Manual or Automatic?

Jocasta

Hi guys,
I got my learner's permit a couple of months ago and now am keen to get my full licence, basically as quickly as possible before I lose momentum, and also it would be a big advantage in me finding a job.

The difficulty is however that I do not have access to a car for any practice between lessons, therefor I was wondering if it would be more advisable to go for automatic rather than manual? I know overall manual is more advantageous as with a manual licence you can drive either, but would learning on an automatic be a better idea as I have nothing to practice on in between? would it speed things up a bit?

Thanks.

meoklmrk91

I think you will regret going automatic down the road, while there are automatic cars around they are not nearly as prevalent as manuals and they often come at a premium, also if anything happens the gearbox in an auto it is generally more expensive to fix. It will make it harder when buying yourself a car because you will be only able to buy an auto therefore cutting yourself off from a much wider range.

I would definately take the time to learn Manual, it will serve you better in the long run and as long as you get plenty of practice you will pick them up in no time.

Alanstrainor

Big mistake imo. And no it would not make things a lot easier, you will still need practise regardless of whether it is a manual or automatic transmission.

Once you get a hang of gears then it really isn't something you think about, it's absolutely worth the effort.

Broxi_Bear_Eire

Yep as has been said stick to manual much better off later on

starlit

I think for peace of mind a manual is better in the long run, I know it may seem frustrating at the moment but an automatic is ok short term in order to get the basics of driving and actual learning aspect you can concentrate on that without worrying about the gears and pedals too much you and not to worry about stalling, concentrate more on what you are doing while driving whilst gaining experience.

Though in the long run a manual is better as you will have more control over it. It take time to get the gears and pedals right with the worry of trying to get all other aspects of driving right pieced together. It all come together in time with patience, practice and experience. Keep at it you get there!

For the test its better to start off with an automatic and then do a test in a manual but I still suggest to stick with a manual if you can!

There are more manual cars about than automatics and automatics can be quiet expensive once you start having problems with the automatics you might not get it back to working order unlike a manual easier to maintain and keep it going! You still be learning the same things just the slight difference with gear stick/pedals.

Moon Indigo

I am in your position in that I don't have access to a car except during lessons. I agree that a manual is better in the long run but it depends on how you learn in a manual. If you can afford it take a lesson in a manual and see how you get on.

Some people just take to driving a manual in my opinion. So if you can afford it try take a lesson in a manual and see how you go. Of course try find a good instructor as that is half of the battle. Do this see how you go then try get an auto lesson and compare.

If you need your licence quicker I think go for the auto and auto's are more plentiful than they used to be. You may have to pay a bit more but like I said if you need a licence for a job there is always loads of time further down the road to learn a manual. The test is nerve wreaking enough without the stress of learning gears, clutch etc etc. Long story short: Manual is a better licence but auto is handier for the test, you can learn manual in time to come once the full licence is got.

Alanstrainor

Moon Indigo wrote: »

I am in your position in that I don't have access to a car except during lessons. I agree that a manual is better in the long run but it depends on how you learn in a manual. If you can afford it take a lesson in a manual and see how you get on.

Some people just take to driving a manual in my opinion. So if you can afford it try take a lesson in a manual and see how you go. Of course try find a good instructor as that is half of the battle. Do this see how you go then try get an auto lesson and compare.

If you need your licence quicker I think go for the auto and auto's are more plentiful than they used to be. You may have to pay a bit more but like I said if you need a licence for a job there is always loads of time further down the road to learn a manual. The test is nerve wreaking enough without the stress of learning gears, clutch etc etc. Long story short: Manual is a better licence but auto is handier for the test, you can learn manual in time to come once the full licence is got.

Please don't judge your experience of a manual by just one lesson, hell don't judge it too much after four! It is something that above all else takes a bit of time to get used to, it's not so much about skill, but more to do with getting familiar with how it all works and getting your left leg used to the feel of it.

Again, I would strongly advise against an auto.

Yes they are getting a lot more popular, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the OP wont be buying a newer car, even 9/10 year old automatic cars are rare. Unless you're looking at newer stuff you'll have some trouble finding a decent auto.

Moon Indigo

I did not judge my experience on just one lesson or four. My point was its a good idea to give the manual a shot and see how you get along. It not true to say that everyone can get the hang of a manual. Some pick it up quicker than other. What I am saying is by all means go for manual better licence. But there is time to learn manual when you the pressure of having a licence is taken off your shoulder if time is a consideration. And there is auto's out there if you look as I myself will not be buying a newer auto. Manual are obviously more plenty full but for say 1,300 you can pick up a decent auto in the same way you can pick up a decent manual for that price. Alot of money either way.

Echoes675

Moon Indigo wrote: »

I did not judge my experience on just one lesson or four. My point was its a good idea to give the manual a shot and see how you get along. It not true to say that everyone can get the hang of a manual. Some pick it up quicker than other. What I am saying is by all means go for manual better licence. But there is time to learn manual when you the pressure of having a licence is taken off your shoulder if time is a consideration. And there is auto's out there if you look as I myself will not be buying a newer auto. Manual are obviously more plenty full but for say 1,300 you can pick up a decent auto in the same way you can pick up a decent manual for that price. Alot of money either way.

