Pros and Cons of Learning to Drive in an Auto in 2024

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Pros and Cons of Learning to Drive in an Auto in 2024

Learning to drive is a significant milestone, and one of the first decisions learners must make is whether to learn in a manual or automatic vehicle. With the growing popularity of automatic cars and electric vehicles (EVs), the choice between auto and manual has never been more important. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of learning to drive in an automatic vehicle in 2024, considering factors like convenience, cost, and future trends in driving.

Outline:

1. Introduction
   • Overview of the trend of automatic vehicles in driving lessons
2. Pros and Cons of Automatic Driving Tests
   • Statistics on the increase in automatic driving tests
3. Manual vs. Automatic Driving Test Pass Rates
   • Comparison of pass rates between manual and automatic tests
4. Why Are Automatic Driving Lessons More Popular?
   • Simplicity of learning in an automatic vehicle
   • Time and cost savings for learners
5. Criticism of Fewer Lessons in Automatics
   • Concerns about reduced driving experience and safety awareness
6. Insurance Costs for Automatic Learners
   • Higher insurance premiums for automatic drivers
7. Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
   • Why EVs are contributing to the rise in automatic driving lessons
   • Learner preferences for EVs over manual cars
8. The Challenge of Finding EV Driving Instructors
   • Availability of instructors offering EV lessons
9. Regional Variations in Access to EV Instructors
   • Differences in availability across the UK
10. Looking Ahead: The Transition to Electric and Automatic Cars
    • How the shift toward electric vehicles will influence learning to drive
11. Decline of Manual Gearboxes
    • Predictions for the future of manual cars and gearboxes
12. Is Learning in an Automatic Limiting?
    • Pros and cons of being limited to driving automatic vehicles
13. Automatic Gearbox Maintenance and Repair Costs
    • The financial implications of owning an automatic car
14. Final Thoughts on Learning to Drive in an Automatic in 2024
15. Conclusion
16. FAQs
    • Is it better to learn in an automatic or manual car in 2024?
    • Are electric cars easier to drive for beginners?
    • Do automatic drivers pay more for insurance?
    • Will manual cars disappear completely in the future?
    • How can I find an EV driving instructor?

1. Introduction

Choosing to learn to drive is a big step, and one of the first decisions learners face is whether to learn in a manual or automatic car. With the automotive industry increasingly moving towards electric vehicles, which use automatic transmissions, many people are opting for automatic driving lessons. In 2024, the debate over which is better—manual or automatic—continues, but there’s no denying the growing trend towards automatic vehicles. This article takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of learning to drive in an automatic vehicle this year.

2. The Rise of Automatic Driving Tests

2023 saw a record number of automatic driving tests, with 324,000 tests conducted, representing a 33% increase compared to 2022, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This trend reflects the growing popularity of automatic cars and electric vehicles, which naturally don’t require manual transmission skills. In fact, research by WhatCar? magazine found a staggering 283% increase in the popularity of automatic-only tests over the last decade.

3. Manual vs. Automatic Driving Test Pass Rates

Interestingly, the pass rates for automatic driving tests are slightly lower than those for manual tests. In 2023, 43% of learners passed their automatic test, compared to 48% for manual. This may seem counterintuitive, as automatic cars are easier to drive with no need to worry about clutch control or gear changes. However, some experts believe learners may be overconfident, assuming that driving an automatic requires less practice, which could lead to fewer lessons and less preparation for the test.

4. Why Are Automatic Driving Lessons More Popular?

One major reason for the rising popularity of automatic lessons is the simplicity. Learning to drive in an automatic car is often quicker and less stressful because learners don’t need to master gear changes or clutch control. This can reduce the number of lessons required, potentially saving learners both time and money. For many, especially younger drivers who plan to drive electric vehicles, learning in an automatic makes more sense for the future.

5. Criticism of Fewer Lessons in Automatics

While fewer lessons might sound like a good deal, critics argue that it could lead to less comprehensive driving experience. Driving a manual car forces learners to be more engaged and aware of their surroundings, as managing gears requires greater focus. Some instructors believe that learners who opt for automatic cars may miss out on vital driving skills and safety awareness, which could be important in complex driving situations.

