Is driving an automatic easier than a manual?

Wanting to learn how to drive fully by the end of this summer, is an automatic car actually easier to drive than a manual one?

Wondering if it's worth it considering automatic lessons are more expensive.

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Cascadess

I think it's just personal preference from what I hear, you'll get used top whichever, however AND CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG PEOPLE, but I think if you get a manual license you can drive autos but if you get an auto license you can't drive manuals legally?

If I'm right I'd recommend the manual lessons

Reply 2

ddrrzzeerr

Definitely easier to learn to drive automatics. The hardest thing about driving is mastering the clutch.

Person above is right though. If you pass your test with an automatic, you can only drive automatics.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 3

Alexion

Manual lessons are much better, since you can then drive both shifts after.

Honestly, it doesn't take long to get the hang of clutch control and gear shifts - it's second nature before you even pass your test (or at least it was for me and should be).

And considering the fact automatic lessons are more expensive - I don't see the point, really.

Reply 4

rainbow.panda

Original post by Cascadess

This is correct, I have a manual licence but I drive an automatic now. Having an automatic licence means you can't drive a manual.

Reply 5

Cascadess

Original post by Sternumator

Original post by rainbow.panda

This is correct, I have a manual licence but I drive an automatic now. Having an automatic licence means you can't drive a manual.

Thanks both for the confirmation! :biggrin:

Reply 6

rainbow.panda

I'm beyond terrible at driving a manual (it's a miracle I even passed my test) and I switched to automatic fairly quickly after getting my licence. Driving an automatic is much easier but a manual licence entitles you to drive both manual and automatic so honestly it's more worthwhile.

Reply 7

StudyQueen

Original post by Alexion

I question whether my coordination skills are good enough for a manual after hearing all the horror stories of people stalling, haha; think I'll start off with manual then, how long did it take you to pass?

Reply 8

username937957

I've always been told that, even if you want to drive an automatic for the rest of your life, you should learn in a manual. We aren't in the US so it's pretty unusual to only learn in an automatic. They are definitely easier to drive, though what would you do if you had to drive a friend's manual car in an emergency, or you are applying for a job where you are given a manual car?

I would start learning in a manual and if you are having major issues with the clutch then change to automatic. You can re-take the test in a manual car if you want later.

Reply 9

Cascadess

Original post by StudyQueen

I'm actually not driving even though I am far gone the age, but i have watched all my friends pass in about a year to a year and a half (some managed in under a year) :smile:

Reply 10

StudyQueen

Original post by Cascadess

Original post by Sternumator

Original post by rainbow.panda

This is correct, I have a manual licence but I drive an automatic now. Having an automatic licence means you can't drive a manual.

thanks for letting me know guys! :smile:

Reply 11

StudyQueen

Original post by Cascadess

I'm actually not driving even though I am far gone the age, but i have watched all my friends pass in about a year to a year and a half (some managed in under a year) :smile:

that's actually such a long time :eek:

Reply 12

Cascadess

Original post by StudyQueen

that's actually such a long time :eek:

That is with very irregular lessons though, I'm sure just doing more lessons per month would get you through faster :P

Reply 13

StudyQueen

Original post by rainbow.panda

I think I'll probably be beyond beyond terrible, and how long did it take you to pass the manual?

Reply 14

rainbow.panda

Original post by StudyQueen

I think I'll probably be beyond beyond terrible, and how long did it take you to pass the manual?

I think it was about 2 years but I did have a few months gap where I didn't have any lessons, and even then I got 12 minors. Still worth it though.

Reply 15

joey11223

Significantly easier, albeit after time driving a manual isn't difficult, but certainly in prolonged stop/start traffic it's less hassle.

I'd learn in a manual though. I took me about a year to pass (bit irregular on lessons) albeit in a diesel which is again somewhat easier than a petrol I realized after the fact. I've driven an automatic sense purely because I got the car for free, but I drove 4 different manual petrol company cars in as many days recently, which was an experience, but you quickly get to grips with it.