Automatic driving lessons suit many different learners. If you are wondering whether learning in an automatic car is right for you, this page explains who it tends to suit and what to think about first.
Quick answer: an automatic car has no clutch or gear changes, so there is less to coordinate. That suits nervous learners, busy people and returning drivers, as long as you are happy with a licence that covers automatic cars only.
Who automatic lessons suit
- Nervous learners who want fewer things to think about at once. See nervous driver support.
- Busy people who want focused one-to-one lessons around a full week.
- Returning drivers refreshing their skills. See refresher driving lessons.
- Anyone who prefers a simpler drive, including those who expect to drive an automatic or electric car.
What stays the same
You still learn observation, junctions, roundabouts, parking and hazard awareness, and the driving test is the same for manual and automatic cars. The difference is that you do not use a clutch or change gears.
Things to think about
A pass in an automatic car gives you a licence for automatic cars only (see GOV.UK licence categories). If you may need to drive a manual car in future, think about that before you choose. Compare the two in top benefits of learning to drive automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper or quicker to learn in an automatic?
It depends on the person. Some find they need fewer things to practise; others progress at the same speed. Your instructor will guide you.
Do I still need a theory test?
Yes. The theory test and practical test are the same standard for both car types.
Learn with AK Automatic Driving School
AK Automatic Driving School is run by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor offering one-to-one automatic driving lessons in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill and Lancing, with Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea also covered. Read more about automatic driving lessons in Burgess Hill, check the pricing page or send an enquiry to talk through what you need. You can also explore our automatic driving lessons on our main website.