6. Insurance Costs for Automatic Learners

Unfortunately, learners who pass their driving test in an automatic car may face higher insurance premiums. According to Compare the Market, automatic drivers paid an average of £490 more annually for insurance than manual drivers in 2023, with that figure rising to £760 in 2024. The higher cost is largely due to automatic gearboxes being more expensive to repair, and insurers report a higher rate of claims for automatic vehicles.

7. The Impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles are a major driving force behind the rise in automatic lessons. EVs operate on single-speed transmissions, meaning there’s no gearbox at all. A recent Gridserve survey found that 48% of learners would prefer to learn in an EV, while 29% don’t see the point in learning to drive a manual vehicle since they expect to spend most of their lives behind the wheel of an EV.

8. The Challenge of Finding EV Driving Instructors

Despite the growing demand for EV lessons, finding an instructor who offers them isn’t easy. Only one in seven learners has been able to find an EV-driving instructor, with availability varying greatly across the UK. The limited number of EV instructors is a significant challenge for learners eager to prepare for an electric future.

9. Regional Variations in Access to EV Instructors

Geography plays a role in access to EV driving instructors. If you live in London, you have a much better chance of finding an EV instructor—two in five learners are successful. However, in regions like the East of England and Yorkshire, only one in ten learners can find an EV-driving instructor. This disparity highlights the uneven distribution of EV adoption across the country.

10. Looking Ahead: The Transition to Electric and Automatic Cars

As the UK moves closer to the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the demand for automatic and electric vehicles will only increase. This trend suggests that fewer people will opt to learn in manual cars, as the need for manual transmission skills will diminish over time.

11. Decline of Manual Gearboxes

In 2024, only 24% of cars sold are equipped with manual gearboxes, down from previous years. With electric vehicles dominating the market, manual cars are gradually being phased out. Experts predict that the manual gearbox could become a relic of the past as more drivers transition to electric cars.

12. Is Learning to Drive in an Auto Limiting?

One of the major drawbacks of learning to drive in an automatic is that you’ll be limited to driving automatic cars once you pass your test. However, with the growing prevalence of automatic vehicles, especially EVs, this limitation may not be as significant as it once was. For many drivers, especially those living in urban areas, the convenience of automatic cars far outweighs the potential limitations.

13. Automatic Gearbox Maintenance and Repair Costs

Automatic cars typically have higher maintenance and repair costs compared to manual vehicles. Automatic gearboxes are complex and more expensive to fix if something goes wrong. This is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to learn in an automatic or manual car, as it can impact long-term costs.

14. Final Thoughts on Learning to Drive in an Automatic in 2024

The growing popularity of automatic vehicles, especially with the rise of electric cars, makes learning to drive in an automatic an appealing option for many learners. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. While automatics offer simplicity and may save time during the learning process, they can come with higher costs and limit your driving options in the short term.

15. Conclusion

Learning to drive in an automatic car in 2024 is a smart choice for many, especially with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as insurance costs, the availability of instructors, and potential long-term limitations. While automatic driving lessons offer convenience and speed, they may not provide the same depth of experience as learning in a manual vehicle. Ultimately, the decision depends on your driving needs and the future you envision on the road.

FAQs

1. Is it better to learn in an automatic or manual car in 2024?
It depends on your preferences and future driving plans. Automatics are easier to learn and more aligned with the rise of electric vehicles, but manuals offer more versatility.

2. Are electric cars easier to drive for beginners?
Yes, electric cars are simpler to drive because they have no gearbox and don’t require clutch control, making them ideal for beginners.

3. Do automatic drivers pay more for insurance?
Typically, yes. Insurance premiums for automatic drivers tend to be higher due to more expensive repair costs and a higher rate of claims.

4. Will manual cars disappear completely in the future?
Manual cars are becoming less common, especially with the rise of electric vehicles, and could eventually disappear as automatics dominate the market.

5. How can I find an EV driving instructor?
Finding an EV instructor can be challenging. Availability varies by region, with more options in urban areas like London compared to rural regions.

Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash