The Benefits of Learning to Drive in a Manual Car

One of the key decisions that new learner drivers have to make when they decide to start driving lessons is whether they want to learn in a manual or automatic car. Both have their advantages, with automatics being easier to drive being the main reason why some choose them.

However, there are plenty of benefits to learning how to drive in a manual vehicle too. Keep the below in mind before you make any decisions.

You Can Drive Automatic Too

If you pass your test in a manual vehicle, you will have the choice of buying a manual or automatic car when you get on the road. The same cannot be said if you learn in an automatic, as you are restricted to that type of car alone. This means you have a little more flexibility if you go the manual route and can always switch to an automatic if that is your preference.

Fuel Efficiency

While most modern automatic vehicles do a pretty good job at shifting between gears, older models will generally not be as quick or smooth as a manual driver. As most young drivers tend to purchase older cars when they start out, being able to drive a manual may save you a lot of money on fuel when you first start driving.

More Understanding

Driving manually gives you a better understanding of your vehicle and how its power is used. You’ll understand more about what your vehicle actually needs from you, plus you are in complete control at all times.

Preventing Distracted Driving

Having to focus constantly while behind the wheel is not a bad thing. Automatics can encourage you to cruise along and zone out a little, as all you need to do is keep tabs on your speed and the road ahead. By going through the motions of changing gears you keep your mind active, which will usually lead to more effective driving.

Fewer Restrictions

This was covered a little above but deserves its own point too. Being able to drive manually means you have your pick when it comes to the car your drive. You won’t have to cut things off your list because you don’t know how to shift through gears. There are few worse feelings for new drivers than realising they can’t have the cars they want because they aren’t qualified to drive them.

Cheaper Maintenance

Manual cars are generally cheaper to maintain because mechanics are able to focus on more specific issues when problems occur. The most common problem with a manual is the clutch, but driving well should ensure that maintains its strength for thousands of miles. However, if something goes wrong with the transmission of an automatic you will likely need to shell out a lot more to repair or replace an entire unit.

The Driving Experience

Getting out on the open road and really feeling like you have full control over your vehicle is a feeling that can’t be imitated easily by an automatic. You really get to feel everything you do in the car when driving manually.