These days, many motorists are learning to drive in an automatic transmission vehicle compared to the more traditional manual transmission. According to Dayinsure, 3 in 10 current learners opt for automatic over manual and the number of automatic-only license holders is up 25% in 2 years. There are a number of benefits to doing this, but there are also a few drawbacks to be aware of. This post will tell you all that you need to know so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
How Does Automatic Transmission Work?
Instead of having to manually change gears as you do in a manual transmission vehicle, an automatic will change the gears automatically for you while driving. This is done by using sensors that will shift the gears at the right time with internal oil pressure.
Pros of Learning in an Automatic
The main advantage of learning to drive in an automatic is that it is a lot easier. You do not need to worry about using the clutch and gear stick on top of everything else, which allows you to focus on the actual driving of the car. 6 in 10 learners claimed that it is easier to drive an automatic and 60% of these think that it will help them to pass much faster.
Learning to drive in an automatic will also give you greater control over the vehicle and you do not have to worry about stalling. They are also easier to use in heavy traffic as you do not have to worry about shifting gears constantly as you stop and start.
Cons of Learning in an Automatic
While there are many pros to learning to drive in an automatic, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. The main disadvantage is that you will only be licensed to drive an automatic car, so you will be limited as to what you can drive. However, keep in mind that all electric cars are automatic transmission, so this is the future of driving.
Automatic transmission vehicles tend to consume more fuel than a manual transmission, so you might find that they are more expensive to run. Additionally, some would argue that a manual transmission car gives you greater control and will give you a better understanding of driving. Another potential drawback is that it could be harder to find an instructor – Dayinsure looked at Yell listings for driving instructors in over 50 UK cities and towns and found that only 8% offered automatic lessons despite online searches for ‘automatic driving tests’ up 39% year-on-year (searches for ‘driving test’ are only up 19%).
As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to learning in an automatic but it can be a great option for many motorists and it is easy to see why it is rising in popularity.