Why Learn To Drive Automatic?

Thinking about learning to drive in an automatic?

You´re certainly not alone. Automatic cars have become increasingly popular, and learning in an automatic is now a mainstream choice rather than the unusual option it once was.

In 2025/26, 29.4% of all car driving tests were taken in an automatic. That´s almost 3 in every 10 tests, compared with only around 4% in 2007/08.

WHY CHOOSE AUTOMATIC?

For many learners, an automatic simply makes learning to drive less complicated.

With no clutch pedal and no manual gear changes to think about, you can concentrate more of your attention on what´s happening around you – observation, positioning, speed, other road users and making safe decisions.

There´s no clutch control to master, no gears to select and no risk of stalling the engine.

That doesn´t mean learning to drive is easy. You still need to develop all the skills required to drive safely and independently, but removing the clutch and manual gearbox can make the learning process simpler and more enjoyable.

AUTOMATIC CARS ARE BECOMING THE NORM

The cars we drive are changing too.

Around 83% of new cars sold in the UK in 2025 were automatic. Electric cars are automatic, while hybrids and many modern petrol cars also use automatic transmissions.

For many new drivers, the traditional assumption that everybody should learn in a manual car is becoming less relevant.

WHAT ABOUT AN AUTOMATIC LICENCE?

If you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your licence allows you to drive automatic vehicles but not manual cars.

For some people, having a manual licence will still be useful – particularly if you know you´ll need to drive a manual vehicle for work or regularly use a manual car.

But if you expect to drive automatics anyway, learning in one can make perfect sense.

AUTOMATIC DRIVING LESSONS WITH DANIEL CAMERON DRIVER TRAINING

I specialise exclusively in automatic driving lessons and provide relaxed, friendly and professional tuition.

Lessons aren´t about memorising rigid routines simply to pass a test. My aim is to help you become a safe, confident and independent driver, with skills that will stay with you long after you´ve passed.

Lessons are carried out in a modern Toyota Yaris Hybrid automatic – an easy-to-drive, comfortable car that´s ideally suited to learning.

If you´re considering automatic driving lessons in Kilmarnock or the surrounding East and North Ayrshire areas, please get in touch.