Learning to Drive in a Manual Transmission Car in the UK: The Advantages and Disadvantages

In the UK, learning to drive in a manual transmission car is still the most common choice, although automatic cars are becoming more popular. For those considering whether to go down the manual route, there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider… 

Advantages of Learning in a Manual Car

1. More Control and Flexibility - Learning in a manual car gives you greater control over the vehicle. You can choose gears based on road conditions, speed, and terrain. This flexibility can be especially useful when driving on hilly terrain or in situations that require quick acceleration.

2. Wider Choice of Cars - Most cars on the UK roads are manual, meaning that if you pass your test in a manual, you’ll have the freedom to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. This opens up more options when renting cars, borrowing from friends, or purchasing a vehicle in the future.

3. Better Fuel Efficiency - Manual cars tend to be more fuel-efficient than their automatic counterparts, especially with older models. By learning how to drive a manual, you may develop a better understanding of how to maximise fuel economy through smooth gear shifts and speed control.

4. Potentially Cheaper to Buy - Manual cars are generally cheaper to buy and maintain compared to automatics. If you’re buying a used car, you might find a manual transmission model at a lower price, which could be a good way to save money as a new driver.

5. Increased Driving Skill - Driving a manual car requires more skill and attention, which can make you a more competent driver overall. Understanding gear ratios, clutch control, and shifting techniques can enhance your overall driving experience and make you more aware of the car’s behaviour.

   
   

Disadvantages of Learning in a Manual Car

1. More Complex to Learn - Learning to drive a manual car can be more challenging for beginners. Mastering clutch control, smooth gear changes, and coordinating both hands and feet can take time. For some, this could add stress to an already complex learning process.

2. Increased Risk of Stalling - Stalling is common when driving a manual car, especially for new drivers. In busy traffic, this can be frustrating and even embarrassing. It requires patience and practice to learn how to avoid stalling and how to recover from it confidently.

3. More Effort in Heavy Traffic - Driving a manual car in stop-start traffic can be tiring. Constantly engaging the clutch, shifting gears, and using your left foot can be physically exhausting, particularly on long journeys or in busy city conditions.

4. Less Convenient for Beginners - For those who are not naturally adept with manual transmissions, the learning curve can be steep. It’s not just about steering, braking, and accelerating—it’s about multitasking with gear changes. For some, this extra level of coordination can lead to a slower learning process.

   
   

Ultimately, the decision of whether to learn in a manual or automatic car depends on personal preference, the type of driving you'll be doing, and how confident you feel about mastering a manual transmission. While manual cars offer greater control, more flexibility, and are often cheaper, they do come with a steeper learning curve and added complexity. If you're committed to learning a skill that will give you a wider range of driving options, then manual might be the way to go. But if ease and comfort are more important, an automatic might be a better fit.

Key Milestones in the UK’s Electric Vehicle Transition:

1. 2030: The UK government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, pushing the country towards a future where all new vehicles are zero-emission. This includes fully electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

2. 2035: The target is extended to all vehicles—including second-hand cars and vans—being zero-emission. By this point, it is expected that nearly all vehicles on UK roads will be electric or hydrogen-powered, though older petrol and diesel cars may still remain in use beyond this date.

   
   

This shift is part of the UK’s broader climate goals, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To support this transition, the government has invested in charging infrastructure, subsidies for EV purchases, and various incentives for both consumers and businesses to adopt cleaner vehicles.

Driving lessons with Pendle Driver Training are currently delivered with manual transmission.  There are pros and cons to each side of the manual vs automatic debate; I firmly believe that it is beneficial to learners to have a better understanding of how the car responds to their actions through learning in a manual car.  Similarly, automatics and EVs are expensive – most novice drivers will be looking to purchase cheaper, manual transmission cars.  At some point in the future, we’ll all need to make the switch to EVs.  When?  I’m not quite sure, but not yet!

Please get in touch if you’d like to enquire about driving lessons in the Pendle and Burnley areas.