If the thought of juggling a clutch, gear stick and handbrake while you are also trying to read the road is putting you off, an automatic car might be the answer. With no clutch pedal and no gears to change by hand, an automatic lets you focus on steering, observation and judging traffic. Many Manchester learners choose it for exactly that reason, and our instructors teach automatic lessons every day.
Driving Lessons MCR has taught Manchester learners for more than 10 years. Our Google rating is 5.0★ from 278 reviews.
WhatsApp us · Call 07555 666 989
Why learners choose automatic
- Less to coordinate. Two pedals instead of three, and no gear changes. That frees up attention for the road.
- Easier stop-start traffic. Queues in the city centre, on commuter routes and near the ring of main roads are less tiring when you do not have to find first gear again and again.
- No stalling. You still need to learn smooth control of the accelerator and brake, but the car cannot stall in the way a manual can.
- Good for nervous learners. If worry about the controls is holding you back, automatic can make the first lessons calmer. See nervous driver lessons.
The one thing you must know first
If you take your driving test in an automatic car, your licence will only let you drive automatic cars. To drive a manual later you would need to pass a driving test in a manual car; you do not need to take the theory test again, and you book that test by phone with DVSA (GOV.UK: upgrade an automatic licence to manual). The practical test itself is the same for manual and automatic cars (GOV.UK).
So the question to ask yourself is simple: will you only ever want to drive automatics? If yes, an automatic licence is enough. If you are not sure, a manual licence covers both and may suit you better. Our manual vs automatic guide lays out the trade-offs.
What you learn in an automatic lesson
Your instructor covers the same road skills as in a manual lesson: observation, junctions, roundabouts, lane discipline, parking, hill starts and independent driving. The difference is how you control the car:
- Selecting drive, reverse, neutral and park, and understanding what each does.
- Smooth acceleration and braking with one foot.
- Creeping and moving off, including on hills.
- Parking and manoeuvres, using the car’s natural creep to control speed.
- Everyday driving at your own pace, from quiet roads to busy ones.
Automatic lesson prices
| Hours | Regular automatic | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | £220 | £44 |
| 10 | £370 | £37 |
| 15 | £555 | £37 |
| 20 | £740 | £37 |
| 25 | £925 | £37 |
| 30 | £1,110 | £37 |
The Regular Course is 2–4 hours of lessons a week. For learners who want more lessons close together there is the Crash Course from £250 for 5 hours up to £1,320 for 30 hours. Prices as at 27 Oct 2026. For the full picture, see the cost of driving lessons in Manchester.
Frequently asked questions
Are automatic lessons more expensive? On our price list, automatic Regular packages cost a little more than manual: for example £370 against £350 for 10 hours.
Is an automatic test easier? No. The test is the same for both, and it is the same standard of driving.
Do I have to take lessons in an automatic if I want an automatic licence? Yes. To get an automatic licence you must take and pass your test in an automatic car.
Can I switch from manual to automatic part-way through? Tell us and we will explain the options for the hours you have left.
Who books my test? You do. Since 12 May 2026 only the learner can book, change or cancel a car driving test, and you can only make two changes (GOV.UK). Your instructor gives you their reference number and can help while you do the booking.
Where do you teach automatic lessons? Across Greater Manchester, including Manchester city centre, Salford, Trafford and Stockport. Not on the list? Send your postcode.
Take the first step
Tell us your postcode and your availability. We will match you with an automatic instructor near you and arrange your first lesson. We are open 8am–7pm, every day: WhatsApp us or call 07555 666 989.
Driving Lessons MCR · Bartle House, 2 Oxford Ct, Manchester M2 3WQ · 07555 666 989 · drivinglessonsmcr@gmail.com
