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Driving is a necessary skill. This skill can open up new avenues to freedom and independence. You may be looking to learn to drive because you have to commute to work or pick up your children from school. Or you just want to make it easier to get from A-B. Our professional driving instructors are friendly and can assist you.
We welcome all levels of learners, from students just 17 who want to start lessons, to those who need our other driving lesson packages.
Both manual and automatic are the types of transmissions or gears found in a car. A manual car requires that you change the gears yourself when necessary. Automatic cars change the gears when needed for you.
- What Is The Difference Between Manual Cars And Automatic Cars?
- Which Is Most Popular Automatic Or Manual Cars?
- What Are The Benefits Of Learning To Drive An Automatic?
- Is There A Downside To Driving An Automatic Car?
- Driving Instructors Approved By The DVSA
- Your Very First Rastrick Driving Lesson
- How to Choose A Driving Test Centre
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What Is The Difference Between Manual Cars And Automatic Cars?
If you live in a busy city where shifting gears and clutch control is an essential part of daily driving, learning to drive a manual car may not be for you. Perhaps you have previously taken driving lessons in a manual car and found the handling of the gears difficult. Drivers may choose to drive an automatic because they can’t change gears easily due to a disability. If this is you, you’re not alone. Many people find learning to drive and passing the driving test in an automatic much easier.
Automatic transmission cars automatically change gears for you. If your car has a manual transmission, you will have to change the gears by yourself.
A manual car will have 3 pedals the brake, accelerator and clutch. You also have a gear stick which is used to change gears. The clutch is operated using your left foot while the other two are controlled with your right foot. Simply press the clutch down to change gear. The clutch must be down in order to move the gearstick and select the right gear for you. Most manual cars have a clutch pedal, but some cars have a trigger or button on the gearstick.
An automatic car doesn’t need a clutch as the gears are automatically changed. As the vehicle speeds up, the gears will automatically change higher and as it slows down the gears will change to a lower gear. The co-ordination between the clutch, accelerator and gear lever is not required when driving an automatic car. This makes it much easier to learn how to drive an automatic car over a manual. A footrest is usually used in place of the clutch. Automatic cars don’t have a clutch, so it is much harder to stall them. Also, you can not put the car in the wrong gear or grind the gears.
A Manual’s gear stick is different than an Automatic. A manual has one reverse gear and five, possibly 6, forward gears. The four main operations of an Automatic’s gear stick are (P), park, (D) drive, (N) neutral, and (R) reverse. There are many variations but these are the main four operations. These operations are easy to understand, except for neutral, which is used when you’re stopped at traffic lights, or in heavy traffic.
Another difference is that a manual car will not move on the flat unless you use the accelerator. An automatic, however, can be set into reverse or drive and the car will move by itself. While it will move it won’t be very fast until you press the accelerator. This is important to remember if you’re used to driving a manual car and plan to switch to an automatic
Our Rastrick driving instructors are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about your first automatic driving lesson
Which Is Most Popular Automatic Or Manual Cars?
The UK has a higher proportion of manual cars, but there is an increasing number of automatics being built each year. Automatic cars tend to be more expensive to purchase, run and maintain. They consume more fuel than a manual car, and are also more costly to repair or insure.
What Are The Benefits Of Learning To Drive An Automatic?
Although learning to drive in an automatic car can be easier than driving a manual car, it all depends on your specific difficulties. You won’t notice a difference if you struggling with a common problem such as observation.
You might find it easier to learn how to drive in an automatic if you have trouble with clutch control and gear changes. Driving in urban areas with lots congestion it is easier. Driving in traffic-heavy areas will require you to change gears frequently because of the constant stop-start nature. This can be an issue for experienced drivers as well as those who are learning to drive a manual vehicle.
An automatic car makes it easier when doing your driving test as you do not have the risk of stalling the car and any struggles you have with clutch control. In an automatic car you are able to handle difficult manoeuvres such as a turn in the road or a hill-start easier, which can be daunting for students who drive a manual car, as there are no gears or clutch control to worry about.
