Should new drivers begin with a manual or just go automatic

Does learning a manual in today's day and age, especially with the electric vehicles proliferating, make sense?

BHPian MadinMumbai recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I have a child who is about to start learning to drive. Old school logic was to learn on a stick shift, because, well, because.

But going forward, especially with EVs proliferating, is that logic still solid? Should a young person start learning on an automatic instead? What's the opinion of experts here?

Here's what GTO replied:

Going against the tide, but unless the person is a car enthusiast, AT is fine. It will be far easier to learn. ATs are available in almost every car model on sale today and is usually the preferred choice. With some types of cars (EVs, premium cars), AT is the only way to drive. Out of the 30-40 different newly launched cars that I drive every year, perhaps one is an MT.

My sisters & better half used to drive MTs at one point. They haven't in 10+ years and have actually forgotten how to.

The only person who needs to know how to drive an MT today is a petrolhead, because of the occasional fun of rowing gears, high-revving an MT is unparalleled pleasure, and who knows, you could get the opportunity to drive a Classic Car, old Jeep or Padmini. Otherwise, the MT is irrelevant today.

Here's what BHPian It's Magic replied:

He would have to learn to drive a manual car, as I believe there isn't a separate section for automatic cars when obtaining a driving license, yet. Once he has his driving license, he can choose to only learn or drive an automatic car.

Here's what BHPian uneaz replied:

Highly recommended to learn Manual/Stick shift. Maybe your child would never have to drive one in their lifetime, but it is a bonus skill which is a plus if they ever happen to be in a situation where they need to commandeer a manual shift vehicle for emergency purposes or otherwise.

Here's what BHPian roy_libran replied:

My suggested steps:

1. Commence learning on Automatic
2. Master basic driving skills and work on advanced driving skills
3. Learn defensive driving
4. Build and improve muscle memory
5. Learn clutch-gear combo (Small learning step at this point)

Flipping the order places a very high learning load initially, and road + traffic conditions nowadays are not as forgiving as when many of us were learning to drive on Manuals 2, 3 or 4 decades back.

Here's what BHPian PetrolHead2272 replied:

Hi,

I just turned 18 and got my learner's license exactly two weeks ago.

Firstly, when you appear for the permanent driver's license test, you always have the option of taking the test on an automatic (in case the person hasn't learnt stick). However, once you obtain the driver's license, it'll clearly show that the holder is permitted only to drive a car with an automatic gearbox.

In case you decide to give the test using a manual car, you'll be eligible to drive both.

In my case, it didn't take me much time to get comfortable behind the wheel of an automatic. I had been driving for a bit before, but always with an adult. I'm now going to transition to the manual before I give my permanent DL test.

Old opinion states that it's hard, specifically for a newbie to learn an automatic after driving a manual, but I don't feel that way. IMO when you start off with an automatic, your mind is left free to focus on stuff like accelerator and brake inputs, learning the extremities of your car, steering inputs, etc, without worrying about gear changes. Once all those things are mastered, make the switch to a manual, the only thing left to learn is gear changes.

That's how I learnt, started off with an automatic, learnt the basics, and now transitioning to the manual. I know it's a very different approach to what the experienced drivers suggest, but that's what worked for me.

Safe driving, cheers!

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