Why the automatic driving test has a lower pass rate in the UK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- The automatic driving test pass rate in the UK is lower than the manual pass rate and has been for a long time. This video explains why more people fail in an automatic car even though it is much easier to drive.
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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in the UK, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.
Laws and driving rules may be different in your country. The makers of this video cannot be held liable for any consequences caused by any information that is in any way inaccurate, misleading or missing. The makers of this video are not liable for any person's driving other than their own, it is the responsibility of the person driving a vehicle to ensure they drive safely and within the law. The makers of this video are also not liable for any person failing a driving test as a result of the information provided in the video.
00:00 Pass rates
00:52 Why people choose automatic
01:35 Three reasons
05:46 Automatic tests increasing
07:08 What do you predict?
07:34 Automatic pass rate not going up
08:57 It's your choice
09:28 Outro
I passed my automatic test just a few days ago. I was initially confident in manual car then I got a new instructor and she made me feel like I would never drive and wouldn’t let me do anything. I did 40 hours with her and felt like I was getting worse. She really confused me to the point I didn’t even want to sit behind the wheel, just asked her to show me. I then had a series of bad instructors that doubled down by screaming at me etc. I was about to give up trying to learn when I met my automatic teacher and I fell in love with driving. He made me feel so knowledgeable and was a great teacher! I think in a few years time I may attempt to do manual, but I’m just delighted to feel good driving tbh. Great video!!!
Congratulations on passing!
Congratulations on passing your test. I had three different instructors. The first one was a bully and made me hate driving. He interfered so much that sometimes I didn't know who had control of the pedals! Was I really that crap? Of course I wasn't. The second instructor gave me confidence and rarely intervened, but sadly passed away. My third instructor was 5* and taught me advanced clutch control techniques because he believed in me. These impressed the examiner too and I passed in a manual. Obviously some learners will always find the process difficult but if they're unfortunate in their choice of instructor, it can become impossible.
40 hours with a an instructor?! How much money did you spend?
I hate manual cars with a passion. Automatic far better
12 hours are usually 300-400 quid now days so probably over a grand@@arcticfox037
I’m learning in a automatic & my confidence has grown so much! I have my test in February 🙈
Good luck with your test in February.
I didn't find gears & clutch control the hardest part, situational awareness and anticipating other drivers were the hardest things to get. I also strugged with spaced out lessons, 5 day week intensive was exhausting but did the job.
That's crazy I'm in us and I just got my first truck was manual. Didn't even have a driver's license lmao 🤣
P.s no I have not caused a car accident
I think the mere fact you have to keep in mind of the clutch and gears and at the same time keeping situational awareness was problematic for me. In automatic i only had to take note of break and gas then occasionally the stick Which depends wether you would want to drive or reverse.
@@jmgonzales7701 I passed my test almost a year ago now, and I've already "forgotten" about the gears and clutch, as in, I do them automatically, i don't realise I'm even doing them, I just focus on what's around me. (Obviously when I make a mistake i.e. pulling away in 2nd or 3rd I very quickly become aware, but usually manage to save it instead of stalling {not that I pull away in 2nd much})
It's like the one thing that came so naturally to me in life lol. At 18 I did 10 lesson and booked my test after my 4th lesson - 2 month wait. My instructor was very encouraging and said I was the fastest shes ever tough who had no prior experience.
@@Kaiser-ks3yqYep this is what I find surprising when people say they drove manual for years and then tried automatic and found it easier - once used to it, manual just happens for me, I am not thinking about it even a tiny bit. I find it easier as I feel more in control of the cars speed and there is no creep. EVs are fine, but normal automatic cars I think I'll never find easier. I drove one solidly for about 3 months and the day I swapped back felt so very, very good :D
I started lessons in a manual, but I could never get used to the clutch and gears. I find it involves too much multi tasking, which I'm not good at. My instructor recommended I try automatic and it was so much better. Far less stressful. I might take manual lessons again in the future, but for now I'm happy zipping about in my automatic.
U uk?
What car u drive now
Its been quite some time but at some point during my driving lessons I remember that clutch and gears just became an automatic habbit I didnt use a thought on. And since then it only takes a few minutes of driving to get used to different cars.
Me too! I don't like multitasking, it gives me more time to concentrate on the road and hazards if I don't have to faf around with gear changes and clutch.
Have u passed yet ? Same with me couldnt understand manual i have startes automaic now still struggling
I'm doing my lessons in a manual car and I found that after around 10 hours of driving, the gears no longer were something I thought about. The biggest problem for me so far is observations. In that sense I would be in the exact same boat if I was in a manual or an automatic
Hope I m that good after 10
Pretty impressive. I've had a license for about four months, after learning for about a year, and I still think about the gears. The actual process of changing is pretty well bedded but I'm still always aware of doing it.
@@KindredBrujahI think he meant that he is confident about gear changing, in a way that he doesnt question it, its automatic in the brain to change it if XY situation comes about. Im pretty sure, he knows that he is doing it and that he knowd what gear he is in, but theres no thought procces involved. You just do it.
@@KindredBrujah i'm just gonna agree with @cycomiles4255 here. I have had my license since 2015 and I know exactly what i'm doing but I don't have to actively think about what gear position i'm in and what gear position i'm going to. so the actual shifting motion doesn't take a of a percentage of my focus.
but I also drive a whole lot more than the average person. I have been driving about 55 000km this year and next year will most likely be even more and all of those kilometers are done with a manual transmission car.
Yep, after a couple weeks of practice, changing gears comes naturally and doesn't take away from your driving.
Thank you so much for your tutorials and advice. I am 47 years old and never learned to drive until 12 months ago. Today I took my first ever test and passed!! Your videos helped me enormously to wade through the myths and be calm enough to just drive. 😁
Why did you wait so long? Does it feel freeing?
To be honest I was terrified of driving as I didn`t trust myself. I cannot tell you how free I finally feel being independent!@@beefcake1876
Thank you so much! @serrenyan3738
Well done Sally
Thank you Shaun @@shaunbarker8290 😃
I try three times of manual transmission test, unfortunately I'm fail. But now my family need someone to drive and survive in UK. This license is so important to my family. Therefore, I choose atomic, comparatively more to handle. However, I promise to myself, if I had passed the automatic, my next step is pick up my manual again. This is my dream.