If you have difficulties with the gears in a manual car, an automatic car may be a better choice. You might find it easier to learn how to drive and pass your driving test.
Is There A Downside To Driving An Automatic Car?
As you can see, automatic cars are more expensive to own, maintain and run. Automatic driving lessons can also be more costly than manual lessons because of this.
One downside to learning how to drive in an automatic car is that it does not allow you to drive a manual car. If you pass your driving test in a manual car, your license will permit you to drive both.
Passing your driving test in an automatic vehicle may restrict your choices when it comes to renting or buying a car or van in the future. Also, if later you decide you would prefer to drive manual cars, then you’ll need to take another driving test.
Pass rates for automatic cars are usually lower than those in manual cars. However, don’t let this deter you as every year thousands of learners pass their driving tests in automatic cars.
Our Rastrick driving instructors are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about your first automatic driving lesson
Driving Instructors Approved By The DVSA
Our Driving Instructors offer high-quality driving lessons in Rastrick for drivers of all ages abilities and levels. They have years of experience and are approved and registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Driving lessons are available for beginners, experienced drivers, and those who are returning to the road after a break. You’ll feel calm, safe and confident while driving, no matter your age.
Our driving instructors are available to help you pass the driving test as fast and cheaply as possible, no matter what your reason is for learning to drive. You will receive a variety of lessons and driving courses that will help you get your driving license in no time.
Our driving instructors are qualified and experienced. They will teach you the most safe and efficient driving techniques. Their goal is for you to be a confident and capable driver.
Your Very First Rastrick Driving Lesson
Your first lesson will include an introduction chat with your instructor to get to know you and your driving history. Don’t worry if you have not had driving lessons before as most people haven’t During the chat, the instructor will verify that your provisional licence is in good order, conduct an eye examination, and then explain the basics of the vehicle you will be learning in.
No one knows Rastrick more than a local driving instructor. Your driving lesson will begin on the back roads of Rastrick, in a quiet area, away from other road users. This will allow you to increase your confidence and improve your driving skills in a quiet setting. You will learn about the different pedals and how to steer, control your clutch, move off and stop. You’ll face new challenges as you improve your driving skills.
Your instructor will carefully plan each lesson route to ensure you drive through all the junctions, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings with ease.
You must learn to drive safely right from the start. Bad habits can be difficult to break. Driving instructors have been specially trained to help you pass your driving test and be safe on the roads. You will benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience in driving and become a safe, confident driver.
Your driving instructor will create a written record of how you are driving. It will list all of the topics you need to know to be a safe driver for your entire life. These include techniques like parallel parking, turning in traffic (3-point turn), reversing around corners and an emergency stop. It will let you know what level you’re at now, and how much more you still have to learn.
Our Rastrick driving instructors are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about your first automatic driving lesson
How to Choose A Driving Test Centre
It is entirely up to you which test centre you choose. However, the choice of the test centre can directly impact how you perform on the day, and whether you pass. We recommend that the test centre is located near where you have taken your lessons. This will allow you to be more familiar with the roads and the surrounding areas when you take your driving exam.
Our Rastrick driving instructors are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about your first automatic driving lesson
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Is automatic easier than manual?
The most obvious benefit is that driving an automatic is considerably easier than driving a manual car. Driving can be less stressful, and it may be safer too. After all, if you don't have to worry about gear changes, you'll be able to focus entirely on the road ahead of you.
Are automatic cars better for nervous drivers?
Automatics are often a good choice for learners who need to pass their test sooner. Nervous drivers will also be able to build up their confidence more quickly if they don't have to worry about the clutch.
Do you have to do a theory test for automatic?
You usually need to take the theory test before you can get your full car driving licence. You do not need to take the car theory test if you: want to upgrade an automatic car licence to a manual one.
What happens in an automatic driving test?
The automatic driving test is a simplified version of the full driving test — because learners don't need to learn how to master a clutch or manual gears leaving them to concentrate on accelerating, steering, braking, manoeuvres and identifying possible hazards.
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