What is right for you?
When you’re thinking about learning to drive, one of the big decisions you’ve got to make is whether to go manual or automatic. If you’re not too familiar with cars, this might sound like a boring technical choice, but trust me – it has a pretty big impact not only on your driving experience but also on your wallet. So, which is better? Let’s dive in and take a look at the differences, especially when it comes to costs, ease of driving, and your long-term flexibility as a driver.
Costs – What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s be honest, we all want to save money where we can, and when it comes to cars, this decision can make a pretty big dent in your bank account. Let’s start with the upfront costs.
Manual cars are typically cheaper to buy than automatics. In fact, you can often save anywhere between £1,000 to £2,000 when buying a manual.
That’s a big chunk of change, right? Especially if you’re a first-time buyer and trying to keep your costs low. Manuals are generally less complicated mechanically, which makes them cheaper to produce, and that means savings for you.
Now, onto fuel efficiency. Manual cars tend to be a bit more fuel-efficient, meaning you’ll pay less at the pump. Depending on how much driving you do, this could save you around £200 to £300 a year. Over a few years, that really adds up!
But the big kicker? Insurance. Did you know that insuring a car is usually around 30% more expensive when you only have an Automatic license? *The code for a driving licence that restricts the driver to automatic transmission vehicles is 78 (restricted license)
Yep, that’s right. On average, manual car drivers save £400 to £600 per year on insurance compared to their automatic-driving friends. With premiums at record highs, that’s a big plus for sticking with a manual.
Manual vs Automatic: Let’s Compare
Feature | Manual Car | Automatic Car |
Cost | £1,000 to £2,000 cheaper to buy. | More expensive to purchase upfront. |
Fuel Efficiency | Save around £200 to £300 per year in fuel. | Slightly less fuel-efficient, though modern automatics are improving. |
Insurance Premiums | Save £400 to £600 annually – typically 30% cheaper. | Higher premiums for new drivers. |
Learning Costs | Might need an extra £300 to £500 in lessons. | Easier and quicker to learn, so fewer lessons needed. |
Licence Flexibility | Can drive both manuals and automatics. | Restricted to automatics only. |
Car Availability | Wider selection of cars available. | Fewer automatics, though demand is growing. |
Learning to Drive – Manual vs. Automatic
When it comes to learning to drive, manual cars are definitely more of a challenge. It takes longer to get the hang of a manual because there’s more to do. You’ve got the clutch, the gears, and the timing to master – and let’s not even start on those hill starts!
Because of this, you’ll probably need a few extra lessons, and that could cost you an extra. But, once you’ve nailed it, you’re set for life!
Automatic cars, on the other hand,
are much easier to learn in. You don’t have to worry about changing gears or stalling the car – the car does the hard work for you. This often means fewer lessons and potentially less money spent on learning. So if you’re after a more relaxed learning experience and you’re keen to pass your test as quickly as possible, an automatic could be the way to go.
However, the manual licence gives you more flexibility. Once you pass your test in a manual, you can drive both manual and automatic cars. Pass in an automatic, though, and you’re restricted to automatics only.
That might not seem like a big deal now, but it’s something to think about in the long term. A manual licence gives you more options, which is handy when you’re looking to buy or rent a car.
Which Should You Choose?
So, should you choose a manual or automatic? Well, it it's your decision, your choice .
Manual might be the better option if:
You’re keen to save money on the upfront cost of your car, as well as ongoing costs like insurance and fuel.
You want the flexibility of being able to drive both manual and automatic cars.
You enjoy the feeling of being in full control of the car – some drivers love the engagement that comes with manual driving.
On the other hand, automatic could be the way to go if:
You prefer an easier, more relaxed driving experience. Automatic cars take away the hassle of changing gears, which can make city driving and stop-start traffic much less stressful.
You want to pass your driving test quickly and with fewer lessons. Automatics are simpler to learn in, which can save you time and stress during your lessons.
THOUGH NOTE - The UK PASS rate for manual cars is actually HIGHER than Automatic cars. More people fail the Auto test!
Long-Term Savings with a Manual
Over the first couple of years driving, choosing to drive a manual could save you anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000 or more. Between the cheaper purchase cost, better fuel efficiency, and lower insurance premiums, these savings really add up over a few years.
Plus, with a manual licence, you’re free to drive either type of car, giving you more flexibility when it comes to choosing or renting cars.
That said, there’s no denying that automatic cars are becoming more popular. They’re getting more fuel-efficient, and the gap between manual and automatic costs is slowly closing. But for now, if saving money is your top priority, manual is still the clear winner.
So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to what you value more: ease of learning and driving, or long-term cost savings and flexibility. If you don’t mind a bit of extra challenge while learning and want to keep your car costs as low as possible, a manual car is likely your best bet. But if you prefer an easier learning experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience of automatic driving, then go for it!
Whichever option you choose, we’re here to help you through every step of the process. So if you have any questions or want to book some lessons, give us a shout – we’d love to hear from you!
All that said....
It is completely YOUR choice.
The Final Word
With this information in hand, you’ll hopefully have a clearer idea of which type of car is best for you. Happy driving!
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