Inshallah you pass and can provide for your family! It’s good that you’re willing to make life better for your family…
Good luck 🙏
Madlad chose atomic transmission.
#respect
an atomic car you are a mad man
Careful of the radiation in the atomic car lad🙏🏼
Hi Richard , I passed my driving test today 😊. All your videos on each and every topic are very detailed and helped me. Thanks a lot for posting .
That's great news, congratulations!
@@ConquerDriving I always get anxiety on hills that are above 11% gradient or more…can you make a video on how to move in slow moving traffic up mega steep hills and how to prevent rolling back. I’ve passed in a Manuel but these type of hills put my anxiety through the roof
Best driving instructor videos on You Tube. Practical advice, intelligent analysis and all done in an easy, calm and friendly way.
I learned to drive this year... At 47 and very nervous I assumed I would have to be an automatic girl and hate the chore of driving.... Turns out that gear boxes and clutches are not scary, they're FUN. I shocked myself by passing first time with 2 minors and found a real love for driving. What started out as a change in circumstances forcing me to learn something I didn't want to has turned out to be a real joy! During my lessons I had no opportunity to practise in between so I watched every video I could and took so much from them. Thank you Richard for your easy to follow instructions and insightful teaching. Even though I have my licence now I still enjoy watching with my morning coffee!! 😍
My story
Well done Samantha😎same here☺️ Richard’s videos are so good so clear so helpful always 😊
That's amazing to hear, I'm happy you found a love for it, I understand as I love driving too.
I am at the same situation now. I am 37 and I am afraid. How did you overcome the fear? I am 😟
@@cherryvintage4888 I was so scared too! I would shake and feel like I'd lost control of my limbs. My instructor would talk and I couldn't hear her because I was so overwhelmed with what was happening.... My advice is to stop expecting yourself to be a driver from the get go. Accept that you're a LEARNER, learning.... Making mistakes and doing stupid things. Your instructor is there to teach you and keep you safe. It's not a race or a competition. Ignore all of the stories you hear about other people.... Most are exaggerated or embellished. Try to politely ignore 'helpful' advice too.... Especially frim those who haven't sat a test recently. You do it your way and in your own time. I promise you that it will start to be FUN. I went from feeling physically ill before my lessons to looking forward to them. Be patient and kind to yourself. Laugh at your cockups (there will be plenty) and know that you will be fine. X
I have to say your videos are some of the easiest to understand on TH-cam, I have been watching them near daily since I started learning to drive, which I think has made a big difference to helping me pass first time this afternoon as they help me go over things I done poorly that day without asking my instructor the same thing over and over again. I am sure I will continue to watch everything you put out as I aim to be a safer driver as time goes on :)
I certainly hope you keep up the consistent uploads as I think they are a great resource for... the entire country :)
That's really great to hear, thank you and congratulations on passing!
Thank you! I have been trying to learn for years in a manual and today had an automatic lesson. My mum has an automatic and it’s just so much simpler and I had no motivation to learn clutch control and gears so always saw it as such a barrier. I always wanted to get out on the road but SO many people discouraged me from getting an auto license. Almost 100% of the people I mentioned it to tried to persuade me against it. Thank you for supporting automatic drivers! People should learn how they want to learn and the way I see it, I can always update my license if Im desperate to drive a manual
Me the same
you should be discouraged as it means your multitasking isn't great.
In the end of the day a car is there to travel somewhere
@@iseptimuswell you're a little ray of sunshine aren't you. It doesn't matter what they pick, they can drive a car. That's the end goal.
Your videos are so helpful! I’m from New Zealand and our rules are pretty similar to yours. After watching your videos repeatedly for months, and taking professional driving lessons for 2 months, I managed to pass my test today first time, with only a few minors!
That's great to hear, congratulations!
I just wanna take this time to thank you for all your videos, I passed my drivers test and became a much better driver thanks to you, so keep it up brother 👊
In germany we have the B197 drivers license, which basically means that you start with and learn how to drive manual, and if you can do that you will switch to an automatic for the last 3 or 4 lessons. The cool thing is that you are allowed to drive both manual and automatic after you passed your test and you are less stressed about your driving test, because automatic is a little bit easier.
I didn't know that.
Hi Richard, i been watching your video’s for last couple of month’s and i just wanna say they were really helpful. How you explain the things, your sense of humour, your experience is absolutely perfect. I pass my manual driving test 2 hours ago and i just wanna say your video’s helped me such as my instructor, thank you so much. All the best.
That's so great to hear, congratulations on passing!
I am the one who at first like to have my manual driving license! But due to pandemic , lock down & all those restrictions It’s wasted my time !🥺 after 30 lessons I had no choice because my theory had not enough time left for me & I swapped to auto & After 20 lessons my instructor told me I am really for the test & Then I booked the test! & thankfully I passed 🙏 so no I am happy & more comfortable with what I achieved & I don’t care what other people’s say about my license! As far as I know after 2030 is going to be more auto care rather than manual.
& I also never forget how much support I have received from this channel! I can’t Thank you enough Sir 🙏
Here in greece we only have manual but my dad's friend who brought his car from Germany has an automatic and i did try practicing in it a bit because it's a little easier but i do want to learn manual because in greece it's the only thing you can learn. I just wanted to say your videos are the best and i wish you could come to Greece to help me learn more.lol
I passed in an Automatic last month. I did so with no Minors. I also did it at Rush Hour (8.15am), in the dark and in pouring rain even though I'd never driven at that time or in those conditions. I learnt Automatic for the reasons you gave but also because I needed to pass quick due to family reasons. I made a point of telling the test instructor that I had never driven in said conditions. His response was "What on Earth made you book your test at 8.15am then?". I said it didn't matter when I took my test as I considered myself a good driver and conditions are not guaranteed at any time. I think this made him view me positivley once the test was underway.
I think being 37 was also a big factor. I have 20 years on the road as a Cyclist. Not just locally, but riding 70+ miles out into the Peak District and back. I would consider myself very road confident. I notice a lot of younger learners struggle simply because they are nervous. Manual/Automatic doesn't matter if this is the case. Once you are confident that you can use the roads safely and correctly, all other factors become minor. I think test instructors look for that.
