPTION to have it as a manual so stick shift cars are definitely becoming old-fashioned.

That said if your teen has no issues with a manual car then they may as well get a licence to drive both.

Exactly this. "we've opted for automatic" — it's the daughter's life and her choice to make.

I’d leave it up to them to decide. That’s what I’ve done with both DS and they’ve both learnt in a manual. DS20 passed first time and DS17 currently learning and loving it. Leaves every option available imo.

1 in 4 new cars that is

At what price range and insurance group though? Important when it's a teen buying first xar

I joke that my auto car is a go kart, and will definitely be advising my dc learn manual, I'll be providing their first cars and they'll be cheap run around, so likely manual. Madness to limit yourself unless you really can't get to grips with a manual

I think it’s best to learn in a manual as it limits your options otherwise. If she ever wants to hire a van, finding an auto isn’t as easy. Likewise with some international hire cars too. In my case, my company has a lot of fleet cars which we book for business trips - they’re all manual.

The future might be going electric but I think that future is a long way off.

If you learn to drive in a manual car, you can drive an automatic as well. If you only have an automatic licence, you can't. I wouldn't want to limit my choices like that. We aren't at the stage where manual cars are museum curiosities by a long shot.

I was just answering ‘do you have any regrets’ 🤷🏼‍♀️

So why doesn't he take the manual test then? Why are you making it sound like once you get an auto only licence you can then never get a manual one?

My DD is 17 and has just passed. We did manual because auto is limiting. Most of her friends are doing manual, one doing auto. I have a 19yo as well and all of that lot did manual. Realistically, manuals will be around for a good while yet. New ones will be sold for at least the next 5 years and cars can easily last 15 years. So I think it will be quite a bit longer that this skill will remain very relevant. Also in some other places in the world, manuals could be around for a good while to come.

I drive a company car all day for work and need a full manual licence to do so. You’re limiting her with what she will be able to do when really it should be her decision and not yours.

Manual all day long.
Why would you not want the flexibility to drive anything? It is going to be a long time before there are no ICE cars. I think it is a useful skill.

I was responding to OPs question as to whether anyone had regretted it.

Personally I don't see the point in taking one test to then need another test to essentially do the same thing. My friend says he's too old now, that's his excuse but honestly I just think he CBA with learning how to drive manual now. And once people have passed their test, there becomes other financial priorities in their life than paying to pass yet another driving test.

I can see a safety benefit to driving an auto as a new driver - a person can fully concentrate on the road and defensive driving. It does become second nature driving a manual but there’s that phase between passing your test and when controlling your vehicle becomes an instinctive reflex. I live in a busy city and sometimes it’s a matter of a split second between a collision and a near-miss - even the die-hard petrolheads in the family who like the control of driving a manual would say an automatic has that advantage.

Auto only, unless you already own a manual you want her to use. Automatic cars passed 50% of new car sales 5 years ago. In 5 years, that secondhand car she wants to buy will be a 10-year-old automatic. ULEZ zones will expand, making older petrol, manual cars a poor financial decision. This has been the direction of travel for years now.

I love renting cars and driving abroad. I can drive manual or automatic. I always prefer auto abroad and have not had a problem renting one anywhere in a decade, and it has been the same price as manual or cheaper for years.

I like a manual transmission, but they are on the way out.

My niece just couldn't get to grips with a manual so ended up taking and passing an auto test. It got her driving and getting experience so if she did ever want to take a manual test then the chances are it would be much easier for her as she will have mastered all the other skills .

For a lot of people it's the difference between driving an auto or not driving. But you're not closing that door forever. So people shouldn't look at it like that.

It's ridiculous that someone in their 40s or whatever bitterly regrets the decision to learn in an auto when the were 17 when the solution is so simple.

It's not a life changing decision. If you can learn in a manual the definitely that's better but it's not the end of the world if you don't/can't.

Not true with newer DCT automatics. Plus, electric cars don't have gear boxes, so strictly speaking they're not automatics.

I think automatic is fine. Electric cars are all automatic and that’s what all new cars will eventually be! I bet it hardly restricts her at all. Anyway, if she changes her mind when she’s older, it’ll be easy enough to learn.

Aussie here - I know you arent asking for an Australian perspective but manual cars are pretty rare here - hard to find either new or used and manual instructors are hard to find too. Even 4x4 work/farm vehicles are sold in automatic options and lots now electric as well.

I have a DS who passed his test 2 years ago and most of his cohort learned in an automatic and only one who is a petrol head learned in a manual. DD is currently learning how to drive now and all her cohort are learning in automatics. When I got my license there wasnt such a thing as a manual or automatic license and I got mine in an automatic then I was going to go on a roadtrip towing a trailer in a manual I learned from my Father how to drive a manual. I havent driven a manual car since. Been overseas and no worries about hiring an automatic. I think more important for children to just get their license and then if they have a specific need for a manual license to do the test later.

We hired a van this weekend, would have been much harder to do if neither of us could drive manual.

But I wouldn’t dissuade my kids from learning any skill. If they were adamant on learning in an automatic, I’d let them know my opinion but support their decision.