Automatic vs manual cars: Which should you learn in?

Learning to drive can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience, to the point where some people – even once they’ve passed – suffer from a phobia of getting behind the wheel. There’s so much to think about when you’re on the road – such as staying within the speed limit, remembering to check your mirrors, using your indicators to change lanes, and judging your manoeuvres correctly.

And of course, there’s the added complication of making sure you’re in the right gear and finding the biting point so that you don’t stall at the traffic lights.

That last example can be a particularly embarrassing experience – even though almost every learner has done it. But recent years have seen a shift in driving habits, with more people opting for vehicles with automatic rather than manual gearboxes.

So, what is the difference between the two? If you’ve learnt in one type, are you qualified to drive the other? And just how many people are going automatic? With the help of temporary car insurance specialists Dayinsure, we’ve dug a little deeper to find out…

What is the difference between automatic and manual cars?

A manual vehicle has three pedals – the clutch, the brake, and the accelerator. As you speed up, you need to go up through the gears so that the engine can work effectively and efficiently. To do this, you press the clutch while taking your foot off the accelerator, move the gear stick as required, ease off the clutch and then press the accelerator again.

An automatic, however, has no clutch pedal. Instead, the gearbox automatically moves through the gears for you as you speed up. So, all you have to worry about is accelerating or braking as required. And there’s no chance of ever stalling at the lights!

Can you drive an automatic if you’ve passed in a manual car?

Yes, if you learned and took your test in a manual car, you are qualified to subsequently drive an automatic. 

Can you drive a manual if you’ve passed in an automatic car?

No, if you are only licensed to drive an automatic then it is not legal for you to get behind the wheel of a manual vehicle. However, you can upgrade an automatic licence to a manual one if you wish. You don’t need to apply for another provisional or sit another theory examination but you will be required to take another practical test.

How many people are learning and passing in automatic cars?

Dayinsure’s survey found that 29% of drivers are opting to learn in automatics this year. That’s more than double the number recorded across the previous 12 months (13%). It’s particularly prevalent in London, with 26% of people taking their tests in an automatic last year. That represents a comfortably higher proportion than in other major cities, such as Birmingham (15%), Edinburgh (10%), and Cardiff (9%).

And experts believe that the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) and a general shift towards reducing emissions mean this trend looks set to continue.

“It’s clear that as the UK shifts towards EVs, many of which are automatic, we’ll continue to see a rise in learners opting for automatic-only licences too,” says Nicholas Shaw, Dayinsure’s Director of Operations. “The added benefit of EVs is that London drivers will be able to make hefty savings of up to £15 a day as EVs are exempt from the London Congestion Charge.”

“As other local authorities look to introduce clean air zone charges for vehicles that exceed emission standards, driving an automatic EV makes sense. This could well explain why we’re seeing a surge in automatic drivers and the capital in particular.”