There are a few things to consider when choosing whether to take your driving lessons in a manual or automatic car. It will largely come down to where your priorities lie as an aspiring driver. Some people enjoy the feeling of controlling their motor and find manual cars more engaging to drive. Others are concerned about passing their driving test and want to complete the process quickly.

What does R mean in a car?

If you decide to learn in an automatic, there is no need to take the same number of lessons that you would need if learning in a manual car. You will be taught the same basic skills regardless of which vehicle you learn in, and your instructor can move away from full guidance on the controls as you gain confidence.

During your first Automatic driving lessons your instructor will begin the lesson with a ‘cockpit drill’ which involves checking that you can reach all of the various car controls and that you have good all-round visibility. They will also usually check your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate.

Once the instructor has checked everything is in order they will begin teaching you to operate the car’s steering wheel, brake pedals and gear lever. They will explain how to move off and stop the car, as well as demonstrating how to apply the handbrake and set the car into park. During your early driving lessons, you will probably spend the majority of the time practising these basic controls. The instructor will then gradually begin to add more complex tasks, such as using the clutch to change gear and carrying out manoeuvres that require a high level of clutch control.