What a load of rubbish!!!

OP - go for the manual licence. Yes it takes time to get used to gears but you have far more control over the car when driving using gears.
Not only that but the chances of actually going back at a later date and learning on manual and then resitting the test are slim. Do it right the first time round. It will stand you in good stead! You should listen to those in the thread that actually drive and good luck with the test when you do go for it!

martingriff

Hey I have not driven a manual as I am in a Wheelchair so use an automatic and they are ok to drive. However I would say learn a manual as having a manual licence will be better as you will be able to buy any car and engine you so wish. Unlike in America automatics have not caught on in Ireland though most of the high end cars are now all come as automatic. As said above the range is limited they can be more expensive and harder to sell. The top speeds and power can be lower than there manual counterparts. But back to your question learn the manual it will be easier in the long run.

Iospir

Well I went for the automatic licence because I just couldn't get the hang of the gears and thought why bother?. Seemed totally unnecessary extra hassle to me. I've had no bother getting automatic cars and it's definitely easier BUT the value of manual became obvious when we had the snow and ice. Automatic cars are terrible on ice because you can't change into the appropriate gear. As a previous poster said - you're unlikely to bother going back for the manual licence later so unless you're like me and just can't do gears I'd stick with the manual.

martingriff

doovdela wrote: »

I think for peace of mind a manual is better in the long run, I know it may seem frustrating at the moment but an automatic is ok short term in order to get the basics of driving and actual learning aspect you can concentrate on that without worrying about the gears and pedals too much you and not to worry about stalling, concentrate more on what you are doing while driving whilst gaining experience.

Though in the long run a manual is better as you will have more control over it. It take time to get the gears and pedals right with the worry of trying to get all other aspects of driving right pieced together. It all come together in time with patience, practice and experience. Keep at it you get there!

For the test its better to start off with an automatic and then do a test in a manual but I still suggest to stick with a manual if you can!

There are more manual cars about than automatics and automatics can be quiet expensive once you start having problems with the automatics you might not get it back to working order unlike a manual easier to maintain and keep it going! You still be learning the same things just the slight difference with gear stick/pedals.

Don't get what your saying here. Automatics are very responsive and easy to control. and while automatics can be expensive if they break down they are now as reliable as any other car

martingriff

eoin_mcg wrote: »

What a load of rubbish!!!

OP - go for the manual licence. Yes it takes time to get used to gears but you have far more control over the car when driving using gears.
Not only that but the chances of actually going back at a later date and learning on manual and then resitting the test are slim. Do it right the first time round. It will stand you in good stead! You should listen to those in the thread that actually drive and good luck with the test when you do go for it!

Pure and other bullcrap there. You have the same control in an auto as you have in a manual

mattjack

I've been driving automatics for years, but I'm licensed for manual cars too..a few years ago we had to start buying automatics because of an illness herself has.
We've bought a few over the years , both new and second hand.New automatics seem more expensive in comparison to new manuals,however there's a lot of good value second hand autos around now... last time I bought one there was 6000 plus on donedeal.
I'm driving 25 years now and any auto I've bought second hand always seem very well looked after... all passed NCTs.

I've always felt I've had the same amount of control driving an auto and I drove in snow and ice over the years without any problem.

Echoes675

martingriff wrote: »

Pure and other bullcrap there. You have the same control in an auto as you have in a manual

Not true. When you need to down shift to get more revs out rather than the car sitting in something like 4th gear going up a hill.
I have driven automatics too and this is my experience of them. I find I have more control of my driving in a manual car.

martingriff

eoin_mcg wrote: »

Not true. When you need to down shift to get more revs out rather than the car sitting in something like 4th gear going up a hill.
I have driven automatics too and this is my experience of them. I find I have more control of my driving in a manual car.

Well I can tell you in my 12 years driving an auto in snow ice up and down hills I have had no such troubles actually handled very well. Driver maybe:rolleyes:

My gf did her test in an automatic last year,
her licence is no different than mine.
no restriction on it at all

martingriff

urbanledge wrote: »

My gf did her test in an automatic last year,
her licence is no different than mine.
no restriction on it at all

Don't know how she managed that because if you do a licence in an auto you should only be able to drive auto. Tell her to check her license carefully it may be written the licence colour and look well be the same

Alanstrainor

eoin_mcg wrote: »

Not true. When you need to down shift to get more revs out rather than the car sitting in something like 4th gear going up a hill.
I have driven automatics too and this is my experience of them. I find I have more control of my driving in a manual car.

Push the accelerator down further and it will kick down. Seriously, it takes a while to get used to, but your point is just not true. I've driven rubbish old school 4 speeds, to newer dsg and i've never had the issue you describe.

urbanledge wrote: »

My gf did her test in an automatic last year,
her licence is no different than mine.
no restriction on it at all

Clerical error in her favour. (That sounds like a chance card in monopoly)

But seriously, she just got lucky, I doubt there are very many auto license applications, and I've seen numerous posts on this forum about it. Once it's on their system that you have an unrestricted license, you have an unrestricted license.