Choosing whether to take your driving test in a manual or automatic car is an important decision for any learner driver in the UK. The type of transmission doesn’t just affect how you learn—it affects what licence you get, which cars you’ll be able to drive, and sometimes how quickly and comfortably you pass. In this post, we’ll compare Manual vs Automatic Driving Test, look at the latest statistics (from DVSA), explain the legal implications, outline the pros and cons of each, common reasons for failure, and give you practical tips to maximise your chance of passing.
Latest Pass Rate Data & Trends (Manual vs Automatic Driving Test UK)
Here are the most recent figures and trends from UK government sources and reputable analyses:
| Metric | Manual / All Cars | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pass rate (practical driving tests, UK overall) | Around 48 % (manual + automatic combined) | Around 42.7 % automatic only (2022-23) |
| Proportion of test passes in automatic cars | ~17 % of all passes (2022-23) | — |
Data source: DVSA driving test data – GOV.UK
Trends:
The share of tests conducted in automatic cars is rising. In 2022-23, about 17% of all passes were in automatics, up from ~13.4% the year before.
Predictions suggest this will continue increasing, in part because of the transition toward electric vehicles (many of which are automatic) and changing preferences among learners.
However, even with the perceived simplicity of automatic cars, the pass rate for automatic tests remains lower than the combined (manual + automatic) average.
Pros & Cons: Manual vs Automatic Driving Test UK
Here’s how the two compare, to help you decide what might suit you best.
| Feature | Advantages of Manual | Disadvantages of Manual | Advantages of Automatic | Disadvantages of Automatic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licence flexibility | Full licence to drive both manual & automatic cars. | None, in this respect. | Easier for those who only ever want automatic. | Restricted licence: only automatic cars, unless you retake the manual test. |
| Learning curve | Builds stronger vehicle control skills (clutch, gear changes, engine braking). | Requires learning clutch control, dealing with stalling, and sometimes more complex in slow traffic. | Simpler controls = less to worry about; less risk of stalling; more comfort, especially in traffic. | You still need good observation, hazard perception, etc. Might have fewer instructors/cars available. |
| Test pass prospects | Historically better in practice (but not guaranteed). | More to master means more potential for mechanical errors early on. | Perceived as easier, though statistics show pass rates are still lower than the overall average. | Lower pass rate vs manual/all combined; preparation may be less rigorous sometimes; risk of complacency. |
| Future vehicle ownership | More versatile (any vehicle you may want to drive later). | More moving parts = possibly higher maintenance for manual vehicles. | Many future cars (especially EVs) will be automatic, which is good for urban driving. | Automatics often cost more to buy and maintain; insurance may be higher; you may miss out on choice. |
| Comfort & suitability | Good for varied driving (motorways, hill starts etc.). | Clutch work can be difficult for some (leg strength, coordination). | Easier on knees/legs; often more comfortable, especially for city driving. | Less control over gear choices; some driving styles prefer manual for responsiveness. |
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Tips to Improve Your Chances of Passing
Practice in the same type of car that you’ll take the test in—manual or automatic. Muscle memory, clutch feel etc matter.
Get plenty of instruction: take lessons with qualified instructors, do mock tests, ideally in real traffic.
Master the fundamentals: observation, mirror use, anticipation, steering control, speed. Even in an automatic you need all these.
For manual: devote time to clutch control, smooth gear changes, stall-recovery, hill starts.
Know the test requirements: manoeuvres, independent driving, Show Me/Tell Me, etc. DVSA publishes clear guidance.
Vehicle condition matters: test car must meet DVSA requirements. Make sure mirrors, lights, tyres, etc are good.
Mindset & preparation: rest well before test day, arrive early, familiarise with route if possible, bring all necessary documents.
Mock tests & feedback: record or have instructor evaluate your weaker areas, especially clutch work (if manual) or awareness during stops (if automatic).
Reasons Learners Fail (Manual & Automatic)
Many of the reasons for failing are common to both manual and automatic driving tests; some are more pronounced depending on which type of car you use.
Poor observation: mirrors, blind spots, junctions. Being unaware of surroundings.
Incorrect road positioning, speed control or judgement.
Manoeuvres not done cleanly: e.g. reversing, turning in the road, parallel parking etc.
Hesitation or lack of confidence, especially in complex or busy traffic.
For manual tests: stalling, misusing the clutch or wrong gears, jerky changes.
Not following examiner’s directions; independent driving mistakes (signs, following a given route).
Vehicle control issues: smooth braking, steering, control in slow moving traffic.
For both: inadequate preparation, over-confidence, not practising under test-like conditions.
👉 See DVSA’s top reasons for failing
Government Rules & What the Licence Means
If you pass your practical driving test in a manual car, your full licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.
If you pass in an automatic car, your licence is restricted: you may only drive automatic (or similar non-manual clutch) vehicles. To drive a manual later on, you will need to take another practical test in a manual car.
You can upgrade an automatic-only licence to manual by passing a practical test in a manual vehicle. You don’t need to redo the theory test for this.
Finally, what counts as an automatic car under DVSA rules: generally, a vehicle without a manual clutch is considered automatic.
Comparison Summary (Manual vs Automatic Driving Test UK)
Overall practical driving test pass rate for UK (all types) is about 48 %.
Automatic-only test pass rate is lower: around 42.7 % in 2022-23.
Automatic tests are increasing in number and share of passes (~17% of all passes in 2022-23) and likely rising further due to EV adoption.
Manual remains more flexible in terms of licence rights, vehicle options, and for many learners delivers a better outcome statistically (though individual experience will vary).
Conclusion
If you want maximum flexibility, future proofing, and the broadest choice of cars to drive, taking the test in a manual is generally the safer and more versatile option. The statistics suggest higher pass rates when considered in aggregate, and once you have a manual licence, automatic vehicles pose no restriction.
However, if manual driving feels very difficult for you, or you expect to mostly drive automatics (e.g. because of your environment, physical considerations, or future electric vehicles), then choosing automatic could reduce stress and make the learning experience more comfortable. Just remember that restricted licence and possibly slightly lower pass rates are trade-offs.
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FAQs
Q: If I pass in automatic, can I drive a manual later?
A: No. To drive a manual car legally, someone with an automatic-test licence must pass another practical test in a manual vehicle. Official DVSA info
Q: Do automatic tests cost more or fewer lessons?
A: It varies. Automatic may require fewer lessons for someone who struggles with clutch/gear changes, but lesson cost/hour tends to be similar. Also, the cost of hiring/using an automatic car or instructor availability may affect total cost. There may also be higher costs for automatic insurance or car purchase.
Q: Are automatic licences less useful?
A: Less useful in some respects: restricted to automatics only. So if you think you might want to drive a manual car later (for work, holiday, etc.), manual is more flexible.
Q: When is it a good idea to take automatic?
A: If you have physical difficulties with using a clutch, if you plan only to drive automatics (e.g. most EVs or rental/urban usage), or if you want something with possibly less stress early on.
Q: How is an automatic defined legally for test purposes?
A: A car without a manual clutch is generally regarded as automatic under DVSA rules