Automatic or Manual Transmission: Which Car Is Best for You?

Learning to drive is a huge milestone. The opportunity to drive on local Perth roads and visiting friends and family across the country provides a newfound freedom.

But what should you learn to drive first… a manual car or an automatic car? Before you get behind the wheel, here’s what you should know about both drive types.

We’ll start with the most common question: What’s the difference between an automatic car and a manual car?

It all comes down to the transmission.

• Manual cars have traditional gearboxes, or transmissions. In other words, you shift through the gears to drive the car. The cars have three pedals; brake, accelerator, and clutch. You use the clutch pedal to change gears.
• Automatic cars don’t have the same gearbox. Once you put the car in “drive” or “D”, the automatic transmission does the work for you. You don’t need a clutch pedal.

Now that we’re clear on the technical difference between manual and automatic cars, let’s look at the features of each so you can choose the right transmission to suit your needs.

Manual Transmission

It can be a little harder to learn to drive a manual car; after all, there’s an extra pedal. But don’t let that put you off or let you get nervous. With sufficient manual driving lessons from friendly and experienced Perth driving instructors, you’ll be able to overcome any nerves and learn to drive with confidence.

Here are some key facts to know first before learning to drive a manual car.

• Cheaper to Run

Overall, manual cars cost less to maintain in the long run. The reason is that automatic machinery is more complex than manual, so it’s more expensive to diagnose the problem and fix automatic transmissions.

That said, it’s usually cheaper to fix a manual transmission than an automatic. The only exception is the clutch pedal which can be an expensive repair.

• Better Fuel Economy

Because manual transmissions are less complex than automatic transmissions, they’re more fuel-efficient. You’ll probably find you spend less money on fuel driving a manual car compared to automatic car.

• No More Driving Tests

Once you pass your manual driving test, you’re entitled to drive an automatic, too. There’s no need to sit a second driving test, because you’ve already shown you can control a manual and abide by all local WA road rules.

• Enhanced Control

With manual transmission, you’re always in control. You can instantly change gears to suit the road conditions. This is great for moving between urban areas and open stretches.

Automatic Transmission

Automatic cars are increasingly popular because they’re so convenient. They might cost a little more than manual cars, but they have their own benefits. Before booking your automatic driving lessons, read through these key points about automatic transmissions.

• Driver-Friendly

There’s no doubt that it’s easier to work an automatic transmission. You don’t need to coordinate gear changes, for one thing. And, you don’t need to worry about stalling in heavy traffic. You can keep both hands on the wheel and enjoy the drive.

• Great for Urban Areas

When you’re in heavy traffic, it’s hard work changing gears frequently. It’s tiring on both feet since you’re on the clutch so often. Automatic cars take the strain off your feet so you can stay alert and focus on the traffic.

• Easier to Learn

What all this means is that automatic cars are easier to learn. If you’re nervous about learning to drive, or you struggle with hill starts and changing gears, you should consider an automatic car. Automatic transmissions let you concentrate on road conditions rather than stressing over gear changes and working the clutch.

So, How Do I Decide Between An Automatic Car or Manual Car?

Choosing between manual transmission and automatic transmission is really a matter of personal preference. Through professional and informational driving lessons with experienced instructors, we will make sure you are confident and ready to pass the driving test first time regardless of transmission option.

Whichever car you go for, our specialist driving instructors can’t wait to get you on the road. Contact us today to find out more and book your first driving lesson.