We believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should learn to drive in a manual or an automatic car.
If you want simplicity, ease of learning, and less stress in traffic, an automatic may be your best bet.
However, if you’re up for a challenge, desire more control, and enjoy a more involved driving experience, learning to drive a manual car could be the right choice.
By considering these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a decision that suits your driving style and future needs.
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when learning to drive is, learn in a manual or an automatic car. Both types of vehicles have their own set of advantages and challenges.
So, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Tip 1
Consider the Ease of Learning
One of the biggest factors in deciding between manual and automatic is how easy it is to learn to drive each type of car.
Automatic transmission cars are generally much easier for new drivers to pick up. With no need to worry about shifting gears or using the clutch, you can focus more on basic driving skills like steering, braking, and accelerating.
Manual transmission cars require learning how to coordinate the clutch, gear shifts, and accelerator, which can be challenging for beginners.
Tip 2
Consider the Ease of Learning
If you live in a busy urban area with lots of stop-and-go traffic, driving a manual car can be tiring.
Constantly pressing the clutch, shifting gears, and managing the accelerator can be exhausting in heavy traffic.
Automatic cars offer a much more relaxed driving experience, making them ideal for navigating congested streets and city driving.
Tip 3
Assess Your Long-Term Needs
Consider your future driving habits. Automatic cars are the most common type on the road today and are likely to be the easiest to rent or borrow when you travel.
If you want convenience and a car that’s simple to drive, an automatic is the practical choice.
However, if you plan on driving in a wide range of vehicles, especially sports or older cars, learning manual gives you the flexibility to drive any car, even those with manual transmissions.
Tip 4
Fuel Efficiency
Generally speaking, manual cars are more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially older models.
The reason for this is that a manual allows for more direct control over the engine’s power, letting you shift gears to optimize fuel usage.
More modern automatic cars have become more efficient in recent years, and some new automatic models even rival manuals in terms of fuel economy.
Tip 5
Enjoyment of Driving
For many car enthusiasts, driving a manual car is more enjoyable because it offers greater control over the vehicle. Shifting gears at the right moment can create a more engaging driving experience, particularly on winding roads or for spirited driving.
Automatic cars can feel more passive, offering less control and excitement. If you like the idea of being more involved in your driving, a manual car might be the way to go.
Tip 6
Maintenance Costs
Manual cars are normally simpler to maintain and repair, which can make them less expensive in the long run.
Automatic cars can be more costly to fix and often require more maintenance, especially as the vehicle ages.
Tip 7
Learning Curve for Control
With manual cars, you’ll need to master the skill of shifting gears at the right time, which can be tricky at first. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have greater control over the vehicle’s performance, making it easier to accelerate or decelerate quickly.
In contrast, automatic cars shift gears for you, so there’s less to learn in terms of technical control, which can be advantageous for those looking for a simpler learning experience.
Tip 8
Electric Cars
Electric cars are becoming more popular and always come with automatic transmissions because electric motors provide power smoothly and constantly, there’s no need for gear shifting.
If you plan on driving an electric car in the future, it’s important to note that they generally don’t require the same skill set as manual transmission vehicles and most new electric vehicles are designed for a more straightforward, automatic experience.
Whichever you choose to learn in manual or automatic, your licence will allow you to drive an Electric car.
Tip 9
Pricing of buying Manual and Automatic Cars
Automatic cars tend to be more expensive than manual ones, especially newer models, because of their parts and the transmission equipment that is used.
Manual cars are usually priced lower due to their simpler mechanical design.
In the last few years, we have seen the price gap has been narrowing as automatic cars have become more common and cost-effective.
Tip 10
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, your decision may come down to personal preference. If you’re someone who enjoys challenges and the thought of mastering a skill like shifting gears excites you, a manual car could be a good fit.
If you’re looking for a smoother, less stressful driving experience, automatic cars are more forgiving and comfortable.
To find out if your driving license allows you to drive automatic or manual cars and get answers to other questions, head over our FAQ page.