One of the first choices you face when learning to drive is whether to take a Manual vs Automatic Driving Lesson. Each option has its own benefits on UK roads.
They also affect how quickly you learn, what you pay for insurance, and the type of cars you can drive in the future.
If you are not sure which lesson suits you best, this guide explains the key points. We cover costs, how difficult each option feels, pass rates, and advice from the DVSA.
What’s the Difference Between Manual vs Automatic Driving Lesson?
It always helps a beginner driver to understand the core difference between Manual vs Automatic Driving Lessons.
Manual Car
Manual lessons teach you how to use gears and a clutch. You get more control over the car and can drive both manual and automatic vehicles once you pass.
Manual vehicles have 3 pedals: clutch, brake, accelerator.
Automatic Car
Automatic lessons remove the need for gears and a clutch. The car does the work for you, which makes learning easier and often quicker. However, if you pass in an automatic, you can only drive automatic cars.
Automatic vehicles have 2 pedals: brake and accelerator.
Manual vs Automatic Comparison
| Feature | Manual | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Harder (clutch + gears) | Easier (no gears) |
| Lesson cost | Usually cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
| Number of lessons needed | More lessons on average | Fewer lessons on average |
| Pass rate | Lower | Higher |
| Fuel efficiency | Historically better | New autos now equal or better |
| Control | More hands-on | Simplified |
| Future driving options | Can drive both types | Can only drive automatics |
| Ideal for | Long-term drivers, rural drivers | Nervous learners, city drivers |
Which Is Easier to Learn Driving on Manual or Automatic?
Automatic lessons are significantly easier for most learners.
With an automatic, you don’t need to worry about:
Stalling
Clutch control
Selecting the right gear
Hill starts
Jerky gear changes
This makes automatic lessons ideal for:
- Nervous drivers
- Beginners with anxiety
- Learners with coordination challenges
- City-based learners dealing with constant stop-start traffic
Manual lessons, however, require more practice and patience. The biggest challenges include:
- Mastering clutch bite point
- Smooth gear transitions
- Hill starts
- Avoiding stalling
- Coordinating pedals with steering
If you want the easiest and quickest way to pass, automatic is usually the better choice.
How Many Driving Lessons Will You Need?
| Driving Type | Avg. Lessons Needed | Avg. Weeks to Test |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 40–50 hours | 4–6 months |
| Automatic | 25–35 hours | 2–4 months |
Automatic learners generally require 10–15 fewer hours of instruction, saving both time and money.
For learners who want to pass quickly, such as:
- Students
- Workers needing a licence ASAP
- People with busy schedules
automatic intensive driving courses can be the fastest route.
How Much Manual vs Automatic Driving Lessons Cost
(UK Averages)?
Manual Driving Lesson Costs
- £25–£35 per hour
- Cheaper instructors
- But usually more lessons required
Automatic Driving Lesson Costs
- £30–£40 per hour
- Slightly more expensive
- Fewer lessons needed overall
Total Cost Estimate (Beginner Level)
| Learning Type | UK Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Manual (Depending on Hours) | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Automatic (Depending on Hours) | £900–£1,300 |
At 88 Driving School we understand that course affordability plays be a big role in your driving lessons journey so we provide all driving lessons for Manual and Automatic cars without any price hike. You can take Manual or Automatic driving lessons at £ 35.00 Per Hour (2 hours) for single lesson.
Manual vs Automatic Driving Lesson Pass Rate (2025 Trends)
Automatic pass rates have increased significantly in recent years because modern automatic cars are easier to manoeuvre and stall-free.
Learners in automatics tend to perform better on:
- Hill starts
- Roundabouts
- Junctions
- Stop-start city traffic
- Manoeuvres (parallel parking, pulling over, reversing)
Because manual requires more coordination and technical skill, pass rates are generally lower.
What Can You Drive After Passing?
This is one of the most important differences.
If you pass in a manual car:
You can legally drive:
Manual cars
Automatic cars
ALL types of UK cars
If you pass in an automatic car:
You can only drive:
Automatic cars
NOT manual cars
This may limit your choices if:
- You drive for work (delivery, trade jobs often require manual)
- You’ll borrow friends/family cars that are manual
- You live in rural areas where manual cars are more common
However:
Since 2022, over 60% of new cars sold in the UK are automatic or electric (EV)
Which one is better for driving in cities vs rural areas?
Best for Urban Areas: Automatic
Cities like:
- London
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Glasgow
- Liverpool
have heavy traffic, constant stop-start movement, and complex junctions. Automatics make this much easier.
Best for Rural Areas: Manual
Manual may be better if you drive through areas with:
- Steep hills
- Long country roads
- Lower-speed villages
- Old manual cars common in rural families
Which Should YOU Choose?
Choose Manual If You Want:
- Maximum driving freedom
- Lower car purchase costs
- Driving jobs requiring a manual
- A hands-on driving experience
- You live in rural areas
- You’re patient and willing to practise more
Choose Automatic If You Want:
- The easiest way to pass the test
- To avoid clutch/gear stress
- More confidence as a learner
- A smoother drive in city traffic
- Faster progress
- A modern car (hybrid, electric)
Conclusion
There is no universal “best”, automatic driving lessons are easier, quicker, and more practical compared to manual lessons which provide more freedom and traditional driving skills.
If you’re not sure, 88 driving school provide offer 1 hour single lessons at £ 35.00 Per Hour (2 hours) both manual and automatic to help learners decide.
