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?

Insurance for new drivers of automatics is slot more than manuals.
Personally I think you should be taught to drive any car. Limiting her seems sad

At the time I was fully comp on my own car so probably yes. Not something that crossed my mind at the time. I was only like 19 or 20.

You say ‘we’ve gone for automatic. ‘ It should be her choice not a joint one.

I'd say Manual all the way, as others have said, you are massively restricting her choices and first car options, yes it is easier driving an auto in city traffic, but otherwise automatic cars are so dull and nowhere near as fun to drive, and also expensive to fix when they go wrong. Particularly if she has a limited budget and is buying an older user car and encounter problems with automatic gearboxes, they can be extremely pricey to fix and often run into more than the value of the car. My dad got rid of a car because a new automatic gearbox would have cost more than the car was worth, and went back to a manual.

More skills, not fewer is the way.

Like legible handwriting and keyboard.

I have an automatic only licence. I haven’t found it a problem at all. All cars will be automatic soon anyway

When I was learning to drive,
My mom made sure that all of us could drive a standard (manual) vehicle so that if needed we could drive any of our friends vehicles home if needed
I was DD many times and it helped to know how to drive both
My children also all were taught to drive standard even though they all own automatic cars now.

Erm I'm glad my parents didn't say go automatic to me or my brother's we had a choice and went manual to cover all bases seems like your daughter didn't have a choice which is weird as an adult. Anyhow manual means you can drive anything and never have to pass a car test again, doing automatic means you would have to do it all again and the expense if she wants to get a manual some day.

It has very little to do with whether you plan to buy yourself a certain type of car - that part you have control over.

She won't have control over whether an employer requires her to drive a manual car/van, of which there are lots. My company only employs people with a full manual driving licence, several vehicles are over 40 years old and extremely specialised so won't be replaced easily.

Your dd doesn’t know where life will take her.

My own dd is working in the office for a company with a fleet of vehicles. You don’t need a Heavy vehicle licence but some are manual. One day, the call went out “does anyone on the property today have a manual licence.” None of the beefy blokes (gobsmacked) did but this little slip of a young girl did so she was sent out to do whatever.

She has now had a promotion, courses, pay rise and life is good.

I don't really care what people choose to do or why, it's their life. But OP asked and I answered with someone's honest feelings, that they've told me previously.

Like I said, if you can do both, I don't see why you'd split it out and give yourself twice the tests and extra costs. But if the limitations won't impact someone's life, then I really don't care what they don't.

It’s the future. I’m never driving a manual again

We are considering this for our younger one. He has some additional needs so keeping the mental load down just makes sense, and electric cars are just so much safer with the extra tech stopping them before hazards, lane deviation correction etc.

The blocker is finding instructors. Recommendations we've had are all for instructors with manual cars, and we have a great one for DC1 who we'd like to stick with. However I expect auto instructors are more or less specialists at teaching anxious drivers.

Twins - one did manual the other automatic (her choice she has anxiety and automatic easier to drive). No regrets - noted though best to get new drivers 1 litre engines or insurance is crazy harder to get power in 1 litre automatic but we both her an Audi A1 and it’s great to drive.

Sounds somewhat implausible since only 3% of people hold an automatic only licence.

It's increasing of course. From the web 25% of people are going for auto only by 2026.

But still...

I’m not in the UK. Your demographic does not apply.

However, we do have a sizeable influx of people, mostly young, coming here to work and finding themselves in positions they would never have dreamed of. A manual license will never not be of value.

I never dreamed that I would drive bulldozers yet there it is in my memory.

In Australia, automatics have increasingly become choice of car. I’d wager that most kids get auto licences now. You can always go back and do a manual if really necessary. The last time I drove a manual was 15 years ago on a UK holiday!

I passed my test in a manual 37 years ago, but have not driven a manual in 30 years.

Yes most cars will be automatic in the not too distant future. I much offer them as you can concentrate more on whats going on around you with road signs, people etc. I urged by son to learn in an automatic car thinking it would be safer.

I did that with my son 4 years ago and never looked back!

All cars will be automatic soon - I mean they'll be self driving in a decade, so YADNBU IMO.

Autos are really not a little more £ than manuals and so much less hassle to drive. I bought a Renault Modus to use to teach him to drive. It was a great car to learn in loads of windows to see out of!

If you're looking for a first car, I would strongly suggest a VW polo or golf. Loads of bells and whistles, economic and a nice drive :) He has a Golf and a co provided Cupra Leon too.

Good luck to your DC x

I wouldn't bother learning in a manual if I had my time again.

My view, it's limiting when there's no need.As others have said, cheapness, hire wise and especially courtesy cars (if a garage has 6 courtesy cars it's likely only one will be an automatic. My son's had problems as he much prefers automatic but at least he has passed manual if needed )(it often ends up delaying a repair until a auto courtesy is available).

I just don’t understand why when you’re paying so much to do something and learn something you wouldn’t just do it properly and not restrict yourself to one thing.

I would still pass my test in a manual car even if I wanted to buy an automatic for myself. Just in case I work for a company and they need me to drive occasionally. They may not buy or lease automatics

Because it is easier to drive an automatic. Few lessons means less cost.