Congratulations for last month! You are right, confidence is needed to pass the driving test. You need knowledge, skill and confidence.
I think you mean “test examiners”…
@@ianmorrison9480 I think you mean "Driving Examiner"...
Justin, touché, well done, you are correct. The next bit is meant toune in cheek, as a joke.
It is actually “Driving Examiner (Car)” but that would be churlish of me.
Take care, I wish you the best of Christmas, a safe and prosperous New Year.
@@ianmorrison9480 same to you mate 👍
I spent years learning in a manual and struggled. Then switched to automatic and passed a few weeks later. I'm now trying to relearn manual now and my teacher suggested I look at your videos. Today I had the same anxiety at junctions as I had years ago, even though I'd already done loads of gear changes really well. Videos are helping so thanks
Take you time and try to let any pressure be like water off a ducks back. It's as much about doing things in your own time as it is the skill.
I always get anxiety on hills that are above 11% gradient or more
@@ConquerDriving I always get anxiety on hills that are above 11% gradient or more…can you make a video on how to move in slow moving traffic up mega steep hills and how to prevent rolling back. I’ve passed in a Manuel but these type of hills put my anxiety through the roof
@@Who-cu9eu If you don't want to roll back, use the hand brake or the autobrake system.
The biggest issue is crawling up a hill slowly so you can't let the clutch go in 1st gear. Then you need to stop, wait until there is much space, drive in 1st gear, stop again. Don't crawl with the clutch half pressed because it will overheat very quickly.
Unfortunately, many cars (and motorcycles) have a too long 1st gear for modern traffic.
@svr5423 And this is why using a manual car is just not for me.
I learned automatic at first,but I changed my mind after I done few lessons,I shift to manual,,it's easy just keep practicing and you gonna use to it,,I passed last week for my second attempt. Thanks for the videos
I find driving incredibly stressful and put off learning for years. When I finally did learn just the last year or so I chose automatic. Constantly being hyper-alert and having so many different things to be aware of and manage was more than enough for me, so I didn't want to add changing gears all the time & worrying about stalling to the equation.
I put in a lot of hours, practiced all sorts of road types and the test routes (sod's law - the one we did on my exam was none of the one's I'd practiced!), watched lots of videos (including this channel), knew the theory inside and out (that was the easy bit! If only I could've taken two theory tests instead xD), and finally had a nice friendly examiner who put me at ease straight away. I passed with just the 1 minor a few days ago and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off me. Zero regrets choosing automatic because it gave me the confidence to start learning.
I think the 'change-over' will happen a few years earlier than you. Mostly because the vast, vast majority of news cars will be automatics come 2030 because of the switch to EV, and then only a few years after that instructors will struggle to find a suitable manual as their vehicle for teaching students. The figures at present are still low but they're not indicative of the rapid change that will take place if government and vehicle manufacturers stick to their EV targets. I'd guess 2034 personally.
Congratulations on passing! 2034 does sound possible to me.
@@ConquerDriving l pass driving test
I want buy a car
I want a manual car that is not expensive insurance
Can you help me please
Which car is good for me?
Thanks
If the government does manage to stop making ICE (the only cars that can be manual) by 2030, that still means it will take a while for auto licence to be the norm, because who are the majority of people taking a driving test? - 17 year olds, what cars do 17 year olds drive? auto teslas with well over 200bhp? or a manual 20 year old econobox that isn't fast enough for steep hills? I'm 17 and I drive a 2010 diesel megane with 86HP (manual) and the auto variant would be too expensive, and painfully slow (anyone can choose a better gear at a better time than a 13 year old auto transmission)
So I'd say ~2042
@@tatianabria3204 I'd recommend a skoda fabia hatchback, we're looking to get one for my brother, since he's also in need of a car and is new to driving.
@@Kaiser-ks3yqweirdly enough auto are much more expensive, even driving lessons cost more when you do auto. Manual is much better simply because if you ever have to drive a manual for whatever reason you will know how to. I'd say get a manual license even if you buy an automatic car.
Just came here to say thanks a million times. Passed my test in the first go and these videos were really helpful.
That's great to hear, congratulations on passing!
Very interesting video Mr Fanders, I learned to drive and passed my test in a manual after 6 months and 33 hours of lessons but I definitely see the appeal of an automatic as my weakest driving skill is clutch control so I am thinking of buying an auto as my next car. I think automatic tests will become more popular than manual tests by 2035.
Greetings from Czech republic, as driving school teachers, we are facing the same problems in our city with automatic gear students. Thank you for your sensitive explanation :) Helpful for me as I am gaining the experience.
Really interesting - with regards to your auto v manual don't forget the EV. I guess they are autos and coming fast. Great video and you are one hell of an excellent communicator Sir!! I passed my test decades ago but still love learning from you. Warm Thanks Geoff
Yeah I was including electric cars as automatic. I'm very happy to hear you enjoy the videos, thanks for watching!
I love the way you explained every aspect of two type of driving. You are simply amazing 🙌🏻⭐️👍
Passed my auto test with 2 minors on the most difficult route with a few new bits added in. Really enjoyed your videos so thank you .
That's great news, congratulations on passing!
I'm so grateful I saw this video after my test last Friday (26th November) as I know I would have stressed out! 😂
My friends and family all supported me with an automatic license.
I failed 3 manual test within a year back in 2018 and I lost complete confidence and stopped driving until July 2nd 2021.
I changed instructors as my old one didn't do automatic and I took my time with learning in the automatic.
I passed after 4 months of once a week lessons and hour a piece and the first 2 months with 2 hour lessons.
I believe those 2 hours lessons is what helped me get used to driving again.
Thank you for your help though.
Your videos really helped me gain confidence over these last 4 months.
I forgot to mention I passed with 1 minor! 🥳
I didn't think of it that way, I guess it could stress some people out. I happy to hear you passed though!
Honsestly, learning manual is pretty much useless with electric vehicles coming around and automatic transmission already giving better fuel economy.
