Automatic vs Manual: Which Car Should I Learn to Drive?

Cars, Lifestyle
September 23, 2025

Automatic vs Manual: Which Car Should I Learn to Drive?

By Kelly Fletcher-Jones

As a beginner driver in Australia, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make before even starting your driving lessons is choosing between learning to drive a manual or an automatic car. This enduring debate continues to spark discussions among drivers, instructors, and automotive enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors you need to consider when deciding which transmission type is best suited for your learning journey.

Understanding the Basics

Before delving into the pros and cons, it’s essential to understand what the fundamental difference is between the two types of transmissions.

Manual Transmission

Manual cars have a traditional gearbox that requires the driver to shift gears manually using a clutch pedal and gear stick. These vehicles typically have three pedals: brake, accelerator, and clutch. The clutch will need to be engaged every time you change through the gears typically done through a gear shift lever. Manual transmissions are also often colloquially called ‘stick shifts’ (referring to the shift lever).

Automatic Transmission

Automatic cars don’t have a clutch pedal or gear stick. The automatic gearbox does all the shifting for you and only requires the driver to choose between Drive, Park, and Reverse. This greatly simplifies the driving process and is usually more beginner-friendly.

Factors to Consider

1. Ease of Learning

Automatic transmissions are a lot easier to pick up, especially if you have never driven before. It takes away the need for finesse when it comes to clutch control and can make driving a smoother experience even for nervous beginners.

For someone just starting out, not having to worry about shifting can improve focus on road conditions and traffic rules. It can also help avoid some embarrassing moments like stalling in heavy traffic or at the lights.

Ease of learning is not an area that manuals generally shine in. They can be difficult to master initially and the delicate coordination of clutch and gear changes can be quite overwhelming for a beginner. It can take a lot longer for you to really feel confident on the road if you decide to start your driving journey on a manual.

2. Control and Driving Experience

While automatics can provide a smoother, more relaxed driving experience it can be a lot less engaging compared to manuals. When it comes to stop-start city driving and heavy traffic, automatics can take away a lot of the physical strain just from not having to constantly balance the clutch.

Driving experience is one area in which manual transmission cars really shine. They offer greater control over the vehicle and allow for precise RPM and gear matching based on road conditions. This is the reason why most driving enthusiasts prefer manuals to automatics.

3. Cost Considerations

Manual cars are generally less expensive to buy than their automatic counterparts. Automatic transmissions have more electrical components and torque converters which makes them more expensive to produce compared to manual transmissions.

Running Costs

Manual cars are typically cheaper to run in the long term. If you’re someone who enjoys a little bit of wrenching and fiddling, manual cars are a lot more approachable to learn to do repairs on compared to automatic transmissions. Automatic machinery is more complex, making it more expensive to diagnose and repair issues.

It’s also worth noting that just because automatic cars do not have a physical clutch pedal does not mean they have no clutch maintenance; clutch repair can be a significant expense in both manual and automatic cars but they tend to be more expensive on automatic systems.

As well as this, it’s also important to consider the potential cost of every driver’s worst nightmare: getting locked out of your car. If this happens to you, you’ll be required to employ the services of a local mobile car locksmith, like one that specialises in car locksmith services narre warren if you’re located in Victoria’s south east, for example.

Fuel Efficiency

Traditionally, manual cars have been more fuel-efficient due to their simpler mechanics. However, modern automatic transmissions have significantly narrowed this gap. The difference is more noticeable in low-speed city driving while the difference in fuel efficiency in high-speed highway driving is barely noticeable in modern automatic transmissions.

4. Licensing Considerations

In Australia, the type of car you learn to drive can affect your licensing options. This is a significant consideration if you are yet to begin your driving journey

Learning in a manual car allows you to get a manual driving license with which you can drive both manual and automatic cars. This provides much more flexibility in your vehicle choices down the road.

More importantly, if you learn to drive an automatic car and attain an automatic driver’s license, you are NOT legally allowed to drive manual cars. To upgrade your license to a manual one you will have to go through additional testing and can incur significant additional costs (depending on your state).

5. Car Choices

Consider the type of cars you’re likely to drive. If you are looking at hybrid or electric cars or high-end luxury cars, automatic might be the right choice for you. Automatics are a lot more common than manuals and almost every manufacturer offers an automatic counterpart to their manual options. However, the reverse is not true and most automatic cars do not come with manual as an option.

Another factor to consider is the type of driving you intend to do. Most small sports cars and driving-focused cars come standard with manual transmissions. If you are someone who intends to do heavy offroading in the bush, hardcore offroad cars are often only offered in manual configuration.

Australian Market Trends

In recent years, Australia has seen a shift towards automatic transmissions. According to industry data, automatic cars now make up the majority of new vehicle sales in the country. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas where traffic congestion is a significant factor.

However, manual transmissions still maintain a presence in certain vehicle categories, particularly in:

Budget-friendly small cars
Some sports and performance vehicles
Utility vehicles and utes popular in rural areas

Expert Opinions

Many driving instructors in Australia recommend learning to drive a manual car if possible. The reasoning is that it’s easier to transition from manual to automatic than vice versa. Additionally, having a manual license provides more flexibility in the future.

However, the choice ultimately depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Some instructors argue that for nervous learners or those primarily driving in urban environments, starting with an automatic can build confidence more quickly.

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Consider your long-term goals as a driver, the types of vehicles you’re likely to drive in the future, and your personal preferences when making this important decision. Whichever option you choose, remember that safe driving practices and thorough learning are the most critical factors in becoming a competent and confident driver on Australian roads.