(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sat 25th Oct, 2025) London, UK —
The Future of Driving in the UK: How New Drivers Choose Between Manual and Automatic
Caitlin Graham, a 22-year-old from Cumbria, found herself at a crossroads when deciding how to approach learning to drive. With a preference for an automatic vehicle in the hopes of a swift pass, she faced the hurdle of distance – automatic instructors were scarce, located more than 20 miles away. Despite the growing prevalence of automatic cars on UK roads, with a third now automatic and a surge in driving tests for automatic vehicles, Caitlin opted for manual lessons due to the immediate availability and economic considerations.
The landscape of driving in the UK is evolving, partly driven by the forthcoming 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, signaling a shift towards electric vehicles, which exclusively feature automatic transmission. This shift has sparked a debate among new drivers: choose the traditional manual route with its broader vehicle operability or embrace the automatic future but limit one's options to just that.
For Caitlin, residing in a significantly rural area with no public transport, the urgency to drive was accentuated by her aspirations to secure employment. Despite her initial reluctance, she embarked on a journey with manual driving lessons and successfully passed her test nearly a year later. This was a stark contrast to her sister's experience in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who passed in just five months with automatic lessons.
The decision between manual and automatic driving lessons is not trivial; it can dictate the spectrum of vehicles one can operate. Learners like Cleo Moseley from Northumberland grapple with this decision, weighing the pros and cons of each option. The cost implications extend beyond lessons to vehicle ownership itself, with automatic and electric cars typically carrying a higher price tag, influencing lesson prices in turn.
Luke Breaban-Cook from East Sussex found his path dictated by circumstance, learning in his parents' manual cars before moving to London for university, where driving isn't a priority. Meanwhile, David Robinson from Cardiff, struggles with dyspraxia, found automatic learning more conducive to his needs, highlighting the diverse factors influencing this critical decision.
As automatic vehicle tests increase in popularity, the perception of an automatic-only license shifts. While some, like motoring journalist Maria McCarthy, argue the necessity of manual driving skills may be diminishing, others, like Caitlin, find satisfaction in the versatility their manual license affords them. Despite the evolving automotive landscape, the choice between manual and automatic training remains a pivotal decision for Britain's new drivers, encapsulating the balance between current convenience and future flexibility.
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