Hey, I'm all all far away in Botswana😂. I never really liked automatic. It felt easy for me and I wanted a bit of a challenge. 😂Maybe it's my mindest but I always felt very comfortable in manual cars. I have my final road test in a couple of days and watching your videos helped me improve and gain even more confidence. Thanks very much and keep up the good work.🙏
Good luck with your test!
Im from Germany and i had my driving test today for the (class B 197). My training was half Automatic and half manuell. I must say, that this was very helpful
Very informative.. I am learning in an automatic because of a disability with my left leg!!! . I am still waiting for my driving instructor. Hopefully it won't be too long. Thank you for sharing. ❤️ Stay safe ❤️
I just love your channel. Why? There are a few guys like you on the scene offering driving videos with tips and tricks for how to navigate one's test and, in some cases, learn about specific locations that may prove bothersome in defined test areas. What I love about your channel is how you always manage to successfully distil your message into key points that are easy to follow and logically explained.
This video resonated particularly with me. I am British but my wife is American. After driving for many years in the US, she had to adapt to UK driving conditions when we moved here two years ago. As with most Americans, she has driven an automatic car her entire life. So, she was only ever going to take her test in an automatic car. Despite being a very confident and polished driver under US conditions, she found the adaptation more difficult on this side of the pond than either of us expected. Narrow roads, roundabouts, and unfamiliar road layouts definitely were her biggest challenges. Anyway, I'm pleased to say that despite having to wait a long time to get a test due to the pandemic, she did pass her test earlier this year and we both found some of your more technical videos very helpful in terms of her test preparation. Please keep posting them!
I choose automatic anytime. Personally i think in this day and age, driving should become easier. I passed my automatic test here in the UK a few days ago even though I know how to drive manual in my home country and I’m happy because it was my first attempt.
Keep up the good work, your videos really helped. Thank you
Congratulations on passing!
Your videos have helped me learn faster which helped me passing first time
That's great to hear, congratulations!
I think what you said in this video can apply to many other things just outside of learning how to drive a car ;) Really well made video! Thank you!
Hi Richard,
I have been watching your online lessons since I decided to start learning driving (around August last year). By watching them I was attracted by manual driving so much that at the end I made up my mind taking manual driving lesson and started from mid October last year. I booked my my driving test at mid January (which is 9 days later). But sadly I have just switched to automatic lesson last week and will be taking the test in automatic for the reason I'll be taking below. But what I'd like to say is, manual is sure not difficult to learn UNLESS you have a good instructor that suits you, and don't be afraid to make the switch to automatic when you think you really have difficulties in handling clutch and gear things.
During my manual lessons, my instructor always kept her feet over the clutch so I won't stall and said my feet was too high but I wasn't given the chance to know what is the right position (because I won't be able to clutch up further higher to see what the range is). She keeps saying I've problem with my clutch position but didn't explained the ways to solve it but keep saying I'm not planning ahead and keep panicking. As lessons goes my fear kept accumulating and at the end of 40 hours lessons I just afraid of every procedure that involving the clutch. But what the worst thing is, she told me she is going to move to another area thus I have to change instructor (which she already knew when having 1st lesson with me) and she's going to refer another instructors in the same driving school to me. At that time there was just 1 month time before my test. But I don't want to give up manual and I have practiced intensively (around 16 hours) with her during the Christmas holiday before she moves and at the end she said I should be ready for the test.
The 1st replacement instructor is with a car with electronic hand brake and in diesel (I learnt in handle handbrake & petrol) which I completely can't get used to and in the first lesson I drove badly. He just don't believe I had more than 50 hours before and he said he'll be referring another instructor to me but I know he just doesn't bother to have lessons with me. And the 2nd replacement instructor he's so strict on the gear that he forced me to change to 4th gear at 30mph speed and have to keep checking all mirrors even when I'm driving in straight. I was so distracted from driving and felt so tired. And after 4 hours lessons he said I need at least 1 or even 2 months to be ready for test!
Then I booked another automatic instructor for 2 hours and carried out a mock test and she said I shall be ready for the test 9 days later. It's such a difference! Now I've got back the confidence and passion I had at the beginning and look forward to the test! But I still miss the feeling of changing gear and how responsive manual driving is. But I have to get the license ASAP because of my family and I can achieve with manual at the moment. However I promised myself I'll take the test in manual again in near future.
Thank you for watching, good luck with your test!
@@ConquerDriving did you read everything he wrote ?
@@spanishmontana6121 😁
@@spanishmontana6121I suspect he didn't want to wade into the minefield that is this comment.
As to the OP, I'd strongly suggest you DO check your mirrors on a straight and DO go into 4th at 30mph (so long as it's safe and you don't expect to have to slow down again shortly). The fact that you think you know better than your instructors is probably an indication of why some don't care to try and teach you.
I passed my manual test after 5 2hour lessons in a week, I never gloat to my friends I tell them I wish I did more lessons as I wasn’t ready for the road at the time I just passed, I was young and the experience you get from your time on the road with an instructor is invaluable, don’t rush headfirst honestly it’s worth taking your time.
I am a loner and I found hard manual really hard but watching your videos give me a little confident
Thanks for this. I’m learning in an auto at 38 for various reasons and finding it the best choice for me.
I passed my driving on auto one time and I drive manual perfectly. Like the presenter said. Positioning, road awareness etc are the main thing in driving
Are you allowed to drive a manual with a automatic driving license? In my country, automatic driving license holder cannot drive in a manual car.
@@choongkeat no you can't.
@@choongkeat I think nowhere in the world you can drive a manual with only automatic knowledge
@@alihorda usa you could, im not sure if you still can
but you cant drive manual, should have just passed on manual it's not hard
I have my automatic driving test in just under 4 weeks. It's funny how people assume that I'm doing it in an automatic to put less effort in. I bought my own car and between lessons and driving with my partner I'm getting up to 7 hours a week practice and really pushing myself. I don't know if it's enough to pass my test first time, but I'm not putting that pressure on myself and will just work even harder if I don't pass. This was a refreshing video, and very insightful! Good luck to anyone taking their test soon!
Best of luck to you! My automatic test is in 2 weeks 😁
I have my test in 2 days in an Automatic :)
Grand theft auto helped me to pass my test allot!
Seriously?
All the best from Germany! I passed my automatic test a few weeks ago. I was in a similar situation. I am sure you´ll pass!
I passed in a manual first time but didn’t drive thereafter for 15 years as I lived in London so didn’t need a car. Since I left London I’ve had refresher lessons in an automatic. This is firstly as I struggled with the clutch and changing gears and it is what has put me off driving again, but secondly I have a 2 year old and I want to focus on the road with minimal distraction as I’m so scared of having an accident, so it made sense for me. Still haven’t bought a car though as I’m still a nervous driver. It’s my New Years resolution to get one and these videos are helping me
thank you. I watched several of your teaching videos before the test. Very very useful. I passed the automatic car test this month. passed at the third time. I learned automatic driving from the beginning. I practiced for about 300 hours before the exam. My instructor said that I am a normal learner.🤪For me, those who have studied for dozens of hours and have never practiced privately with family and friends can pass the test. They are geniuses.😁 There are many situations on the road that require attention and right judgment. There's also not being able to miss every useful sign, which are a new driver's weakness.
Congratulations on passing!
I passed in an automatic car in 2019. I was really nervous for my test and didn't get any sleep the night before so I was suprised when I passed with 10 Minors. However I didn't feel ready and thought I could of done a lot better if my instructor wasn't rushing me to book the test and get it done. Thanks to your videos I have been able to relearn things like parking and road position Thank you Richard! 😆
Literally same except with 6 minors I think, tbf I didn’t feel ready for the test, but my instructor kind or rushed me, but it worked out cuz I passed first time
even if you get the maximum amount of minors (which i believe it’s 14) it’s fine because having 14 minors is still a pass at least it’s not a fail
how many lesson does it takes to be ready for test in automatic?
@@new25651 really depends, I think around 20-30 hours
I struggle with multitasking so taking gears and clutch out of the equation helps me focus on the road!🥰
you're so right - I've been learning in a manual car the last couple of years. I've had loads of people tell me in the past that it's better to learn in a manual and I've always learned in a manual. After doing 3 tests I decided to learn in an automatic and I couldn't be happier, the confidence is is completely different.
Very informative video.
Great work done!
This channel is so underrated... love all your videos
When I started taking lessons last August I had taken 37 hours of lessons before my test this June but failed ( I wasn’t helped by my instructor pressing the clutch on the dual controls so I didn’t stall) I took a few days to decide how I wanted to process and decided to try Automatic. As my driving was fairly good I only needed an hour lesson every fortnight and only needed 11 hours before my next test at the beginning of November which I’m pleased to say I passed with just four minors. For me automatic was a whole lot easier and thought exactly what you said ‘more cars are automatic today as they’re either hybrid or electric’
U had 37 hrs of lessons, so un needed, all I recommend is 15/20 hours then just drive around with your parents, friend ect for practice
@@finlayarnold5113 people have different opinions on the topic of how long they should practice for. Unlike you, he may want to have more confidence so he would do more hours. (Example)
Not everybody has a friend or relative to practice in between. My dad had automatic due to diabetes he died 6 years ago so I only have an instructor. Tbh though I really love the feeling of driving around regardless, i have got better due to utter experience and consistantly doing things its taken longer maybe but I am not in a rush to drive anyway
@@MickeyCool30 I too had no friends or family to learn from and tbh I never wanted to learn from anyone other than a qualified instructor so it’s taken me a bit longer than others. But according to DVSA I’ve actually taken less lessons than what a 53 year old would take. They say for every year after when you could take lessons you require an extra 2 hours plus a further 20 hours with a friend or family member. So at 17 year old to a 53 year old = 36 x2hours = 72 hours + the 20 hours with friend/family member I should have been looking at 92 hours. I passed my test with 48 hours. I think I did ok
Well done on passing 48 hours is slightly above the avarage so be proud of yourself.
I found when learning that having a understanding of the mechanics of the clutch was a big help, also forget about keeping up with the car in front at green light.
I passed today.your videos help massively
Congratulations on passing!
I’m due to take my automatic test in 2 weeks time 🚘
I’ve been taking lessons since September and although I was willing to take as many lessons as necessary my instructor said I’m test ready and I trust his judgement. I think people have a number of different reasons for choosing manual or automatic and personally I am an older learner with 4 children who will be in the car with me regularly and I just felt more comfortable with the idea of driving in an automatic.
Good luck to anyone with their test coming up!
Good luck with your test!
Good luck. You’ll do it 👍
Best of luck! 🍀
I passed today with 2 minors 🙂
@@daniellerobertson506 congrats! 😀
As a maths teacher I love the way you broke down the data here.
I enjoy your videos om currently learning to learn Automatic and i agree with manual it can be frustrating and the pressure of trying to learn manual got to me. Currently enjoying learning tge automatic feels alot more easier and ny confidence has went up big time. 👍
Interesting video - this year I passed both theory and test first time (test in a blizzard!) with automatic. I first started learning in manual over 10 years ago. First instructor awful, second lovely but didn’t go over the basics thoroughly enough as I’d had lessons before and I think there was a presumption that I remembered a certain amount (I did not!) and the last instructor had me for one manual lesson. At the end of the lesson, he turned to me and said he could tell how stressed I was; that my other skills like observation were great, but that the stress I felt over gears and clutch was clear. He said there was no point in learning manual long term, and I admitted I only did it because everyone told me to get a manual license and automatic car. Switched to automatic and MY GOD. So much better. I don’t drive to enjoy it (although I enjoy it much more in automatic) - I drive to get to my destination safely and increase personal freedom.
For anyone struggling in manual but reluctant to take automatic lessons due to judgement or pressure from friends or family (as it’s often not seen as ’proper’ driving) - do what’s best for you. Just have one lesson in automatic, and if it’s for you, it could mean you finally start to enjoy driving.
As a learner driver i can see why some people prefer auto im learning manual i can see why auto would be easier as i had a lot of issues with gear changing but that was down to me rushing and thinking i need to do everything at once but my driving instructor was very patient and helpful to me
In my opinion that's why most people stuggle with manual, it's rushing and confidence. You need to deal with these issues first. Operating the contraption is quite simple.
