- Four in 10 (41%) automatic learners chose this route because they thought it would be easier, yet pass rates are 10% lower than manual tests
- Automatic-only drivers say the biggest challenges are limited choice when buying used cars (36%), missing out on manual driving skills and higher car purchase costs (28%)
- More than half (56%) of automatic drivers feel that they are negatively judged by other motorists
- Uswitch insurances expert, Leoni Moninska, shares tips for learners deciding between automatic and manual lessons
The number of driving tests taken in automatic cars has more than doubled (106% increase) over the last five years[1]. Uswitch car insurance experts recently looked into the motivations behind learning to drive in an automatic, the challenges automatic-only drivers face and the sentiment towards their decision.
Convenience drives motorists to learn in an automatic
The study revealed that over two-fifths (41%) of respondents chose to learn in an automatic because they believed it would be easier than a manual, while 37% thought they would learn quicker. Additionally, 31% already had an automatic car within their household that they planned to drive.
Despite the perception that learning automatic is easier and quicker, test data contradicts this, with the overall pass rate in 2025 being 10% less in automatics than manuals[2].
The top perceived disadvantages among automatic-only drivers
| Disadvantage | % Automatic drivers who selected it |
| Limited choice when buying used cars | 36% |
| Missed opportunity of manual driving skill | 28% |
| Higher vehicle purchase cost | 28% |
| Restricted when borrowing friend / family members’ cars | 25% |
| Higher vehicle maintenance costs | 24% |
On top of the practical and cost-related challenges highlighted by respondents, Uswitch found that it can be more expensive and inconvenient to find an automatic driving instructor. Instructors teaching automatic charge £5.05 more per lesson on average than those offering manual lessons[3]. For a typical learner, this could add an extra £224.94 onto the overall cost of learning to drive[4]. Only a quarter (25%) of instructors at two of the biggest UK driving schools (AA and BSM) were teaching in automatic cars as of January last year. However, more instructors are moving towards automatic over time, with this figure increasing by 76% since 2022[5].
Do automatic drivers regret their decision?
There is sometimes a stigma surrounding automatic-only licence holders, with over half (56%) saying they can feel negatively judged by other motorists.
Reflecting on their decision, almost one in five (19%) revealed they generally regret learning to drive in an automatic. Over a third (35%) also said they would consider learning to drive a manual car in future, while a quarter (25%) have already done so since passing their automatic test.
Automatic drivers are prepared for the EV takeover
With the government set to ban the sale of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles by 2030 and with almost all EVs being automatic[6], automatic drivers may be better equipped for the future. Over seven in 10 (74%) respondents feel that learning in an automatic car has prepared them well for driving EVs. While the shift to EVs wasn’t one of the top motivations for learning in an automatic, planning to drive an EV or hybrid was a factor for just under a quarter (22%) of respondents.
Uswitch insurances expert, Leoni Moninska, reveals what to consider when deciding between automatic and manual driving lessons:
“It’s important to research the pros and cons to decide what’s best for your situation, but there are a few key factors to think about:
- Account for all costs: Learning to drive an automatic car, as well as owning one, is generally more expensive than a manual. Driving lessons are pricier in an automatic, as highlighted by the Uswitch research, and so are the vehicles themselves to buy and maintain. Insurance premiums can similarly increase, reflecting higher repair costs, for example, from November 2025 – April 2026, quotes for automatic vehicles were on average 17% more expensive than manual vehicles[7].
- Consider the future of manual cars: With the ongoing shift away from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles, being prepared for a future dominated by EVs, which are almost all automatic, may be sensible. It’s worth noting that the government’s ban will only apply to new car sales, so manual vehicles will still be available on the second-hand market beyond 2030. Additionally, consider that manual licence holders are legally allowed to drive an automatic as well.
- Prioritise your safety: Learning to drive requires care and attention to ensure the safety of you and other road users. Avoid basing your decision between automatic and manual solely on the speed or ease to learn, as this will differ for each individual. Instead, prioritise finding an instructor you are comfortable with so you have a supportive learning environment, as well as ensuring you have sufficient practice to build key driving skills such as hazard perception, vehicle control, planning and of course, confidence.”
Find out more about car insurance at Uswitch