
Automatic transmission is more expensive than manual transmission. The following are the differences between manual and automatic transmission: 1. Different operation difficulty: Automatic transmission does not require stepping on the clutch or frequent gear shifting during driving, making the operation more convenient. Manual transmission requires stepping on the clutch to complete gear shifting operations, which imposes stricter technical requirements on the driver. 2. Different principles: Automatic transmission uses a computer to control hydraulic oil to push pistons for gear shifting based on throttle size, speed, and throttle opening. Manual transmission adds a user-adjustable gear shifting device to the original 100 automatic transmission, allowing the owner to use this device for lifting. 3. Different operation methods: Automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on speed and road conditions. Manual transmission can only shift gears through manual operation.

Back when I was a driving instructor at the driving school, I saw many students struggling with this decision. Manual transmission courses are generally 500-1000 RMB cheaper because most training vehicles are old manual Jettas with lower maintenance costs. However, it's important to note that manual transmission has higher failure rates in Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams. When you factor in retake fees and additional practice costs, it might end up being more expensive. Nowadays, all the new energy vehicles on the streets are automatic transmission, so getting a C2 license would be more practical for future use. My cousin chose manual transmission to save money but ended up spending an extra 2000 RMB on three retakes - that's just bad math! My advice is to directly enroll in an automatic transmission course - you'll learn faster with less stress, and the exam scheduling time is shorter than for manual transmission.

Last week, while helping my daughter choose a driving school, I found that the basic manual transmission course was priced at 4,580 yuan, while the automatic transmission course was 600 yuan more expensive. However, the driving school secretly mentioned that manual transmission students typically need to purchase an additional 8-hour lesson package, costing 120 yuan per hour, which ultimately makes the total price exceed that of the automatic transmission course. The instructor privately revealed that manual transmission clutches wear out quickly these days, and frequent repairs often delay training time. Young people tend to have less finger dexterity, and improper gear-shifting techniques can easily damage the transmission. In the end, we opted for the automatic transmission class. The instructor said that all you need to do is press the accelerator and brake to drive, and my daughter mastered reverse parking in just three days.

From the perspective of driving school costs, manual transmission training vehicles are mostly domestic Santanas, with a purchase price of around 60,000 yuan. The clutch plates are replaced twice a year, and the maintenance costs are factored into the tuition fees. For automatic transmission, they use Corolla hybrids, which are more expensive but the electronically controlled transmission has almost zero wear. The last time I checked the financial statements, the automatic transmission class saved 30% on fuel costs and halved maintenance expenses. Currently, in Fuzhou, the all-inclusive tuition for automatic transmission is 6,800 yuan, while the manual transmission is priced at 6,300 yuan, but additional fees for test site adaptation and retake insurance are charged, making the actual expenditure exceed 7,000 yuan. It is advisable to check the included items when choosing a class and not be fooled by low-price gimmicks.


