Automatic transmission

c.p.w.g.w

So got my learner permit.

But I'm not particularly keen on driving, the gear changing really puts me in edge. So was thinking of getting an automatic.

But I was thinking how restrictive an automatic license is?

CeilingFly

Do it.

If you need in the future to use a stick, take another test.

Most cars have auto options.

Heres Johnny

In the future I think everything will be automatic but if you can get a manual licence as well. It's not that hard really it just takes practice and time, never met anyone that couldn't get the hang of it, some just take longer.

Westernyelp

It seems daunting but you will be better off to take a bit of time and go for the manual license. In the short term you will be seriously limiting your buying options. Although this will probably change in the future.

Atlantic Dawn

All hybrids and electric cars currently sold are automatic, there's a large selection of used cars automatic in both petrol and diesel. Perhaps the biggest restriction would be if your employer supplied you with a work vehicle, almost all vans are manual and chances are if they leased a vehicle it would be manual.

c.p.w.g.w

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

All hybrids and electric cars currently sold are automatic, there's a large selection of used cars automatic in both petrol and diesel. Perhaps the biggest restriction would be if your employer supplied you with a work vehicle, almost all vans are manual and chances are if they leased a vehicle it would be manual.

Certainly don't need a license for work

Amik

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

So got my learner permit.

But I'm not particularly keen on driving, the gear changing really puts me in edge. So was thinking of getting an automatic.

But I was thinking how restrictive an automatic license is?

I'll be learning on automatic as well for the same reason. The only good argument I've heard against is that we may have problems renting cars elsewhere in Europe. Usually the only automatic available (if any) elsewhere in Europe may be something small like a Micra.

punisher5112

Get a few lessons in a manual and go from there.

colm_c

As said before it's really only a problem when renting cars here or elsewhere in europe where manual is the default option.

It's honestly not that much more difficult to learn on, just take your time, lots of practice.

TomOnBoard

Amik wrote: »

I'll be learning on automatic as well for the same reason. The only good argument I've heard against is that we may have problems renting cars elsewhere in Europe. Usually the only automatic available (if any) elsewhere in Europe may be something small like a Micra.

That European car hire issue is a real one. Youll usually be able to get auto but will pay a lot more for rental. If that's not a real issue for you, Id go ahead with the Auto training and test assuming you and your instructor have access to an auto vehicle. The other issue would be cost of tax & possibly insurance. Auto cars (petrol & diesel) can have much higher CO2 outputs than same model manuals. This might push you into a higher motor tax bracket.

Bear in mind that, once you get your licence and get experience of driving, you can always re-test in a manual down the road.

CeilingFly

I had to borrow a car from a staff member last week. It was the first time in about 20 years I had to use gears. Took a couple of minutes to get used to it, but was very happy when my car was repaired

Wife has auto licence for about 25 years. Never an issue renting an auto.

In this day and age I can't see any huge advantage in knowing about gears. And if gears are causing you an issue, forget them.

Pretzill

I'm learning in an automatic (did try a manual many years ago never could get passed the confidence end of things) I have been driving since early May was a nervous wreck at first but I love it now - the automatic has really helped me get to grips with all else much quicker - I had to as there are no automatic instructor cars in my area so now I'm doing lessons too in my own car.

I don't see the problem with just driving an automatic but if need be I can redo the test in manual - don't see that happening and there's so many great automatics to choose from now. I'd say go for it, it's one less (major) thing to learn and it gets you on the road much quicker.

c.p.w.g.w

Is it just a test on a Manual down the road if I already had a full license on an automatic, or is it a whole new learner permit, theory test, x amount of time with L & N plates?

Wishbone Ash

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Is it just a test on a Manual down the road if I already had a full license on an automatic, or is it a whole new learner permit, theory test, x amount of time with L & N plates?

Another Learner Permit and requirement to be accompanied by someone with an unrestricted licence and L and N plates.

(Don't think there's a requirement to do another theory test. I'm open to correction but perhaps it depends on time elapsed).

hasdanta

I'd recommend doing it in a manual car because it's simply handy not to have the restriction on your license. Gears aren't that hard to get the hang of and based on most posts here, people rarely fail because of gears.

Alanstrainor

hasdanta wrote: »

I'd recommend doing it in a manual car because it's simply handy not to have the restriction on your license. Gears aren't that hard to get the hang of and based on most posts here, people rarely fail because of gears.

I'd agree here. Most would have a good handle of a manual transmission after only 10 hours or so of driving. With more practice comes better control. Observation is probably the primary factor which results in a failed test.

OP, if you only just got your learner permit, and you're at the beginning of your lessons I would persist with a manual car. You could still do an automatic test if at the end you decided that was the best course of action. Cars are moving away from manual transmissions, but we are not fully there yet and it can restrict your options when buying a car or renting one on holidays. There's nothing stopping you from doing a manual test and buying an automatic car at the end of it. That way you get the best of both worlds.

biko

Although automatics are aplenty the manual gearbox is and will be most common a long time.
You just need more time and patience.

Posy

I was also seriously considering learning in an automatic, as my learning to drive has pretty much stalled(!)
But looking online for a reasonably priced small starter car in an auto is what put me off, because they were practically non existent. So think I'll give the manual one more shot!