Manual vs automatic: Which is best for learner drivers in the UK

When you are just starting out on your driving journey, one of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to learn in a manual or automatic car. It is a choice that can affect not only how easy or difficult your lessons feel, but also your future as a driver.

What is the difference between manual vs automatic?

Before diving in, lets define the key difference:

Manual transmission required the driver to change gears using a clutch and gear stick.

Automatic transmission changes gears automatically, allowing the driver to focus more on steering and road conditions.

The current trend in the UK

Traditionally, the UK has been a manual driving nation. However, automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of electric vehicles(EVs), which are all automatic by design.

According to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), the number of people taking their test in automatic vehicles is rising every year.

Pros and cons of learning in a manual car

Pros:

1. Wider driving licence flexibility. If you pass your test in a manual, you are legally allowed to drive both manual and automatic cars. However, if you pass in an automatic, you are restricted to automatics unless you retake your test in a manual.
2. Lower car purchase costs. Manual cars generally have a lower purchase price than their automatic counterparts, and they can be less expensive to maintain. This is because manual transmissions are less complex to manufacture.
3. Better control in tricky driving conditions. Manuals offer more control over acceleration and deceleration, which can be helpful in snow, rain or hilly areas.
4. More job opportunities. Some driving jobs like delivery driving or trades may still require a manual licence.

Cons:

1. Steeper learning curve. Mastering clutch control and gear changes can make learning to drive more difficult and stressful for beginners.
2. More test failures. Manual learners are statistically more likely to fail their practical test due to stalling, gear errors, or poor clutch use.

Pros and cons of learning in an automatic car

Pros:

1. Easier to learn without the need to master gear changes, automatic learners often feel more confident and progress faster.
2. Fewer distractions. With no clutch to manage, learners can focus more on road awareness and decision-making.
3. Ideal for urban driving. Automatics handle stop-start traffic with ease, making them popular in busy towns and cities.
4. Aligned with the future. With the UK government planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, the shift to electric(and therefore automatic) cars is inevitable.

Cons:

1. Licence restriction. You can only drive automatics unless you retake your test in a manual.
2. Higher costs. Due to their complexity automatic cars often cost more to buy, insure and repair than manual cars.
3. Fewer vehicles available (for now)
4. Although this is changing, manuals dominate the used car market in the UK.

Costs: Manual vs automatic lessons

Driving lessons in an automatic cars tend to cost slightly more, typically £1-£3 more per hour due to higher vehicle costs and demand. However, many learners require fewer lessons overall with automatic driving, which can even the expense overall.

On average:

• Manual learners may need 40-50 hours of lessons.
• Automatic learners may need 25-35 hours.

Of course this varies from person to person. You can check out our post ‘how many driving lessons do i need to pass to find out more.

What do driving instructors recommend?

Most instructors recommend manual if:

• You want maximum flexibility after passing your test.
• You are planning to drive second-hand or budget vehicles.
• You are comfortable with a steeper learning curve and more hands-on control.

Automatic is often advised for:

• Nervous or anxious drivers.
• People who need to pass quickly or with fewer lessons.
• Urban drivers who want a stress-free experience.

Future of driving in the UK

With the UK’s push toward electric vehicles and automatic only models, automatic driving is clearly the direction of the future. If you are learning to drive now and plan to own an EV in the comings years, choosing automatic could be a smart move.

But if you want to keep your options open, especially when buying used cars or travelling abroad, manual still offers strong advantages.

So which is best for learner drivers?

The best option depends on your personal goals, budget and confidence level. Here’s a quick summary: