Automatic or not?

newbie18892

Hi all,

I'm learning to drive. I did all of my EDT lessons in 2014, but nearly got into an accident and got badly shaken by it, and unfortunately I got out of the car and never got back into it.Money issues and living near public transport were also a factor. I'm 25 now and I really want to be able to drive. I'm very rusty and nervous and will definitely need a lot of practise.

For some reason I get completely overwhelmed while I'm driving and I can't relax/hold my focus. I had several panic attacks back then while I was doing my lessons. It didn't really help that my instructor talked constantly about road traffic accidents lol. Because of my anxiety, I've been thinking about potentially learning how to drive automatic as that may be easier for me to manage. The issue there is no one in my family drive automatic. Would this be foolish? Should I try push through and learn as normal and see how I get on?

Goose76

I switched to automatic a few weeks ago and am finalising my EDTs in an automatic - have bought an auto car also with my partner.

It’s done wonders for my confidence and observation skills. My only regret is wasting so much time and energy struggling with a manual car for so long. If you struggle with nervousness than I think it’s the only way to go.

CalamariFritti

Might be a good idea if you're this nervous. As a total beginner you're quite preoccupied with the gear stick no doubt.

Having said that it will restrict you somewhat with regards to cars available to you in the future. Think rentals and holidays etc. I am not sure what the legal situation is if you sit a test in an auto. But switching to auto now will probably not help with your confidence of wanting to go near manual ever again.

On a sidenote I learned on a manual and while it seemed scary early on it became an almost unconscious movement (automatic if you like ) quite quickly. Bot my last three cars were all automatic since I juts prefer it (lazy).

adocholiday

Automatic cars are becoming more and more commonplace, and with electric and hybrids being pretty much exclusively automatic then I don't think you should worry too much about just sticking with it. If it's easier for you then I say go for it.

Odelay

Agreed, go with the auto. Manual will be going the way of the steam engine.

kenmm

You can try it and see. It will cost you a few quid more on rentals for holidays etc, but that's about it.

I think this if nervousness is really the issue then finding a better match with regards to your instructor would go along way. Some instructors are really terrible and some you just won't get on well with.

Call a few, explain what's happened and discuss your fears. Don't be afraid to change if you don't get on after one or two lessons (just don't ore pay for a block of ten it whatever before you know you have the right one).

Edit to add: good luck and hope you get over the nerves. It can be very daunting, but once yiu get the right instructor and a few miles under your belt, this will be a blip in the rear view mirror so to speak!

If you do the test in an auto that will be reflected on your licence so your restricted to autos then

There is more choice with Automatic cars now...I’d say if your not bothered about driving and it’s just to get to a to b just go for auto but maybe get few more lessons with a manual to try to get used to it before writing of manual altogether

galwaytt

An automatic is a good choice. There are no prizes for suffering in your driving, so if an automatic reduces your anxiety by making it easier, it's a no-brainer.

I learnt have had many manual cars, mostly sporty. I'm the last person most people would advocate as being 'for' automatics.

Yet, the last 2 cars I've bought - any my new 1000cc Honda motorbike - are all automatic. Imho, I think they're better for modern driving.

It is not a 'lesser' choice. Indeed, now, it's probably the 'better' choice.

shashaela

I'm in the same position. I have my licence before the EDT came into effect, had manual lessons about 10 years ago when pregnant and never got back in behind the wheel. (Like you, there was no immediate need for me to drive)

Now I want to drive, I've chosen to go the automatic route, but I cant find an instructor with an automatic car , and all family drive manual.

So depending on your location it may be hard or easier to find such an instructor.