Should You Learn To Drive Manual Or Automatic
If you’re about to learn how to drive, you may be wondering if you should learn how to drive a manual car, or if it’s better to learn to drive an automatic.
Manual or automatic vehicles both have different pros and cons for learner drivers, and there are a few things you should consider when making your choice. In this guide from LTrent Driving School, we’ll discuss what you need to know about learning in a manual transmission vs. an automatic transmission car.
1. What Type Of Car Do You Have (Or Are You Likely To Buy?)
If you already have a manual or automatic car you’ll be driving as you learn and prepare for your driving test, the choice is obvious – you should learn to drive that car, whether it’s an automatic or manual.
But if you don’t already have a car and need to buy one, the choice is a bit more difficult. You’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each type of transmission. Manual transmissions tend to be more fuel-efficient and are easier to service, and cars with this type of transmission tend to be cheaper.
However, automatics are a lot simpler, have improved in fuel economy dramatically in recent years, and are much more convenient when you’re learning to drive. Keep this in consideration when choosing a car as a learner driver.
2. What Types Of Lessons Does Your Preferred Driving Instructor Offer?
Most instructors and driving schools offer driving lessons in both automatic and manual cars, but this is not always the case. If you have a preferred driving instructor who only offers manual driving lessons or automatic driving lessons, this may affect your choice.
At LTrent Driving School, we offer both manual and automatic dual-control cars for learners. Whether you think you’d enjoy driving a manual or prefer the simplicity of an automatic transmission, we’re here to help. If you have your own vehicle, you can use this car in your driving lessons with LTrent too!
3. Do You Want To Be Able To Drive Both Manual And Automatic Cars?
The type of car you take your driving test in will determine whether or not you can operate a manual vehicle. If you’ve passed your test in a manual car, you will get a P1 licence without an automatic licence restriction – meaning you can drive both manual and automatic cars.
However, if you get your P1 drivers licence in an automatic, you will get a licence restriction that will only allow you to drive automatic cars. Legally, you cannot drive a manual. This restriction will stay in place until you get a P2 or unrestricted licence. The only way to remove it is by passing a driving test in a manual car.
So if you primarily will drive an automatic but think you may need to drive a manual before you get your P2 or unrestricted licence, it may be a good idea to take your test in a manual transmission car and get a manual licence to provide yourself with some additional flexibility after you get your P1 licence.
Get The Lessons You Need To Pass Your Test In A Manual Or Automatic Car!
Whether you drive an automatic or manual, learning the basics about road rules and defensive driving from a driving instructor can help you pass your driving test and get your Ps more easily. So don’t wait. Contact LTrent Driving School now to schedule lessons in an automatic or manual car today!
To get started, contact LTrent Driving School or book your lessons online today.