Do I need to learn to drive a manual?

[Nameregretter]

I’m mid 30s with 2 kids and need to learn to drive! I had a load of manual lessons about 7 years ago but never took my test. We don’t have a car yet but looking to buy one soon (DH drives; we live in London though so have used public transport/bikes up to now). I’m assuming that the automatic test is easier and so will be quicker for me to (re)learn and pass. Will I regret limiting myself to automatics?

No. Won't manual gearboxes become obsolete with the internal combustion engine? But IMHO driving is 10% car control and 90% dealing with the roads and the other idiots on them. So I don't think an auto makes it a lot easier, though for some drivers it makes all the difference between learning and not.

I hate automatics. I first learnt to drive in the states and it was all auto. I never felt fully in control of the car and just couldn’t get to grips with it. I learnt manual when we moved back and although the learning curve is greater I feel much more involved in the driving and my concentration is better. I actually like changing gears. I’m not a great driver though and have worn the clutch a few times so would probably be better off with an auto myself but my US experience put me off.

Thank you for all the input! Interesting range of views and I hadn’t considered that I might have an issue finding an auto instructor. Maybe sticking with manual is the way to go since I’ve got some experience with it 🤔

My friend with dyspraxia has never learned as in his fairly major city ha cannot find an auto instructor.
I would suggest learning and passing your test in a manual even if you eventually buy an auto. I’ve had a couple of autos over the last 6 years. Just bought a manual and it’s like riding a bike, it all comes back.

Here is my tip - try and take your test in a diesel as they’re much harder to stall if you have an attack of nerves!

I can't see why anyone would want to drive something more difficult.

Well, when each of my dc have passed, they couldn't afford their own cars to begin with, but with a full licence were able to be added to mine while they saved (a manual) Each of them have been added on to their partners' cars (manuals). Each of them have started off with older, more affordable cars (MUCH higher % of which are manual). Each of them have driven other vehicles in different situations for various reasons (all manual).
For myself and dh, over the years - hire cars have been manual. Minibuses have been manual. When we've had to hire a van for a move or something - manual. When we've helped out with towing on camps etc - manuals.

I've never driven an automatic, but I wouldn't write it off / dismiss it. From what has been said on a lot of threads, it helps people with conditions such as dyspraxia - then great, but OP said she never had any difficulty with gears, so why limit yourself if you don't need to ?

I can drive a manual, but I love an automatic! My automatic is easy peasy to drive in traffic and I only ever drive manual when I take my Campervan on holiday. My mum 40 years ago passed in an automatic because she had to pass quickly due to finances at the time, she’s only ever bought older cars and it’s not been a problem finding one! Go for what suits you

My last 3 cars have all been auto (dh’s too) but I tend to think being able to drive a manual is a good skill to have just in case you need to drive someone else’s car in an emergency. My sister in law can only drive an auto and got caught out once (long and ridiculous story involving getting very lost with a horse).

My current car is auto but DH's is manual, I learnt manual and that's what I preferred driving, but I use the motorway a lot so the auto is easier. I would personally always go for manual as things like hiring a car (and courtesy cars when your car is serviced ect) are usually manuals only.

I passed my test in a manual and was fine with it. I then had a massive break from driving while living in London and found it much easier to re-learn in an auto. I tried a manual the other day and had no idea what I was doing.

Autos are so much better now than they've ever been.

Most have a sequential type manual arrangement anyway.

My latest car is auto by choice and I'll never go back to a manual.

I fave a full licence, but when I moved to central London I stopped driving for about twelve years.
Got an automatic when I needed a car again - I've driven a non-automatic a few times (in about twelve years) - replacements when mine was being serviced. Replaced my car with a second hand one a few years ago, didn't have an issue finding what I wanted.
Only time it was a bit limiting was hiring a car abroad; mr friend ended up doing the driving, but TBH I wouldn;'t have wanted to drive a geared car for the first time in years on the "wrong" side of the road. Hiring an automatic was a lot more expensive - they may only have had automatics in the "larger car" range.

typo - *my friend