Manual or Automatic: Which Should You Learn to Drive In?

Learn in an automatic if you want fewer things to think about and are happy to drive automatic cars only. Learn in a manual if you want a licence that lets you drive both. If you pass your test in an automatic, your licence only covers automatic cars. To drive a manual later, you have to pass another practical test in a manual car.

At Astra both cost the same: £35 an hour, or £330 for 10 hours. This guide explains the licence rules, the real differences in learning, and how to decide.

• Pass in a manual: you can drive manual and automatic cars.
• Pass in an automatic: you can only drive automatic cars.

If you pass in an automatic and later want to drive a manual, the rules on GOV.UK are:

• You can start learning in a manual at any time, with L-plates, on your existing licence. You do not need a new provisional licence.
• You do not need to take the theory test again.
• You book the manual practical test by phone with the DVSA (0300 200 1122), not online.
• If you fail the manual test, you can carry on driving automatic cars.

• No clutch and no gears. There is no stalling, no hill starts with the clutch and no gear changes at roundabouts.
• More attention for the road. With the car doing the gear changes, you can focus on mirrors, junctions and hazards, which are the skills the test is really about.
• Often fewer lessons. Because there is less to learn, many people need fewer hours before they are test-ready, although everyone learns at their own pace.
• Popular with nervous and older learners and anyone who found manual lessons stressful.
• The future of driving. Electric cars are automatic, so more and more new cars on UK roads have no clutch.

See our automatic driving lessons in Manchester.

• One licence for both. You can drive any car: a friend’s, a family car, a work van or a hire car.
• More choice of cars. Many second-hand cars, especially older and cheaper ones, are manual.
• Driving abroad. Hire cars in many countries are manual unless you pay extra for an automatic.
• More control on steep hills and in snow, once you are confident with the clutch.

See our manual driving lessons in Manchester.

Automatic is usually the better choice if:

• you want to pass as soon as possible
• you are a nervous learner, or found the clutch hard in earlier lessons
• your family car is automatic, or you plan to buy an automatic or electric car
• you are learning later in life

Manual is usually the better choice if:

• you want to be able to drive any car
• you are likely to borrow or buy an older or cheaper car
• you might drive vans or hire cars abroad
• you are not in a rush and are happy to learn the clutch

Still not sure? Ask your instructor to let you try both in your first lessons. You can also switch during your course.

The test itself is the same: the same route types, the same 40 minutes, the same marking and the same fees (£62 on a weekday, £75 in the evening or at the weekend). The only difference is the car. Many learners find it easier because they have fewer things to manage, but you still have to show safe, independent driving.

Astra teaches manual and automatic lessons across Greater Manchester, 7 days a week from 7am to 11:30pm, with free pick-up from home, work or college.

• Automatic lessons: £35 an hour
• Manual lessons: £35 an hour
• Block booking: 10 hours for £330
• Intensive courses: 10 hours from £350

Fill in the form, or call 07758 837589. See all our prices.

If I pass my test in an automatic, can I drive a manual?

No. An automatic pass gives you a licence for automatic cars only. To drive a manual, you need to pass a practical test in a manual car. You don’t need to retake the theory test.

Is the automatic driving test easier?

It is the same test with the same marking. The only difference is the car, and many learners find it easier because there is no clutch or gears to manage.

Are automatic driving lessons more expensive?

Not at Astra. Manual and automatic lessons are both £35 an hour in Greater Manchester, or £330 for a 10-hour block.

Can I switch from manual to automatic during my lessons?

Yes. Tell our office and we will arrange it. Which cars are available depends on the instructors who cover your area.

Do I need a new theory test to upgrade from automatic to manual?

No. You only need to pass the practical test in a manual car, which you book by phone with the DVSA.