60-second summary
What are the pros and cons of manual and automatic cars? Here’s a quick summary:
Not having to change gear yourself means automatic cars can be easier and less stressful to drive, especially for learner drivers
Manual cars can be cheaper to buy and insure
The advantage of a manual licence is that you can drive both types of cars without having to take an additional test
Fuel efficiency is less of an issue with newer automatic cars
Having a licence to drive a manual car gives you more choice of cars if you’re looking to buy or hire.
What’s the difference between a manual and an automatic car?
In a manual car, you’re responsible for choosing the right gear. Get it wrong and you could stall, making every other driver behind you roll their eyes and curse. A manual car has three pedals: accelerator, brake and clutch. You press the clutch and use the gearstick to change gear. There can be up to seven gears on a manual car, including reverse.
An automatic car, as the name suggests, changes gear for you.
It has just two pedals: an accelerator and a brake. You use the gearstick to choose the mode the car should be in – park (P), reverse (R) , neutral (N) or drive (D). Once you put the car in drive, it automatically selects the right gear.
Is automatic better than manual?
Both have advantages and disadvantages. So, unless an impairment makes changing gears tricky for you, it’s a matter of personal preference.
But not all models come with a choice. Many models now are purely automatic with no manual versions. And almost all electric cars are automatic.
Pros of automatic
Automatic gear change: not having to change gear means one less thing to worry about, especially for learner drivers. Changing gear can be tiring in traffic and distracting while you’re reading the road. Some of the newer automatic cars are also incredibly efficient – they can change a gear quicker than a person might be able to and will always be in the right gear for the conditions.
A smoother drive: automatics tend to be smoother than manuals, letting you creep forward or backward easily when parking, and changing gear almost imperceptibly.
Cons of automatic cars
Fuel efficiency: in the past, automatics have been less fuel-efficient than manual cars. However, this is changing, and some are now equally efficient or more efficient. This will depend on the age, make and model of your vehicle.
Price: automatics can be more expensive to buy, service and insure.
Temporary cars: most cars in the UK are manual, so getting hold of an automatic courtesy car or hire car can sometimes be more complicated.
Expensive repairs: as an automatic gearbox is more complicated than a manual gearbox, they can be more expensive to fix.
Is manual better than automatic?
Again, there are pros and cons.
Pros of manual
More control: manual cars usually feel more responsive and you’ll have more control over the car as you choose when to change gear.
Price: manuals are generally less expensive to buy as they don’t use as much complicated tech as automatic cars. Likewise, they can be cheaper to repair and insure.
Fuel efficiency: if you’re a good driver, using your gearbox effectively and accelerating and braking smoothly, you could find a manual vehicle is more fuel efficient.
Cons of manual
Distraction: while you’re changing gear, you need to take one hand off the steering wheel – which has the potential for making driving less safe.
Stalling: it can be easy to stall a manual car. This is much less likely with an automatic.
Did you know?
The number of learner drivers taking their test in an automatic car has increased in recent years.
In 2012-13, 88,000 driving tests were taken in automatic cars, with 40% of people passing, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. By 2023-24, this had increased to 455,000 tests, with a pass rate of 43%.
Should I learn in a manual or automatic car?
An automatic is usually easier to learn in – you put your car in ‘D’ for ‘drive’ and off you go. With a manual car, you’ll need to make sure you’re in the right gear for the speed and road conditions. Because there’s less to master in an automatic car, some learners may pass their test faster. But lessons in an automatic car might be more expensive than learning to drive in a manual.
Can you drive a manual car with an automatic licence?
No. If your driving licence is only for automatic cars, you’ll have to upgrade it by passing a practical driving test in a manual car.
You don’t have to apply for another provisional licence before starting lessons in a manual car. But you must follow all the usual rules, including displaying L plates.
Can you drive an automatic car with a manual licence?
Yes, if you have a manual licence, you can drive an automatic car. However, some drivers find it hard to make the transition.
Does automatic car insurance cost more than manual?
Yes, you may pay more for automatic car insurance than you would for a manual car. This is because repairs on automatic cars can be more expensive. Inexperienced younger drivers tend to pay more for their insurance, whether for manual or automatic, because of their higher risk of having an accident. In March 2025, 51% of Compare the Market customers could achieve a quote of £585.26 for comprehensive car insurance for a manual car. This compares to £765.83 for an automatic car.
Other factors can affect the price of your car insurance including:
Engine size
Your car’s value
Your car’s age
Any modifications you’ve made
What security features you have, such as an alarm or immobiliser
How many miles a year you drive
Where you live
How old you are
Your job.
Compare car insurance
Before you get behind the wheel of your car, manual or automatic, you’re going to need suitable insurance.
Tell us a little about you, your car and your driving history, and we’ll show you a list of car insurance quotes so you can see if you can save.
FAQs
Is it difficult to find a driving instructor with an automatic car?
You might need to search a bit harder for a driving instructor with an automatic car.
You can find an instructor who is approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on GOV.UK. Just put in your location, then choose your preferred instructor.
What is a DSG gearbox?
A DSG gearbox, also known as a direct-shift gearbox, can give you the best of both worlds: the ease of an automatic with the option of changing to manual mode, if you want to override the automatic gear changes.
DSG gearboxes are often fitted on sportier car models. Because of the complex technology involved, these tend to be more expensive to buy and insure than conventional automatic or manual versions.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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