Driving lessons
Automatic driving lessons near you
Learn without a clutch pedal in sight. Search the Passly marketplace, filter for automatic instructors near you and compare prices, cars and availability before you book.
Find automatic driving instructors near me
What are automatic driving lessons?
Automatic driving lessons are taught in a car that changes gear for you. There is no clutch pedal and no gear stick to work, so you cannot stall, and your early lessons focus on steering, observation and road position instead of clutch control. You still learn every other skill a manual learner does, from roundabouts to manoeuvres, and you sit the same practical test, just in an automatic car.
The main trade-off is the licence: pass in an automatic and you can drive automatics only, while a manual pass covers both. Our guide to manual vs automatic driving lessons walks through that decision in detail. With electric cars all being automatic, more learners each year decide the automatic route fits the car they will actually drive.
Why learners choose automatic
What automatic lessons change about learning to drive, and the one licence rule to know before you pick.
No clutch, no stalling
Automatic cars have no clutch pedal and no gear stick to manage, so you can put all your attention on the road, steering and observation from lesson one.
Often fewer hours to test standard
With clutch control and gear changes out of the picture, many learners feel confident sooner. How many lessons you need still depends on you and your practice.
Suits stop-start town driving
Automatics make queues, hills and busy junctions less stressful, which is one reason many learners in cities choose them.
Matches the cars people now buy
Electric cars are automatic by design, and many new petrol and hybrid cars are automatic only, so an automatic licence lines up with where driving is heading.
One thing to know about the licence
Pass in an automatic and your licence covers automatic cars only. Pass in a manual and you can drive both. Choose based on the car you plan to drive.
A calmer way in for anxious learners
Removing gears takes away a common source of early-lesson stress, which is why automatic lessons are a popular choice for nervous drivers.
How to find an automatic instructor on Passly
Enter your postcode or town in the search above and Passly shows instructors who teach near you, with a transmission filter so you can narrow the results to automatic only. Every profile shows the instructor's car, hourly and block prices and their live diary, so you can weigh up your options side by side and book a slot online rather than ringing round.
Not sure what to look for in a profile? Read how to choose a driving instructor and how much driving lessons cost, or browse driving lessons by location.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find automatic driving lessons near me?
Search your town or postcode on the Passly marketplace and set the transmission filter to automatic. You will see instructors near you who teach in an automatic car, and each profile shows their prices, car and live availability so you can compare and book online.
Are automatic driving lessons easier than manual?
Most learners find them simpler to start with. There is no clutch pedal and no gear changing, so you cannot stall and you can concentrate on steering, observation and road position. The driving test itself covers the same skills apart from gear control, and examiners mark to the same standard.
Can I drive a manual car if I pass in an automatic?
No. If you pass your test in an automatic you get a licence for automatic cars only. To drive a manual you would need to take another test in a manual car. If you pass in a manual, your licence covers both. Think about the car you are likely to own before choosing.
Do automatic lessons cost more than manual lessons?
Automatic lessons are often priced slightly higher per hour, partly because automatic tuition cars can cost instructors more to run. Prices vary by instructor and area, so compare hourly and block rates on instructor profiles near you rather than assuming a single going rate.
How many automatic driving lessons will I need?
It varies by person. DVSA guidance suggests learners typically need around 45 hours of professional lessons plus about 22 hours of private practice to reach test standard. Some learners get there faster in an automatic because there is less to coordinate, but regular lessons and practice matter more than transmission.
Is an automatic licence enough for electric cars?
Yes. Electric cars have no gearbox in the traditional sense and are driven like automatics, so an automatic licence covers them. As more of the cars on UK roads become electric or automatic only, an automatic licence rules out fewer cars than it used to.
Other types of driving lessons
Find an automatic instructor near you
Search your area, filter for automatic transmission and compare instructors' prices, cars and availability before you book.