Learning to drive is an experience that most people go through out of necessity. There are different types of transmission types that you can choose to learn, either manual or automatic. At One Stop Intensives our intensive driving courses in Hull and surrounding areas offer both choices, but how do you know which is most beneficial and suitable for you?
We’ve put together a few of things we get asked as intensive driving instructors about the benefits associated with both manual and automatic driving.
What is the difference between an automatic and a manual vehicle?
A manual car has three pedals: the brake, accelerator and clutch, and requires the driver to change gear when driving using the clutch and the gearbox.. Automatic cars also change gears but require no input from the driver, which is why some learners find driving an automatic vehicle easier for them.
Is learning to drive a manual car harder than automatic?
Initially, some learners can find learning to drive in a manual vehicle challenging as you can have up to seven gears in a vehicle and drivers need to be able to choose the correct gear for both the speed that they are travelling and the road conditions. However, most students soon become used to changing gears and once you have mastered it, it’s like riding a bike – it’s difficult to forget. Many drivers also decide that the benefits of driving and automatic often outweigh the little extra time you need to spend learning. Ultimately it’s a decision that learners have to make themselves, however you shouldn’t let the idea of driving a manual car put you off if you have never tried.
Are there any disadvantages to learning to drive an automatic car?
One of the main disadvantages of learning to drive an automatic car is that you cannot drive a manual vehicle without passing a separate test. Whereas, if you learn to drive a manual vehicle you are legally able to drive an automatic car. Manual cars often give the driver a responsive feel as you have more control over the vehicle in snowy and icy conditions as you can manually change the speed you are going without having to touch the brakes. Often you are also able to find manual cars cheaper than automatic and more readily available if for some reason you need a hire car.
Can you stall an automatic vehicle?
Put simply, yes. There are multiple ways that you can stall an automatic car even though it doesn’t have a gearbox, including a torque converter failure and putting the vehicle in reverse when moving forward. Usually these are mechanical faults with the vehicle but it is still possible.
Are automatic cars better for nervous or anxious drivers?
Often anxious drivers can find learning to drive in an automatic less stressful. This is because you are able to build your confidence without having to think about a clutch. One of the things that anxious drivers are worried about before learning to drive is the clutch and stalling, but don’t worry our instructors are patient and have years of experience teaching learners of all confidence levels to drive. We have also put together a handy guide on how to combat your driving test nerves which you may find useful.
Book Your Driving Course
We hope that you have found this useful and that you are now ready to begin your driving course in the transmission type you have decided best supports your needs. To start your learning journey, book your Hull intensive driving course or get in touch with us if you have any other questions.
