Is it better to get a manual or automatic driver's license?
3 Answers
Automatic is better, here are the relevant introductions: 1. Learning period: Generally, learning to drive a manual transmission car takes at least one month longer than an automatic transmission, and because manual transmission is more difficult to learn, the pass rate for the driver's license test is also lower. 2. Main differences between the two: With an automatic transmission license, you cannot drive manual transmission vehicles, but with a manual transmission license, you can drive automatic transmission vehicles. Manual transmission driving operations are more complex, offering more driving excitement and the experience of diverse operations, while automatic transmission driving is very simple, like driving a toy racing car, with lower difficulty, thus offering much less driving pleasure.
When I was young, I learned to drive a manual transmission, and it felt really great. Although starting was a bit tricky, the control was more flexible, especially when going downhill or taking curves—it gave me a better sense of command over the car. Manual transmission requires coordination between hands and feet, but with practice, it becomes second nature. The advantage is that you can drive almost any car, including rentals or friends' old cars, without worrying about compatibility issues. Nowadays, automatic transmissions are more popular, but I believe mastering a manual transmission boosts driving confidence and can even save some fuel costs. If you enjoy the fun of driving, a manual is worth trying—though it might take extra time during the license test to practice clutch control, but it eventually becomes natural. As for future trends, more and more cars are automatic, but it’s great if your manual skills don’t fade for occasional use.
As a frequent urban commuter, I highly recommend getting an automatic transmission license. It's simpler to operate, eliminating gear-shifting hassles, especially during traffic jams where you can just press the brake to move, reducing leg fatigue. During driving lessons, automatic cars are easier to practice with, no stalling worries, allowing beginners to pass exams faster while saving time and effort. Of course, manual transmissions have merits too, but with modern fast-paced lifestyles, automatic cars dominate (including most EVs), and rental options are plentiful without license restrictions. I believe the goal of getting a license is safe driving - automatics let you focus quicker on traffic rules and surroundings, reducing beginner mistakes, ideal for busy people. Regarding maintenance, automatics cost slightly more, but the saved mental effort justifies it.
