Manual vs automatic cars: which is best for learner drivers?

Before you start your driving lessons, you'll need to decide whether you want to learn in a manual or automatic car. But what's easier to drive and learn in? There’s no right or wrong choice here, as both options come with their pros and cons. It essentially boils down to personal preference, but it will impact your options after the test.

This guide breaks down the key differences, advantages, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

What's covered:

• What's the difference between a manual and automatic car?
• Manual cars: pros and cons
• Automatic cars: pros and cons
• Is it easier to pass your driving test in an automatic car?
• Manual vs automatic driving lessons: which is cheaper?
• Is automatic car insurance more expensive than for manual cars?
• Final thoughts: which should you choose?
• FAQs

Are you looking for learner driver insurance? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!

Get a Quote

---

What's the difference between a manual and automatic car?

The main difference between a manual and an automatic car comes down to how the vehicle changes gears. A manual car requires the driver to change gears by pressing on the clutch pedal and using the gear stick to change gear. It has three pedals - accelerator, brake and clutch - and can have up to seven gears (including reverse).

An automatic car, as the name suggests, shifts gears on its own. It has just two pedals - accelerator and brake - and the driver uses the gearstick to choose between modes like park (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), and drive (D). Once in drive, the car automatically selects the appropriate gear, making for a smoother driving experience on the road.

Another major difference is the cost. There’s still a noticeable price gap between manual and automatic cars, and for many buyers, it’s one of the biggest factors when deciding which type to go for.

 

---

Manual cars: pros and cons

Learning in a manual is still the most common choice in the UK. But is it the right one for you? Let’s look at the upsides and downsides.

Advantages

• Running cost: Manual cars are typically more affordable because they rely on simpler mechanical systems compared to the advanced technology used in automatics. As such, they are generally cheaper to buy, insure, and repair. For many young drivers on a budget, a manual car is the logical option.

• Cheaper lessons: Driving lessons in manual cars tend to cost less because instructors face lower operating costs. Manual vehicles are cheaper to maintain and insure, which helps keep lesson prices down.

• Greater control and responsiveness: Manual cars often feel more responsive, giving you greater control since you decide exactly when to change gear.

• Better in bad weather: Driving in difficult weather – like heavy rain, snow or ice – is often easier in a manual car. That’s because you can shift into a lower gear to improve grip and control.

• Licence flexibility: If you pass your test in a manual, you can drive both manual and automatic cars, giving you greater access to a wider range of vehicles.

Disadvantages

• Harder to learn: Clutch control and gear changes take time to master. Many learners struggle with finding the biting point, coordinating pedals, and avoiding stalls, especially in early lessons. This can lead to longer learning periods and more lessons before you're ready to take your test.

• Distraction risk: Gear changes mean taking one hand off the wheel and shifting your focus momentarily. This can be distracting, particularly in busy traffic or when navigating complex junctions.

---

Automatic cars: pros and cons

Automatic cars are becoming more popular, especially among new drivers. If you’re looking for a simpler way to get on the road, this could be the route for you.

Advantages

• Easier to learn: Having the car change gears for you means one less thing to worry about, and no clutch or gear changes means fewer lessons and faster progress. Learners can focus on road awareness, steering and hazard perception without worrying about stalling or gear selection.

• Smoother drive: Automatics handle gear changes seamlessly, which is ideal for city traffic and stop-start conditions. The drive feels smoother and more relaxed, especially when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. Many drivers find automatics less stressful to operate.

• Two hands on the wheel: No gearstick means better steering control, allowing learners to focus more on positioning, turning and reacting to hazards.

Top tip: Hill starts are easier in automatics—no need to find the biting point.

Disadvantages

• You'll only be able to drive an automatic: You can’t drive a manual car unless you pass a separate test. This limits your options when hiring, borrowing or buying a car.

• Higher costs: Automatics are more expensive to buy, insure, and repair. Insurance premiums also tend to be higher, especially for younger or less experienced drivers.

• Less control: You can’t manually adjust gears in poor weather conditions. This makes it harder to drive in bad weather conditions such as in snow, ice or heavy rain.

Did you know: One in five driving tests are now taken in an automatic car, up from just one in 20 a decade ago.*

---

Is it easier to pass your driving test in an automatic car?

Most people assume that it's easier to pass in an automatic. However, data from DVSA tells us otherwise:

Source: DVSA

According to DVSA driving test data from April 2023 to March 2024, driving tests taken in manual cars had a higher pass rate of 48.1%, compared to 43.2% for automatic vehicles.*

This is largely because manual learners often spend more time preparing due to the added complexity of gear and clutch control, which can lead to stronger overall driving skills. In contrast, automatic learners may underestimate the test’s difficulty and book it prematurely, while the test itself remains equally difficult, regardless of transmission type.

So, while taking your test in an automatic car might seem easier, manual learners often gain more comprehensive driving skills, making them better prepared and potentially safer drivers.

---

Manual vs automatic driving lessons: which is cheaper?

When it comes to cost, manual driving lessons are generally more affordable than automatic ones. This is largely because manual cars tend to be cheaper to run and insure. In contrast, automatic vehicles often come with higher insurance premiums, especially when used for teaching learner drivers, who are considered a higher accident risk.

Driving instructors with automatic cars also face higher costs for insurance and mechanical repairs, which can push up lesson prices.

However, learning to drive a manual car is typically more challenging. Because of this, learners often need more lessons to reach test standard. This means you could end up spending more to learn in a manual car, even if individual lessons are cheaper.

---

Is automatic car insurance more expensive than for manual cars?

In most cases, yes—automatic car insurance tends to be more expensive than insurance for manual vehicles. There are a few key reasons for this:

• Higher cost to buy and repair: automatic cars usually cost more to purchase, and their gearboxes are more complex and expensive to repair. If a claim is made, the potential payout for insurers is higher, which can lead to increased premiums.

• Higher insurance groups: because of their higher value and repair costs, automatic vehicles are often placed in higher insurance groups. This directly affects how much you’ll pay for cover, with higher groups resulting in higher premiums.

• Licence type and risk profile: some insurers view drivers with an automatic-only licence as a higher risk. Data suggests that these drivers may have a higher claim frequency, which can lead to higher premiums.

Did you know: : Drivers with an automatic-only licence register 20–25% more claims than manual licence holders.*

---

Final thoughts: which should you choose?

Deciding whether to learn in a manual or automatic car is a personal choice, but an important one. Learning in a manual car is the cheaper option when it comes to buying, insuring and upkeep. It also gives you greater flexibility and the freedom to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

However, learning in a manual is more challenging, especially when it comes to mastering clutch control and gear changes. As a result, you may end up having to take more lessons, which can be expensive.

On the other hand, automatic lessons offer a simpler, smoother learning experience. You’ll likely need fewer lessons to reach test standard, and many learners find automatics less stressful to drive. But the trade-off is higher costs and a more limited licence - you’ll only be able to drive automatics unless you take another test.

Think about your driving ability, your budget, and the types of cars you’re likely to drive in the future. In the end, choose what works best for you!

---

Sources:

*Driving Instructors Association, Big surge in automatic-only driving tests in the UK

*DVSA, Driver and rider testing and instructor statistics: April 2023 to March 2024

*Oxford Driving 2 Success, Manual vs Automatic: The Insurance Premium Impact