Manual or automatic: which driving licence should you get?

By Alma Driving School · Updated 23 October 2026 · 3 min read

Choosing between manual and automatic lessons is one of the first decisions you make as a learner driver. Both lead to a full driving licence, although the cars they cover are different. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose.

What each licence lets you drive

If you pass your test in a manual car, your licence covers manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, your licence only covers automatic cars.

You can upgrade an automatic licence later by passing a practical driving test in a manual car. You do not need to take the theory test again to do this.

How the learning differs

In a manual car you control the clutch and change gear yourself. Getting your clutch control smooth on hills and in slow traffic takes time, and stalling is a normal part of learning.

An automatic car changes gear for you. With two pedals and no gear stick to think about, more of your attention goes on observation and planning ahead. Many learners reach test standard in fewer hours in an automatic, although that varies from person to person.

What lessons cost in Doncaster

With us, a 1.5 hour lesson costs £60 in a manual car and £65 in an automatic. On a 30 hour package the hourly rate comes down to £35.67 for manual and £37.33 for automatic. If an automatic means you need fewer lessons overall, the total can end up much the same. Our guide to driving lesson costs has the full breakdown.

Which one suits you?

Manual could suit you if

• You want to be able to drive any car, including older and cheaper cars, which are often manual
• You expect to borrow family cars or drive vans for work
• You are happy to put in extra lessons to master the clutch

Automatic could suit you if

• You have struggled with the clutch, or you feel anxious about stalling in traffic
• You plan to drive an electric or hybrid car, as these are almost all automatic
• Most of your driving will be in town, where stop-start traffic is easier without a clutch
• You want to reach test standard as quickly as possible

Switching part way through

You can change your mind. We teach in both, so if the clutch is holding you back after a few manual lessons, you can move to automatic lessons with an instructor who knows where you are up to. Your skills carry over, and most learners settle into the automatic car quickly.

Insurance and running costs

Automatic cars can cost a little more to buy second hand, and insurance prices vary by car and driver. Get a few quotes for the cars you would realistically buy before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the driving test different in an automatic car?

No. The test follows the same format, including the eyesight check, the show me, tell me questions, a reversing exercise and independent driving. The only difference is the car.

Can I pass in an automatic and drive a manual later?

Only after passing a practical test in a manual car. You do not need to take the theory test again.