Manual vs Automatic Driving Test

gazfocus · 02-02-10, 07:19 PM

A few years ago, I began driving lessons in a Manual car and while I was ok changing gears, I always panicked when pulling away at a junction. After a few years, I have just booked some driving lessons in an Automatic car and I'm just wondering what the main differences would be in a test. Am I likely to be able to sit my test sooner if learning in an Automatic car?

Thanks in advance.

T · 02-02-10, 10:38 PM

Hi gazfocus

the test is no different for automatics as it is for manual, you will go over the same route(s) and do the same manoeuvres. The only difference is on your entitlement, where you will only be licensed to drive automatic cars. As for how long it will take! that depends on your ability as a learner and your instructors ability to teach, but i would guess there will not be much difference (if any) as the only aspect you are missing is carrying out a gear change.

ASHLEY ELLIS · 03-02-10, 03:45 PM

AS T has said the test is the same, just no gear change.

if you mean are the waiting times different? then im not sure but i thinks its the same wait whether manual or auto! how this helps.

kipper 2 · 05-02-10, 09:39 AM

While I agree with most of the above I do believe most people would progress quicker in an auto than a manual. for the reason that it's not just about eliminating the gear changes,a big part of driving well is timing! so if youre not having to think about when to change you can just concentrate on where you are going. also if you take away the clutch you take away the clutch control, another big part of learning to drive, taking away the clutch control should make the manoeuvres a lot easier.

Having said that I do believe that all able bodied people should persevere with the manual then at least you have a choice when you get your full licence!

lindab · 10-02-10, 05:56 PM

I teach both manual & auto and find that people progess faster in the Auto, for the reasons Kipper gives.

I have serveral learners who want to learn in an auto then in a few years when they have built up some road experience will switch to manual and take the manual test.

Why not try a lesson in an auto and see if you prefer it? You can always go back to manual!

Linda

02-02-10, 07:19 PM	#1
gazfocus Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1	Manual vs Automatic Driving Test A few years ago, I began driving lessons in a Manual car and while I was ok changing gears, I always panicked when pulling away at a junction. After a few years, I have just booked some driving lessons in an Automatic car and I'm just wondering what the main differences would be in a test. Am I likely to be able to sit my test sooner if learning in an Automatic car? Thanks in advance.

02-02-10, 10:38 PM	#2
T Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Glasgow Posts: 472	Hi gazfocus the test is no different for automatics as it is for manual, you will go over the same route(s) and do the same manoeuvres. The only difference is on your entitlement, where you will only be licensed to drive automatic cars. As for how long it will take! that depends on your ability as a learner and your instructors ability to teach, but i would guess there will not be much difference (if any) as the only aspect you are missing is carrying out a gear change. __________________ [url]www.l2exl.co.uk[/url]

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03-02-10, 03:45 PM	#3
ASHLEY ELLIS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ossett,West yorkshire Posts: 217	AS T has said the test is the same, just no gear change. if you mean are the waiting times different? then im not sure but i thinks its the same wait whether manual or auto! how this helps.

05-02-10, 09:39 AM	#4
kipper 2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 148	While I agree with most of the above I do believe most people would progress quicker in an auto than a manual. for the reason that it's not just about eliminating the gear changes,a big part of driving well is timing! so if youre not having to think about when to change you can just concentrate on where you are going. also if you take away the clutch you take away the clutch control, another big part of learning to drive, taking away the clutch control should make the manoeuvres a lot easier. Having said that I do believe that all able bodied people should persevere with the manual then at least you have a choice when you get your full licence!

10-02-10, 05:56 PM	#5
lindab Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1	I teach both manual & auto and find that people progess faster in the Auto, for the reasons Kipper gives. I have serveral learners who want to learn in an auto then in a few years when they have built up some road experience will switch to manual and take the manual test. Why not try a lesson in an auto and see if you prefer it? You can always go back to manual! Linda