Learning to drive in a manual car isn't the right choice for everyone. In busy cities especially, managing the gears and clutch can add extra things to think about while you're still learning the fundamentals.
With AutoPilot automatic driving lessons, there's no clutch or gear changes to manage. Many learners find this helps them focus on the road, building safe driving skills faster and with less stress.
Our DVSA-approved AutoPilot driving instructors offer automatic lessons tailored to your experience — helping you learn at a pace that suits you, whether you're starting from scratch or rebuilding confidence.
Guide to learning in an automatic
There are loads of reasons you might choose to learn in an automatic car. A lot of people find it much easier than learning in a manual. And if you have a disability that makes it difficult to change gears, an automatic is a great option.
But is it the right fit for you? Let's take a closer look.
What's the difference between automatic and manual?
Automatic and manual refer to the transmission — in other words, the gears. In a manual car, you change gears yourself with a clutch and gear stick. An automatic basically does it for you.
That's not to say you don't have gears in an automatic. They're just more basic. You'll typically see four main options on the gear selector — and that's it.
Park
The same as neutral, but the wheels are locked. You should be in park when you switch the engine on or off.
Drive
Where the fun begins. This is for going forward, and the car will automatically shift through gears as you accelerate.
Neutral
You can put the car in neutral when stopped in traffic or at lights — the engine runs but no gear is engaged.
Reverse
Does what it says on the tin — engages the reverse gear so you can back up smoothly.
In a manual car, gears are changed using the clutch. Automatic cars don't have a clutch, which means it's much harder to stall. You also won't grind the gears or accidentally select the wrong one.
Do more people drive manual or automatic cars?
In the UK, manual cars are still the more common choice — but the percentage of newly manufactured automatics is rising sharply, especially as electric vehicles (which are all automatic) become mainstream.
Automatic cars tend to be a little more expensive to buy. Historically they used more fuel and were more complicated to repair, but modern automatics — and EVs in particular — close most of that gap.
When is it better to drive an automatic?
If you live in an urban area, driving an automatic can be far more convenient. In stop-start traffic, you don't need to constantly change gears or work the clutch — letting you focus on the road and other vehicles.
If you live somewhere hilly, automatics also help massively. Hill starts are easier because you don't need to find the bite of the clutch, and there's far less risk of rolling backwards on a slope.
Will I get my licence quicker by learning in an automatic?
Some learners find that learning in an automatic helps them focus on the road sooner — there's no clutch or gear changes to think about, so the cognitive load drops noticeably.
However, everyone learns at their own pace. Pass-rate data suggests automatic candidates pass slightly more often, but the number of lessons needed before test-readiness varies hugely from person to person.
Sounds like a no-brainer. What's the downside?
Automatics tend to be more expensive to buy and maintain — and as a result, automatic lessons are often a touch pricier than manual lessons elsewhere (at AutoPilot they're the same price).
There's another, bigger downside. If you pass your test in an automatic, that's all you'll be qualified to drive. Your licence will not cover manual cars unless you take a separate test later.
This can be limiting — especially if you ever need to borrow a car, hire one abroad, or take a job that includes driving. Manuals are still the more common rental and company car, so think carefully before committing.
Automatic driving instructors near you
Our expert AutoPilot instructors deliver automatic driving lessons across the country and create a personalised learning plan tailored to your needs. Many learners find that two hours of tuition a week helps them build confidence and make steady progress — but it's entirely your choice, and your instructor will adapt lessons to suit you.
Find an instructor