@@ConquerDriving thanks your video have helped a lot too it's like having a theroy lesson my next hurdle now is the driving test anxiety I have my 3rd test booked for a few weeks time
Thanks for you insight!
I passed my test in an automatic. I initially did learn in a manual, I actually had over 80 lessons (I dare not count exactly how many!) and failed the test three times. For me, the main issues were the sheer multi-tasking (which I still struggled with even after all that practice) and performance anxiety. For instance I failed my second test due to rolling down on a hill start, I didn't have issues with hill starts in the lessons leading up to the test, but in that instance my clutch-foot was physically shaking making it difficult to control (at the time, I was learning to drive in rural Wales where hill starts can be challenging). What would happen in a lot of my lessons and tests is I would make one mistake and that would dent my confidence and lead to a cascade of mistakes. Intellectually I know that its irrational and unwise to get worked up about mistakes during the driving, for the very reason I've mentioned, but I can't help it, that's just how my brain works. When I switched to an automatic, it definitely made things easier. As you say, the clutch and gears are only 10% of the driving, but for me, taking that 10% out of the equation definitely helped - it took the pressure off just enough for me to go about the test in a more relaxed and confident mode, and I passed. Whilst I knew that I was limited in the cars I could drive, its better than having no license at all.
Regarding why the overall pass rate is lower in automatics, I agree with your points about the cohort of drivers who take automatic tests. One thing I would add, is that I suspect automatic tests are more likely to take place in cities, where driving if more difficult for a number of reasons. Some test centres in Manchester (where I took my automatic lessons and test) have the lowest pass rates in the country.
Passing in a busy city is harder, you got your licence though, that's what counts.
@@ConquerDriving Thanks for your response. Regarding "What year will most tests be passed in an automatic?" - what is the typical lifetime of the learner cars (with dual-controls) that instructors use? I feel like the turnover date depends on that - as like any vehicles, from 2030 new learner vehicles will only be electric/auto.
Find this so interesting! I passed in an automatic first time with no minors after only 10 hours of lessons, I feel confident but honestly think I shouldn’t have been allowed to do my test on so few lessons! Now it’s snowy and icy I’m having my partner take me out to learn in these different conditions! 🙈
Wow, that is an incredibly low amount of hours. Well done for passing, take it easy out there, I have some videos on snow driving that may help.
th-cam.com/video/4tiHm8WxLWw/w-d-xo.html
I passed after 14 hours of lessons, mind you I did spend almost a year prior to that driving without a license..... I did eventually get busted by the police.
I passed my test in a manual in 2009, and up until last year, only drove manuals. But since buying an automatic last year (now on my second auto), it's been so much easier now. With roads being busy, it just frees up some of the thought process in dealing with traffic, and not having to think about gears.
I drive up to 4 different vehicles in a week, 2 manual (a clio and a transit), and 2 autos (a qx and ateca) and it's more relaxing around town to drive the automatics.
I rarely find myself 'thinking about gears'. Once you've got it you just drive, I thought it was like that for other people as well.
Either way, I agree it's more relaxing but sadly that also leads to more people staring at their phones while driving. Which is scary to me as I mainly ride my motorbike.
You're so right, I was thinking about learning in automatic because manual is just too many things to remember at once, but it is just me trying to skip learning and being eager to pass my test
I personally learn automatic after I did roughly 10hours of manual lesson. My instructor was very impatient and can be very harsh doesn't help people like me who need help to gain confidence..my automatic instructor is good his intention with every learner is to drive safe not just driving. My instructor always remind me that being safe driver is priority not the destination. I passed with 2minors but he can be too harsh at time..He told me i shouldnt book my theory coz i will fail dont waste my money.. i book my theory, pass it and proudly show it to him.
Sometimes I find instructors want pupils to pass the test. My instructor is more thinking of me being a safe driver long term, which is the right way to be as you are learning for life not just for a test
@@MickeyCool30 agree!! I really think knowing how to drive doesnt make anyone a good driver its the ability to drive safely that makes someone a good driver😁
My soap has uploaded, love this channel
Hi i have just started to watch some of your video's and info that you give in the video's dose help i can drive a manual car but prefer the auto so am going to do my test in the auto but thank you for doing these video's
Great video Richard, Re auto/man test percentage, I believe as close as 2029, and the distinction on test will disappear as per pre 1969.
I chose to learn in an Automatic because I thought it was a safer option in terms of my age, the area I live, and my circumstances. I passed second time (after a questionable fail due to the examiner looking left at a clear junction and missing me doing it) two weeks ago, and I don't regret only being able to drive a automatic. With the introduction of hybrid and electric cars, and as they become the norm, cars with manual transmission will be a thing of the past.
im only taking manual because they are the cars that will be in my price range lol
Yep that's what I thought manual cars are going to be history most new cars are dsg and when electric cars fully rollout thier will be no manual cars at all
Watching! Thanks mr Richard
God bless you for making these videos and helping us out
I took my test automatic driving in 2012 and became success third time in the driving test. I was a bit nervous driver then and found learning to drive an automatic car is easy so I could improve my confidence level. I never knew automatic pass rate is lower than manual in the UK. To be honest I thought it should be higher.... !!!
Wow, I passed in 2013, 2nd time (with no minors) and fascinating to know I was part of more than 90% of manual tests! I love driving auto now, especially here in Brazil, where the roads are insane!
This is very helpful and reassuring. I’ve tried three times manual driving tests (very silly mistakes that my instructor has never seen me do)but my instructor has gone automatic and I’m choosing to follow a really great instructor instead of a manual license. Was pretty heart broken as a petrol head but I’ll convert it in the future. I’m being assessed for autism and care are my special interest, no surrender 🏴☠️
I wish you the best of luck with your next test!
@@ConquerDriving quietly fangirling over this. Thanks for the content
I had about 90 hours of lessons and one failed test before my 2nd instructor suggested automatic lessons, but it wasn't until I got a third instructor who was fantastic, that I finally started improving quite quickly. I've got a test in a few weeks and I'm far more confident than the first test I did on manual. I do agree that most of driving is about observation and planning but I must admits not having to think about gears has helped immensly
Good luck with your test!
