Manual vs. Automatic Transmission: Which Should You Learn First?

Learning how to drive can be a big challenge, but it’s also an exciting prospect. After all, once you’ve refined your driving skills, you can finally take on the road and explore the local roads to your heart’s content.

With that said, the journey to achieving acceptable driving proficiency is one with many twists and turns. Not only will you have to learn how to operate a wheel and pedal gears from scratch, but you’ll also have to decide which car type is right for you: manual or automatic.

Both car options have their respective benefits, and you can master just one if your intended car model falls into only one of these types.

However, if you want to gain comprehensive insights into driving a car, it’s best to be informed on how to drive both a manual and automatic transmission car.

But, then comes the question, what driving mode should you learn first? Is there a clear favourite in terms of driving style?

In this article, we’ll dive into these different driving modes and further explore the pros and cons of picking the most suitable driving style first.

Let’s jump right into it.

What is Manual Transmission Driving?

Manual transmission driving is a mode of driving that involves a clutch pedal and a gear stick. The driver will have to manually shift the stick and control the transition between gears whenever they want to change the car’s speed and engine performance.

To change gears, the driver will have to press the clutch pedal, change to the right gear, and release the clutch while applying the accelerator.

Here’s a breakdown of the gears you’ll likely come across when driving a manual car:

1st Gear: For starting the car and driving at very low speeds.
2nd Gear: Used for slightly higher speeds, such as slow driving or uphill climbs.
3rd Gear: Ideal for moderate speeds in city driving.
4th Gear: Used for cruising at higher speeds on open roads.
5th Gear: Designed for highway speeds and fuel efficiency.
Reverse: Engages the car to move backward.

A manual car is preferable in situations wherein you’d want to boost the fuel efficiency of the car. It’s also ideal when you want to go off-roading or navigate through hilly terrain while staying efficient and in full control of your vehicle.

What is Automatic Transmission Driving?

On the other hand, automatic transmission driving removes the gear shifting mechanism and instead automatically adjusts the gears based on the vehicle’s speed and performance.

Unlike manual cars, automatic cars don’t have a clutch pedal. This simplifies the driving process as the driver would just need to use the accelerator and brake pedals when driving across different terrains.

To start an automatic car, all the driver has to do is set their gear to D for Drive. This allows the gears to shift automatically. To stop it from moving, P (Park) and N (Neutral) prevent movement and disengage the gears respectively. R (Reverse) also helps move the car backwards.

When it comes to simplicity and convenience, automatic cars take the cake. They’re particularly helpful in urban areas where narrow roads, moderate traffic, and short commutes are the expected norm.

Benefits of Learning Manual Transmission

Opting to learn how to drive a manual car first comes with its fair share of benefits. It can be the ideal choice in certain situations. Here are some of these benefits in more detail:

1. Increased Driving Confidence

Driving a manual car is inherently more difficult than driving an automatic car. This is because you’ll also have to take into account the stick shift on top of the gas brake pedals and steering wheel.

Mastering manual transmission vehicles first makes it easier for you to learn how to drive an automatic car later on. It won’t take as much effort to learn how to drive an automatic car since you’ve got a handle on the basics already.

Furthermore, learning to drive a manual car also helps keep you engaged and alert with changing terrain conditions. Knowing what gears to use when overcoming different terrain like uphill roads and slippery asphalt can help you become a more learned and capable driver.

2. Greater Control of Vehicle

Another benefit of opting to learn to drive manual cars first is the fact that you’ll have better control of your vehicle in a wide range of scenarios. With the proper power control approach, you can manage power and speed in hilly and slippery conditions efficiently and without overly straining your vehicle’s capabilities.

Besides that, having the ability to downshift your gears also helps in maintaining the brake’s durability, which is a plus for manual cars over automatic cars as you can achieve more accurate driving.

By learning how to drive a manual car first, you can be more adept at controlling your vehicle when accelerating and slowing down. This sets you up to become a better driver behind the wheel later on, especially when your practice is supplemented with EZLicence driving lessons.

3. More Cost-Effective Option

Most manual transmission vehicles are more affordable than automatic vehicles. This makes them an attractive option for budget-friendly and cost-conscious customers who may not be as willing to spend a higher price on automatic cars.

Furthermore, repairing a manual car also costs less in general than repairing an automatic car. Fuel consumption is also more efficient with manual cars if the driver optimises gear shift usage.

This means that in the long term, manual vehicles are a better option for financially-strapped customers like students and early-stage professionals. By learning how to drive manual cars first, you can be confident buying one and driving one yourself for a more affordable price.

4. A Wider Range of Driving Opportunities

While a lot of cars fall under the automatic range, there’s still a demand for drivers who can operate a manual transmission car. For instance, many delivery trucks and fire trucks use a manual transmission. Cars from other countries may also have more cars that operate manually.

If you plan to drive internationally or take a driving career, knowing how to work a shift stick is crucial to ensure that you’re up to the task of driving manually. This expands the range of opportunities you can get and helps you remain flexible and able to drive a manual car if the situation calls for it.

Benefits of Learning Automatic Transmission

The other driving type you can find in the automobile market is automatic transmission vehicles. Here are the benefits of this type of car.

1. Easy to Learn

Learning how to drive an automatic car is vastly easier than driving a manual car. This is because automatic cars lack a shift stick and have a more streamlined and intuitive set of controls.

For new drivers who are easily overwhelmed, driving an automatic car can help reduce feelings of stress due to its inherent simplicity. It’s a good starting point for driving if you want to take things one step at a time.

2. Widely Available

Another perk of learning to drive automatic cars first is that it’s widely available.

The majority of the cars on public roads (both gas and electric vehicles) are automatic cars. You can also technically drive automatic cars for the rest of your life without having to go through the hoops of learning manual transmission.

3. Enhances Road Concentration

Since you don’t have to constantly fidget with a gear stick, you’ll have more time with your eyes on the road.

This can promote safer driving, especially in places with heavy traffic or windy roads. This is useful for new drivers who may need extra time and effort to drive their vehicles properly.

4. Smoother Driving Experience

Lastly, learning to drive an automatic car first helps you enjoy a smoother driving experience from the start. This makes the road a safer place to be for both you and other drivers.

Furthermore, a smooth driving experience also helps you get from one place to another with more assurance. This makes driving a more pleasant experience for everyone, including your passengers.

Which Driving Mode to Learn First?

Both have their advantages, and it’s more than possible to learn either first. But the best approach to go for in our eyes is starting with automatic transmission.

Driving an automatic transmission vehicle gives you the space to learn how to drive and take in information from your teacher as you do. It’s a safer and easier approach to driving, and it’s what we recommend buying when you’re considering your next vehicle.

Once you’ve built enough confidence to drive an automatic vehicle, you can move on to manual transmission vehicles. This step is critical especially if you plan to drive as a career or drive in countries where manual cars are prevalent.

Ultimately, however, the first driving mode to learn depends on your needs, car availability, and your driving goals. We wish you the best in your car safety and driving journey!

Written By

Matt Banks

Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood.

A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.

His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.

Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.