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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

203 replies

flawless234 · 30/06/2025 13:27

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?

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 19/07/2025 15:58

It will really restrict her options for the rest of her driving life. Get manual lessons, learn properly

boujeewooje · 19/07/2025 16:12

Maddy70 · 19/07/2025 15:58

It will really restrict her options for the rest of her driving life. Get manual lessons, learn properly

Whilst I agree that she may as well take manual lessons, 80% of new cars are automatic so it’s unlikely to ‘really restrict’ her for the rest of her driving life. About a third of all cars on the road are autos.

Serrina · 19/07/2025 20:45

Pikachu150 · 19/07/2025 15:25

There are plenty of older automatic cars around nowadays.

Exactly. An "old car" in 2025 is not the same as the old bangers we used to see in the 80s!

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