Book Online

Manual Driving Lessons

At RED Driving School we offer both automatic and manual driving lessons. There are many benefits to choosing manual driving lessons such as the option to drive a wider range of cars and having a more engaging driving experience.

Book online

The difference between manual and auto cars

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

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.

Automatic Cars

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. 

How to drive a manual car

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.

  1. Prepare the car: Ensure the gear stick is in neutral and press the clutch pedal fully down with your left foot.
  2. Start the car: Turn on the ignition while keeping the clutch pressed.
  3. Engage first gear: Move the gear stick into first gear while holding the clutch down.
  4. Start moving: Slowly release the clutch pedal with your left foot and simultaneously press the accelerator gently with your right foot to engage the engine with the wheels.
  5. Smooth acceleration: Once the car starts moving, fully release the clutch and continue pressing the accelerator to gain speed.
  6. Shift gears: When it’s time to change gears, press the clutch fully and move the gear stick to the next gear (e.g., second gear). Gradually release the clutch while pressing the accelerator to maintain smooth movement.

What are the benefits of manual driving lessons?

Versatility

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.

Cost Savings

Manual cars are often less expensive to buy and maintain compared to automatics.

Better Vehicle Control

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.

Emergency Preparedness

In emergencies or when borrowing a car, knowing how to drive a manual gives you greater flexibility and confidence.

Increased Focus and Skill

Driving a manual car requires coordination and concentration, which can improve your overall driving ability and awareness.

Fuel Efficiency

In many cases, manual cars can be more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially when driven skillfully.

Engaging Driving Experience

Many drivers find the process of shifting gears and feeling more connected to the car enjoyable and rewarding.

1000s of instructors to choose from nationwide
Access to our industry leading app
National Training Provider of the Year 2024
No quibble refund policy

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.

Book online

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.

Book online

Learn to drive in 3 simple steps

Gift and discounts icon
New to Red? Pick an introductory offer
Car on the road icon
Choose a lesson Package
Report icon
Book your lesson

Find us

There is always an instructor near you

Our experienced instructors operate nationwide. So whether you’re learning in Newcastle or Norwich or Plymouth or Preston, we’ll find the perfect instructor to help you on your journey to passing.

Map of UK with points marked

FAQs

How many lessons do you need for 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.

How much do manual driving lessons cost with RED?

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.

Is manual driving difficult?

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.

You might also be interested in…

How to prepare for driving lessons

Read more

Learning to drive can be a daunting experience for the best of us so here are RED Driving School’s top tips on how to prepare for your first driving lesson and subsequent tuition.

Read more

The ten most common reasons for failing your driving test

Read more

Here at RED Driving School we want to ensure you pass your driving test with minimum fuss and hassle. With Independent Driving introduced to the practical driving test today, it’s important you still remember the fundamental things you should and shouldn’t be doing on your driving lessons and driving test!

Read more

Top tips for theory test revision

Read more

Despite the cold, frosty evenings, there’s no doubt that spring is on the way.  With daffodils blooming and the sun beginning to warm up those once chilly afternoons, you may be thinking ahead to those summer holidays and camping trips with friends.

Read more