I'm learning with automatic as I couldn't do manual. It was too much for my autistic brain to take it. I did try though, For 6 lessons. I REALLY wanted to do manual, I still do. I felt that I had already failed when I admitted defeat. I don't feel that by doing automatic I'm skipping lessons, wanting the easy way out - it's easier for my brain to handle. I've done 32 hrs so far in automatic.... Still have more to go.
I was the same but eventually my mum helped me understand manual so I managed to learn manual but sometimes it's best to stick with automatic and then once You know You can pass the test You could try learning manual again so don't think of it as failing!
Nothing wrong with an auto, everything in life now is automatic, why do get obsessed with some bravado about gearboxes.
I completely understand and agree, I am autistic and have adhd too, I can do the gears but it’s so so stressful and I panic and am too hesitant- automatic I’m so much calmer and more confident
Nothing wrong with doing auto, do what suits you best and enjoy it.
Feel the same here. Taken me over 2 half years to finally feel ready for my test and I love auto ❤️.
I was learning manual,took me about ~30 hours to nail it.U r totally right: it’s mainly about confidence and observation at all times.It worked/works for me and I passed in 1st pass with zero mistakes. Currently I bought automatic car but honestly I’m very happy that I passed and learned with manual.Idea of learning just with automatic makes me feel incomplete that’s why i went with manual so i can drive both now.Great channel as always plenty of useful and top quality information 👌🏻💯
I learned in an Automatic, because I was unable to find an instructor that had space to accommodate new students. I was looking for an instructor for months, when I found one I was like a two months away from my test and tried a manual car which I did not get the hang of the clutch quick enough to be able to pass on my test.
I spoke with the guy and we agreed to just use my automatic car, and had like 10 lessons, with him where we sorted out the small things that needed sorting to help me pass on my test day. :D
Thanks for this video. I am currently and ADI teaching manual but going to switch this year to automatic. I think a big part of the low percentage rate for automatic tests, is likely to be down to instruction. Its like you said, the gears a small part with the main part being able to drive to your surroundings, conditions etc. I dont take any pupil for test unless they are ready and this will be the same with my auto pupils.
I agree that the gears for me weren't too much of an issue when I learnt to drive manual in the past but with my anxiety, I decided to try an automatic and I do find it easier and less overwhelming to concentrate on what's happening around me without having to think about gears. I've got my third test on Saturday (my first in an automatic) and I've been doing an intensive course this week to refresh and practice my skills because I find weekly lessons I don't learn as well because my anxiety takes over the whole lesson. Hopefully I pass this time and can get more confident as time goes on.
Good luck with your test! Try to treat it like a normal lesson.
@@ConquerDriving I'm literally watching your videos right now when the notification popped up! Thank you, I've found my lessons seem to feel faster everyday so by Saturday, it'll be over before I know it!
@@ConquerDriving Just as an update, I passed today with 1 minor! Thanks for all the helpful videos 😊
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I passed in an automatic car last month with only 1 minor : ) I picked auto because I wanted to pass as quickly as possible & my plan was to then learn manual but now I don’t think I will bother now. Driving is driving & I can now drive 🚗🚗
Your pupil done well pulling out onto Ipswich road roundabout and the lovely Greenstead roundabout, IMO the worse two roundabouts in Colchester.
The best driving instructor in the hole wild world. Thanks a lot for your videos and valuable advice.
I ended up passing in an automatic for one reason and one reason alone: the 3 manual driving instructions I had were absolutely appalling and ruined my self confidence (one would grab the wheel and then realise I hadn’t actually made a mistake and another would force me onto fast roads when I wasn’t ready by screaming at me and tapping the wheel angrily). Sure I could’ve kept shopping around for another manual driving instructor (as not all are like the 3 I endured) but having already spend nearly £1000 at a time when lessons weren’t all that expensive I’d just had enough and the only instructor I could find who dealt with nerves and confidence issues happened to be an automatic instructor. 🤷♀️
Speaking from my own experience: while I get that there’s vastly more to driving than gears, having to focus on clutch control and changing gears adds to the cognitive burden. It’s harder to focus on other traffic, road conditions etc when you’ve got a part of your brain focused on that.
I think it does vary person to person. There are people I know who really do have to focus on clutch control and gear changing. Whereas a number of other people, after some hours of practice, do it on instinct, its not at all a cognitive decision or process for them. So it some ways I think it depends how "natural" it feels to used a clutch and gears.
That's what makes driving a manual so much more fun.
100% this, and I don't have the money to throw at getting better at it in lessons
@@paulop3730 maybe, but the primary purpose of driving is not enjoyment but to get from A to B safely without having to rely on public transport or lifts from friends and family. An auto licence enables you to do that. You can always take a manual test later on if you want, and by that point, you will have a more solid foundation of general driving experience onto which you can add manual driving skills.
IMO learning to drive a manual straight away is like going straight into ice hockey lessons before you’ve mastered skating. There was once a time when it was necessary to do this because it was hard to find cheap automatic cars of the sort a new driver would need to buy and insure, but that’s no longer the case.
It very quickly becomes muscle memory. I never think about clutch control or gears or anything I just do it.
My test is next month and I've run out of money for lessons, so I've had to practice on my own for a while (I've paid for 65 hours so far). I just could not get on with manual, the automatic was so much better, and even with automatic I've really struggled. Thank you for explaining this! X
Back in the day, I was a student having an international driving licence, although I never drove a car before. Bought a cheap nissan micra incidentally. After practising on that car for almost more than a year without an instructor, I decided to go through the test. Well, I did not have money to pay for lessons, but I was working as a part-time delivery driver, so I used to practise automatic car on job. Ultimately, I requested my instructor that I have money for a maximum of two lessons on automatic she agreed on conditions. On my first lesson, she pointed out a couple of faults. On the next lesson, after some days, it was on test day that she instructed me more than an hour than straight to the test centre and passed in first go with 3 minor mistakes. Thanks for the automatic car and my instructor.
