Which is right for you?
Manual or Automatic?
Deciding whether to take manual or automatic driving lessons can be a tricky choice. Here are some pro’s and con’s on both to help you make the right decision for you.
Manual Driving Lessons
Pros:
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More Control: With a manual car, you’re in charge of the gears, giving you more control over how the car drives. This can be especially handy on hills or in tricky weather conditions.
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Wider Vehicle Choice: Once you’ve mastered a manual car, you can drive both manuals and automatics. That means more options when it comes to choosing your car in the future!
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Potentially Better Fuel Efficiency: Manual cars often have better fuel efficiency, which can save you money at the pump. Who doesn’t love that?
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Feeling of Accomplishment: Learning to drive a manual can be a bit challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel a great sense of achievement.
Cons:
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Steeper Learning Curve: There’s a bit more to juggle when driving a manual—like coordinating the clutch and gears—so it might take a little longer to get comfortable behind the wheel.
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More Work in Traffic: Stop-and-go traffic can be a bit of a workout when you’re driving a manual. Constantly shifting gears can get tiring, especially during rush hour.
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Limited to Manual-Only: If you pass your test in a manual, you’ll have the skills to drive both types of cars. But it’s worth noting that manual driving can be trickier for some, especially if you’re just looking for a more relaxed driving experience.
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Higher Focus Required: Driving a manual demands more attention, especially in the beginning. You’ll need to be focused on the road and your gear changes, which can be a lot to handle when you’re just starting out.
The Bottom Line
Learning to drive a manual car can be a rewarding experience that gives you more control and flexibility as a driver. While it might be a bit more challenging at first, the benefits can definitely pay off in the long run. If you’re up for the challenge, it could be the perfect choice for you!
Automatic Driving Lessons
Pros:
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Super Easy to Learn: One of the biggest perks of driving an automatic is that it’s so much easier! You don’t have to worry about changing gears or juggling the clutch and accelerator pedals. It’s just “D” for Drive, and off you go!
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Less Stress, More Fun: In busy traffic or on tricky hills, driving an automatic is a breeze. You can focus more on the road and less on what your feet are doing. It’s perfect for those who want a smooth and stress-free driving experience.
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Comfy and Convenient: Without the hassle of constant gear changes, driving an automatic car feels more relaxed and comfortable. It’s especially handy for city driving where stop-and-go traffic is the norm.
Cons:
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Limited to Automatics: If you pass your test in an automatic, you’ll only be licensed to drive automatic cars. So, if you ever want to drive a manual car, you’ll need to take another test.
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Less Control: Some people like the control you get with a manual car, especially in tricky situations like driving on slippery roads. With an automatic, you might miss that level of control.
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A Bit More Expensive: Automatic cars can sometimes be pricier to buy and maintain compared to manuals. So, it’s something to think about if you’re budget-conscious.
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Missing Out on the Manual Experience: Learning in an automatic means you won’t get to experience the full mechanics of driving, like mastering the art of gear changes. For some, that’s part of the fun!
The Bottom Line
Learning to drive an automatic car is a fantastic option if you’re looking for ease and comfort behind the wheel. Just keep in mind that you’ll be limited to automatics, so think about what suits your driving needs best!