What’s the difference between a manual and an automatic car?

You will discover that most cars are available in both manual and automatic versions, but what’s the difference?

You will also find that many manufacturers are offering their automatic models in electric and / or hybrid versions too. You won't however find a manual version of an electric or hybrid car.

So basically when you compare an automatic against a manual, it’s down to the gearbox. With a manual car, you’ll have to change gears yourself with the aid of a clutch and gear stick, while an automatic car changes gears by itself, depending on the speed you are travelling, rate of acceleration and revs.

When comparing the function of automatic and manual manual cars you will find that an automatic has just two pedals - the accelerator and brake. Where as the manual has a gear stick and a third pedal to operate the clutch. Because of these extra components, manual cars are more difficult to learn to drive in than automatic. However once you have mastered your clutch control and gears it becomes a natural thing to do and is the most common choise of car and to buy and learn to drive in in the UK.

Learners who choose to learn to drive in a manual car will also experience some form of stalling when trying to operate or manage the clutch which is something that they will need to master.

However, many drivers also feel that manual transmission cars are more fun to drive, and they give the driver more control over their cars performance on the road.

Automatic cars are seen to be easier to drive, as you don’t have to worry about clutch control or using a gear stick. However someone who has mastered a manual car may have other opinions on this and driving an automatic for the first time can be an unnerving experience. For those who find manual cars hard to learn in they tend to turn to learning in an automatic car which usually helps them overcome their problems.

However, learning in an automatic comes with its own drawbacks. If you pass your driving test with an automatic car, you’re only legally be allowed to drive automatic cars. Learning to drive with a manual transmission on the other hand means your licence will allow you to drive both manual and automatic cars. Giving you more options for cars you can drive and purchase. Driving lessons are also typically more expensive if you’re learning with an automatic compared to a manual.

Another thing to consider is that the pass rates for drivers taking their test with an automatic are actually lower than the rates for manual cars. According to the DVLA, the pass rate for manual cars is 47%, while only 39% pass with an automatic.

Here is a breakdown of some advantages choosing manual over automatic:

Manual cars tend to be more fun and exciting to drive,
Manual cars are cheaper to buy than an automatic,
Manual cars are usually cheaper to insure than an automatic,
Learning to drive with a manual means you’re licensed to drive both manual and automatic

Here is a breakdown of some advantages choosing automatic over manual:

Automatic cars are now often faster than their manual versions,
It’s easier to learn to drive an automatic car, and you don’t have to worry about stalling,
You can get electric or hybrid versions of an automatic car.

If you are interested in learning to drive with 4front Driving School - we can offer you manual driving lessons at the moment.

We may offer automatic in the future and can guide you in the direction of instructors who do if this is the direction you wish to choose.

To find out more about learning to drive with 4front Driving School please visit our website at www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk

Or contact us via email at 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com

Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool

Sat Nav In Your Driving Test

Sat Nav In Your Driving Test This part of the test is your independent driving part and it’ll last around 20 minutes - roughly half of the test. Following directions from a sat nav During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52) and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with. You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner. You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you nake a fault while doing it. One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead. If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 0790565722...

crossings

Types of pedestrian crossings When learning to drive a focus of a lesson can be based around pedestrian crossings. During your driving test, the examiner will be looking at how you deal with or react to pedestrian crossings. They want to make sure that you are planning ahead, showing awareness and responding to them them in the safest possible way. Pedestrian crossings get put into two main categories – uncontrolled and traffic light controlled. For all crossings: -In queuing traffic, you should keep the crossing clear. On approach to a crossing there will be white zigzag lines on both sides of the road to highlight there is a pedestrian crossing ahead – these also prevent people parking at any time and is a place you make no attempt to overtake. You should take extra care where the view of either side of the crossing is blocked by queuing traffic or incorrectly parked vehicles. Pedestrians may be crossing between stationary vehicles. Allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and ...

48 Hours Notice - Our Cancellation Policy

Like most reputable driving schools, we have a strict 48 hour cancellation policy that can be found via our website. https://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk/terms-and-conditions Lessons cancelled at short notice or missed for what ever reason (48hrs before lesson start time) will require payment in full. It is your responsibility to check times and dates of lessons. You will find that the driving test centre follows the same rule. We can't afford to be messed about for whatever reason. At the end of the day if you cancel why should we loose out? We could fill that slot with a paying student if you give us enough warning. Unfortunately some circumstances are unpredictable, but we have to be firm and present our policy like any other business. Please read our terms and conditions and ask any questions you may have. Please note: If we were to cancel last minute, you won't of course be ...

Search This Blog