The number of driving tests taken in automatic cars has more than doubled (106% increase) over the last five years. Uswitch car insurance experts recently investigated the motivations behind learning to drive in an automatic, the challenges automatic-only drivers face, and their reactions to the decision.
Convenience drives motorists to learn in an automatic
The study revealed that over two-fifths (41%) of respondents from a Uswitch survey chose to learn in an automatic because they believed it would be easier than a manual, while 37% thought they would learn more quickly. Additionally, 31% already had an automatic car within their household that they planned to drive.
Despite the perception that learning to drive in an automatic is easier and quicker, UK government driving test results data contradict this, with the overall pass rate in 2025 10% lower for automatics than for manuals.
The top perceived disadvantages among automatic-only drivers
The Uswitch survey also revealed that 36% of the drivers surveyed believed that learning to drive an automatic car limited their choice when buying used cars, whilst 28% thought they had missed out on learning a manual driving skill.
In addition to 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. Uswitch found that instructors teaching automatic charge £5.05 more per lesson on average than those offering manual lessons. Only 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.
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 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, drivers who learned to drive on automatic vehicles may be better equipped for the future. Over 7 in 10 (74%) respondents feel that learning to drive an automatic car has prepared them well for driving an electric car. 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 insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, said, “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 owning 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 to April 2026, quotes for automatic vehicles were on average 17% more expensive than manual vehicles.
- 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.”
The Survey was of 500 UK full driving licence holders who learned and passed their test in an automatic car. Responses were given between 2nd and 13th April 2026.
Let’s hope that after 2030 we don’t have winters like we had in the 1960s, electricity cuts will stop the country dead. Perhaps that’s the plan, one never knows.