I teach in both manual and automatic. My pass rate in automatic is lower than manual for the reasons outlined here. What I’ve found is that, because I have both cars, when I offer the opportunity for those who came to me because they couldn’t deal with the gears from the start, they manage fantastically well once they have already learnt to deal with position, hazard procedures and anxiety from other road users.
I did manual at first and then changed to automatic, I feel so much more confident and I don't regret doing manual at 1st. It still taken me ages to get to my point but I happy to where I'm and it's different to everyone. I might do manual again after a few years to get more practice and confidence, but I fine with sticking to auto 😁.
I appreciate how you put a well informed video and mentioned also that there is nothing wrong with driving an automatic as there is a lot of stigma from manual transmission elitists so to say😅
I passed my test in February this year, I started with my aunt in law she took me out on her vuaxhall grandland, I really liked the car and driving was alot more fun for me, that gave me alot of confidence to start with a driving instructor and I passed 2nd time round, I have learnt to drive in a manual I to be honest I don't miss changing the gears.
OMG yes. I've been trying to get my automatic license quickly because I need to drive to work but it's been over a year, test waiting times are out of control.
I passed my manual test in September and got an automatic as my first car. So much more comfortable and makes me less anxious at junctions, motorways, roundabouts. I didn't want to have to learn how to drive again by going from my instructors shiney new car with all the mod cons and assistance to an older car. The automatic takes away the fear of the clutch and stalling.
Why do we fear stalling so much. The worst that’s going to happen when you stall is you jolt forward a bit and the car turns itself off. It’s not going to blow up! Just turn it back on and go again. If a drivers ability level is good enough, this should be an easy process and should take only a few seconds
@@sarah.93.30 Well, stalling can be dangerous in heavy, bumper to bumper traffic hours, when people are in a hurry and quite agitated. I have seen a guy stall on the green traffic light, the guy behind him saw it and stop, but the bus driver behind those 2 didn't, so he bumped them a few meters into the intersection.
I'm thinking about doing the same if I pass. The thing I worry about is going into wrong gear on a fast road etc, something I have done a few times. It seems like automatic would take a lot of hassle out of driving.
@@clownworldcartoons It definitely makes life easier and you feel more safe as a new driver. I think the main downside of getting an automatic straight away is not building up experience in a manual. If I suddenly had to change back to a manual I wouldn't be confident at all and would feel I'm back to square one again.
@@clownworldcartoons if you go into the wrong gear, the car will start making a load noise, just put the clutch in, select right gear, clutch back out again, and off you go. The car won’t blow up if you select the wrong gear. Don’t be fearful, it’s just driving. 😀
Some people who take the manual tests have experience from before they get into legal driving age. My pops taught me the basics when I was 12 on an empty field with a manual car, and kept giving me easy tasks over the years to build up my confidence (finding parking space, parking etc.).
Learning to drive in colchester sets you up very well to do so elsewhere.
Roads here in UK are challenging especially the roundabouts and narrow roads, so automatic is much better. Changing gears with this situation is stressing.
Come to India 🇮🇳 ♥
You're spot on 😉
@@sachhidananddhurua8947 The only thing I would drive in India is an armored Tank and even then I would be worried about being killed by a crazy driver.
This mf can't drive manual
if you dont challenge yourself with these tough situations you will never be a confident / safe drive
I learned manual and passed first time with 3 minors, friend did automatic only and failed twice before only just passing his third test. I believe it comes down to the individual and not which test you do or what car you drive, personally just switched to automatic and would never go back to manual but its nice to have that option if i needed to, people pick automatic as the main thing with manual is obviously clutch, gears, stalling, hill starts and automatic takes that all away but you're still left with positioning and observations etc which people fail for when the whole point in automatic is to free up what your doing to be able to consecrate more on the road, people see automatic at easier and rush then end up failing.
Dunno why its lower i passed first time i would have thought manual will be harder with all the clutch and gears. I went auto to bypass all that and have more time to learn the roads. 7 minors isnt too bad although 2 of them on my part i should have done. Right that the end in the car park he said to park in the right and i didnt check center, right then indicate to let the lass behind me know. Its amazing passing and its down to you and your content on still here now watching videos still as i want to learn more. Nice one
I’m an automatic learner with about 15 ish hours. I’m 39, have adhd and pre emptied my ability as I pretty much know my limitations and what I find hard. I have never in my life driven a manual car and before January of this year, so 4 months I had never driven a car, ever. Now I’m more and more confident each lesson in the hope to pass first time 😊 I passed my theory test first time last week that’s also a huge milestone for me. Also my instructors car is electric, and all electric cars are auto, this might actually explain the rate of auto tests going up
As a driving enthusiast, I could not JUST learn automatic but I understand why some people go down that road (if you excuse the pun). Personally , automatic is harder when you’re used to manual. I once tried an automatic car and found that I couldn’t control my speed because the cars in no particular gear and I felt less involved with driving the car which in turn reduced my confidence.
I feel like most people find manual challenging because they don’t give themselves the time needed to learn it . It took me a whole year before I felt confident driving a manual, I also accepted the fact that I will be slow and confused at the beginning but most people simply don’t want to be in that stage.
To be fair, something automatics are better than others but I agree that if you have superb clutch control you will have better low speed control in a manual than most automatics.
I had manual lessons to start with however my instructor was not encouraging and shouted a lot , which dampened my confidence. So I changed to automatic and a different instructor. Driving in automatic changed my driving confidence and and I felt I started progressing for the first time.
Me too in my first lesson we did clutch control next to a busy road so that already made me nervous seeing cars behind waiting for me and then in the second took me to the main road and I literally didn’t know what to do because of my nerves and all he did was like “what are you doing” :(
Hi i commented on one of your vids last year was supposed to have my test in November however my daughter was born 10 weeks early so its now in March. Wish me luck lol xx
Good luck and congratulations on your baby.
I really struggled with learning manual initially, the first ten hours were rough. Then it just clicked. Grateful I stuck with it and my instructor was encouraging
But now I don't know how to drive an automatic 😂 might need lessons because I don't have access to an automatic car
I'm thinking maybe 2040 for majority automatic learners! A solid decade after the new petrol ban because people take a while to adjust and the reselling market has that edge now
Unless electric vehicles become rapidly more affordable