Are Automatic Cars Taking Over from Manual Cars?

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Why More People Are Choosing Automatics Anyway

That said, a growing number of learners are choosing the automatic route, especially younger drivers. And it’s not hard to see why:

• Less stress: No gear changes. No hill starts. No stalling. For new drivers, that can be a huge confidence booster.
• Faster to learn: Fewer things to master often means fewer lessons—and that saves money.
• EV-friendly: If you’re aiming to drive electric (and many young people are), learning in a manual might feel like learning a skill you’ll never use.

Take Josh, 19, from Sheffield who told me;

I just wanted to pass and get a car that was cheap to run. I’m not into cars or anything, so the idea of gears and clutches just seemed like extra stress. I’m driving a used Nissan Leaf now. Job done.

What Real Learners and Instructors Are Saying

Lucy, a 17-year-old student from Brighton, said,

I just want to pass and get on the road. None of my friends are learning in manuals, and the car I’ll be using at uni is a hybrid. So I didn’t see the point.

Meanwhile, John Lewis, a driving instructor from Manchester with over 20 years of experience, noted;

Ten years ago, 90% of my students were in manuals. Now, it’s close to 50/50 — and more are asking about automatic-only licenses. Some just want to get through the test with less stress. And honestly, I get it.

But What About the Manual Loyalists?

Of course, there are still plenty of people who swear by manuals. They’ll tell you it’s more fun, more engaging, and often cheaper — especially in the second-hand market. And they’re not wrong. Manual cars still tend to be less expensive to buy, repair, and maintain.

Driving purists argue that a manual gives you more control, especially in challenging road conditions like snow or steep hills. And let’s face it, for many of us, learning to drive a manual is part of British car culture — something we associate with freedom and confidence behind the wheel.

There’s also the practical side: if you ever end up needing to borrow or rent a car abroad — particularly in Europe — chances are it’ll be a manual. Having that skill in your back pocket can come in handy.

Manual loyalists are still out there—and fair play to them. For many drivers, a manual car just feels more engaging. More control. You’re part of the machine. There’s something oddly satisfying about nailing a perfect gear change.

Then there’s cost. Manuals are often cheaper to buy second-hand, and they can be a bit less to repair if something goes wrong. If you’re on a budget, that matters.

And let’s not forget the driving purists—those who just love the art of driving. Sarah, a 28-year-old from Bristol who drives a manual Mazda MX-5, told me: “Automatics are fine, but they’re a bit… clinical. I like to feel connected to the car. For me, that’s half the fun.”

What’s Going on in the Car Market?

Whether we like it or not, automatics are becoming the default. According to a 2024 AutoTrader report, 62% of cars listed under £15,000 were automatics. That’s a massive jump from 38% just five years ago.

Even insurance companies are catching up. It used to be that premiums for automatic-only drivers were higher. Not anymore. As the pool of automatic licence holders grows, the gap is shrinking.

What Driving Instructors Are Saying

For a broader view, I spoke to a few instructors across different parts of the country. Emma, who runs a driving school in Leeds, said;

The interest in automatic lessons has shot up over the last two years. People want simplicity, especially young adults balancing work, uni, or just wanting the freedom a licence gives them.

In the South West, instructor Mike added,

I’ve started offering more hybrid and EV lessons. It’s where things are headed, so why fight it? But I do miss teaching manual sometimes — it’s a bit of a lost art.

Some now only offer automatic lessons. They say demand is so high that keeping a manual car just doesn’t make sense anymore, so says Jay, a London-based instructor;

About 60% of my students now go straight for automatic. They just want to pass, get a hybrid or an EV, and move on.”

These comments echo a growing trend — instructors are adjusting to meet what learners are asking for. Fewer stalls, quicker pass times, and vehicles that reflect the future.

Real Learner Experiences

Maya, 21, from Cardiff, took her test in an automatic earlier this year;

Honestly, I was nervous about learning to drive, full stop. Choosing automatic made the whole experience a lot easier. I passed first time, and I’m now driving a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. I’ve never looked back.

In contrast, Ravi, 25, from Leicester, chose manual;

I travel a lot for work, including across Europe, so having that manual licence felt like the smart choice. I like knowing I’m covered for whatever vehicle I end up with.

Quickfire: Pros and Cons of Manual vs Automatic

Manual:

• Cheaper to buy (usually)
• Feels more engaging for some drivers
• More versatile licence
• Harder to learn
• Easy to stall or roll back on hills

Automatic:

• Easier for beginners
• Ideal for city traffic
• Compatible with EVs and hybrids
• Limited licence
• Can be pricier upfront

Should You Take the Automatic Test?

Here’s the honest answer: maybe.

If you’re planning to buy or lease a car soon—and you know it’ll be electric or hybrid—it could make total sense to go automatic. You’ll probably pass faster, you’ll deal with less hassle, and you’ll be ready for the future.

But if you want flexibility, or you’re not quite sure what kind of car you’ll be driving long-term, learning in a manual gives you options. Think of it as keeping one foot in the past, just in case it comes in handy.

The good news? It’s not a forever decision. You can always upgrade later. If you start out with an automatic licence and later decide you want to drive a manual, you just book a short course and take another test.