If you’re planning to start learning to drive, one of the first decisions is whether to learn in a manual or automatic vehicle. 

Only a few years ago, most UK learners chose manual by default. But times are changing, and for many new drivers, automatic driving lessons are becoming the wiser choice.

At 2nd2None Driving School, we’ve been teaching learners since 2009, and we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for automatic lessons in recent years. Here are a few reasons why learning in an automatic might be the right move for you.

1. Learning Is Quicker and Less Stressful

The biggest advantage of automatic driving lessons is how much easier it is to get started. In a manual car, you have to learn how to control the clutch, change gears and avoid stalling, all while dealing with traffic, roundabouts and busy junctions.

In an automatic, there’s no clutch pedal or gear stick to worry about. The car changes gears for you, meaning you can focus fully on steering, positioning and anticipating hazards. This means you can progress faster, make fewer mistakes, and enjoy a more relaxed learning experience.

2. Perfect for Cities

Do you live or work in a busy area like Bristol, Bath or Exeter? Then you'll know how frustrating stop‑start traffic can be. Constantly pressing the clutch and shifting gears in slow-moving traffic isn’t just tiring: it’s stressful for new drivers.

In an automatic, you simply press the accelerator to go and the brake to stop. No stalling, no rolling back on hills, and no juggling pedals at traffic lights. This makes driving in the city far smoother and less nerve‑wracking.

3. Future‑Proof for Electric Vehicles

The future is electric when it comes to cars. Did you know by 2035, all new cars sold will be electric or hybrid? None of them will have a manual gearbox!

If you learn in an automatic now, you’re already prepared for this change. Electric cars operate like automatics, so the skills you learn today will transfer perfectly to the vehicles of tomorrow.

4. Great for Nervous or Anxious Drivers

Many learners find manual driving overwhelming. Balancing the clutch, gears and accelerator while scanning for hazards can be a lot to take in. Automatic driving lessons are much less complex, so nervous drivers can build their confidence quickly.

At 2nd2None Driving School, our instructors are patient and supportive, especially with learners who feel anxious about driving. Many of our students find automatic lessons help them stay calm and in control.

5. Ideal for Learners with Disabilities

If you have mobility issues, injuries, or certain disabilities, automatic cars can make driving far more accessible. Without a clutch pedal, there’s less physical strain, and it can generally feel more comfortable.

We’ve helped many students who thought driving would be too difficult — only to discover that learning in an automatic opened up their independence.

6. Less Risk of Stalling or Rolling Back

Stalling is one of the most common worries for new drivers, especially during the actual test. In a manual, stalling can happen if you release the clutch too quickly or choose the wrong gear.

In an automatic, stalling isn’t even possible. Not only that, because most modern automatics have ‘hill start assist’, you won’t roll backwards on an incline either. This can take away a huge amount of pressure, especially when driving in hilly areas like parts of Somerset, Dorset, and Devon.