Are Manual Drivers Facing Extinction as Learners Choose Automatics?

This article explores the rising trend of automatic driving tests in Great Britain, highlighting how changing preferences toward electric vehicles (EVs) and the impending ban on petrol and diesel cars are influencing learner drivers. With one in four tests now taken in automatic cars, this shift reflects broader changes in the automotive landscape and the practicalities of driving in a modern world.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• One in four driving tests in Great Britain are now taken in automatic cars.
• The trend is driven by the UK's impending ban on petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
• Drivers who pass their tests in automatics receive a restricted Category B Auto licence.
• More learners are choosing electric vehicles for their driving lessons.
• Automatics can simplify the learning process and enhance road safety.

The Shift to Automatic Driving Tests

Recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicates that approximately 470,000 out of 1.8 million driving tests taken in England, Scotland, and Wales last year were conducted in automatic vehicles. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, where only a small fraction of tests were completed in automatics.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA's driving school, notes that the necessity of mastering manual transmission is becoming "irrelevant" for many learner drivers. With the UK government’s commitment to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the shift towards automatic vehicles aligns with a growing acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) that do not require a manual gearbox.

The Implications of Driving Automatic

To obtain a full driving licence in Great Britain, a driver must pass their test in a manual vehicle to gain unrestricted access to all types of cars. However, passing in an automatic car results in a Category B Auto licence, which limits the driver to vehicles with automatic transmission only. This distinction is significant for learners considering their options.

Understanding the Automatic Licence

When learners choose to take their driving test in an automatic vehicle, they are making a deliberate choice that reflects current trends in car ownership and driving preferences. While an automatic licence facilitates ease of use, it restricts the driver from operating manual vehicles. This raises questions about whether the traditional requirement to learn manual driving remains relevant in today's automotive environment.

Factors Driving the Trend Towards Automatics

There are several key factors contributing to the increasing popularity of automatic driving tests:

• Government Policy: The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, creating an environment where electric vehicles are becoming the norm.
• Cost Considerations: While EVs are often more expensive upfront, they offer lower running costs, making them attractive to new drivers.
• Ease of Learning: Many driving instructors, like Sue Howe from Sue's Driving School in Swindon, argue that automatic vehicles make learning to drive simpler and less stressful.
• Safety Concerns: Automatics can contribute to safer driving experiences, as they allow learners to focus more on the road rather than managing complex gear changes.

Demographics of Automatic Test Takers

Interestingly, the DVSA data reveals a demographic shift. In 2012/13, only 6.12% of driving tests were taken in automatic vehicles, amounting to 87,844 tests. Fast forward to the last complete data period in 2024/25, and that figure has jumped to 26%, representing 479,556 tests. This trend indicates a significant change in attitudes toward automatic vehicles over just over a decade.

Moreover, data shows that the percentage of male learners opting for automatic tests has increased from 23.2% in 2012/13 to 39.1% last year. This shift suggests that gender norms surrounding driving preferences may be evolving, with more men recognising the benefits of automatic vehicles.

Future Projections: Where is the Trend Heading?

As the automotive industry continues to pivot towards electric vehicles, the AA predicts that by 2025/26, 29% of all driving tests will be conducted in automatic cars. This projection underscores a broader acceptance of automatics as a practical choice for learners.

Comparative Pass Rates

While the pass rate for automatic tests is slightly lower than for manual ones, the gap has narrowed significantly since 2012. This trend may reflect the increasing confidence of learners in operating automatic vehicles. The learning experience is less complex, allowing drivers to concentrate on road safety rather than the mechanics of driving.

Conclusion

The move toward automatic driving tests in Great Britain is influenced by a combination of government regulations, economic factors, and evolving attitudes towards vehicle ownership. As the UK approaches its 2030 deadline for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles, it is likely that the trend towards automatics will continue to accelerate. This change presents an opportunity for new drivers to embrace a simpler, more efficient driving experience, aligning with the future of transport in the UK.

As the landscape of driving continues to evolve, how will you adapt to the changes in vehicle technology and driving preferences? Consider the implications of driving an automatic vehicle and the role it might play in your own driving journey. #DrivingTests #AutomaticCars #ElectricVehicles

FAQs

What percentage of driving tests are taken in automatic cars?

As of the last complete data from 2024/25, approximately 26% of driving tests in Great Britain were taken in automatic cars, up from just over 6% a decade ago.

What is the difference between a manual and automatic driving licence?

A manual driving licence allows the holder to drive both manual and automatic vehicles, while an automatic licence restricts the holder to driving only automatic vehicles.

Why are more learners choosing automatic cars for their driving tests?

Many learners find automatic cars easier to drive, which can reduce the stress of learning and improve focus on road safety. Additionally, the rising popularity of electric vehicles contributes to this trend.

How has government policy influenced the shift to automatic driving tests?

The UK government’s commitment to banning new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 has encouraged a trend towards electric and automatic vehicles, aligning driving tests with future vehicle technology.

What are the safety implications of driving an automatic vehicle?

Driving automatic vehicles can enhance safety by allowing drivers to focus more on the road rather than managing gear changes, potentially leading to fewer distractions and better overall driving performance.