Choosing between automatic or manual transmission driving lessons depends on your driving needs, preferences, and future plans (such as whether you intend to go for a manual or automatic licence). This will impact the cars you’re able to drive in the future. For example, those with a manual driving licence will be able to drive both manual and automatic cars, which doesn’t apply to those with an automatic licence who will be limited to automatic cars only.
For these reasons, it’s important to know the difference before booking your driving lessons.
Manual cars, also known as “stick shifts,” require the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This setup allows for a more direct and involved driving experience, which some drivers find engaging and enjoyable. However, it requires more skill and coordination, especially in scenarios like hill starts or heavy traffic.
On the other hand, automatic cars handle the gear changes for you, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. They are particularly convenient in stop-and-go traffic or urban settings.
If you’re deciding whether to take automatic or manual driving lessons, it may be useful to have some information about what to expect when driving a manual car.
When you have your first manual driving lesson your instructor will run you through all you need to know about driving a manual car and how it operates at the start of your lesson.
But for those who have never driven a manual car before, here is a step-by-step guide of how to drive a manual car, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.
Knowing how to drive a manual car allows you to operate a wider variety of vehicles, including automatics, which is not the case for those who have an automatic driving licence.
Manual cars are often less expensive to buy and maintain compared to automatics.
Manual cars allow for more precise control of gears and power, making them ideal for challenging driving conditions, such as steep inclines or slippery surfaces.
In emergencies or when borrowing a car, knowing how to drive a manual gives you greater flexibility and confidence.
Driving a manual car requires coordination and concentration, which can improve your overall driving ability and awareness.
In many cases, manual cars can be more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially when driven skillfully.
Many drivers find the process of shifting gears and feeling more connected to the car enjoyable and rewarding.
Manual driving lessons with RED
If you do choose to take manual driving lessons, Red Driving School offers several advantages that make learning both effective and enjoyable, so you feel well prepared for your driving test.
At RED Driving School, we are dedicated to providing high-quality manual driving lessons tailored to your needs. Our experienced instructors are experts in teaching manual driving, using proven methods to help you build confidence and master essential skills. We understand the importance of feeling comfortable behind the wheel, which is why we offer a choice of instructors, including female driving instructors and foreign language driving instructors, to suit your preferences.
Lessons are customised to your pace and skill level, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your manual driving techniques. With a nationwide network of instructors, you can access top-notch manual driving lessons in a location convenient for you.
You’ll learn to drive in modern, well-maintained manual vehicles equipped with advanced features for a safe and comfortable experience. Our flexible scheduling options make it easy to fit lessons into your busy routine. With RED Driving School, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to handle various driving conditions.
With Red Driving School, you’ll benefit from a supportive and professional environment that sets you up for success in learning to drive a manual car.
The number of lessons you need to learn to drive a manual car with RED Driving School depends on your individual learning pace. However, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends that learners take around 47 hours of professional tuition to pass their test. On average, people need about 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, plus 22 hours of private practice.
At RED, we offer a range of different lesson packages from 3 to 40 hours, which differ in price. This gives you a choice of how many hours you want to pay for at once. If you’re new to RED, we also have introductory offers, which give you good savings when booking your first block of driving lessons.
Learning to drive a manual car requires using gears which an automatic car does not. However, this doesn’t make driving a manual car harder. At RED, with our expertly trained driving instructors, we’ll provide you with everything you need to become a confident and safe driver.
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