If you're going to get a driving licence for a passenger car, there's one thing you need to decide first: should you learn to drive a car with a manual transmission, or should you go for an automatic? This choice will have a major impact on both your training and the driving licence you end up with.
Here we go through the difference, what it means for you as a learner, and why the most important thing is that you learn to drive safely and well.
What is the difference between automatic and manual transmission?
In a car with a manual gear, you have to shift yourself, using the clutch and gear lever. With an automatic transmission, the shifting happens by itself, without you having to use the clutch or think about which gear the car is in.
Many people find automatic transmission easier to handle, especially in city traffic. Manual gear shifting requires more technique, but at the same time provides a better understanding of the engine and driving in general.
This determines the type of driving licence you get
If you take the driving test with automatic transmission, you will receive a driving licence that only applies to cars with automatic transmission. If you choose a car with a manual gearbox, you can drive both manual and automatic cars.
This means that automatic is a restriction, but it can also be cancelled. In order to gain the right to drive a manual car after obtaining an automatic driving licence, you must take a new driving test in a car with manual transmission.
Who is a car with automatic transmission suitable for?
For many students, automatic transmission is a good choice. This is especially true:
- If you want a quieter training programme without worrying about gearing at the start
- If you live in an area with a lot of traffic jams and city driving
- If you know that you're only going to drive an automatic car anyway
- Those with special educational needs or special challenges
An automatic transmission means fewer things to keep track of, which can make it easier to focus on the traffic.
When should you consider training for manual transmission vehicles?
Even though more and more cars have automatic transmission, there are still many situations where manual transmission is useful:
- When you want an unrestricted driving licence
- When driving abroad with an unfamiliar car fleet
- When considering a job or programme that requires a manual car
- When you like to have more control over your driving
Manual training also provides a deeper technical understanding, which many appreciate later on.
Advantages and disadvantages manual gear vs automatic gear briefly summarised
Automatic transmission:
- Easier to learn
- More manoeuvrable in queues and city traffic
- Lower risk of choking and gear failure
- Applies to automatic cars only
Manual gear:
- Gives you a more versatile driving licence
- Gives you better technical understanding
- Requires better coordination
- You need to learn to multi-task
What does Oslo Team Trafikkskole recommend?
With us, you can choose whether you want to train with an automatic or manual gearbox. Both provide full training, and both are equally important in terms of road safety.
The most important thing is that you get training that suits you. Some people start with an automatic, and take manual later. Others know that they only want to drive an automatic car, and take the whole course from the start.
We are happy to help you assess what best suits your needs and goals. Whatever you choose, we'll provide you with a safe and structured training programme, with good follow-up every step of the way.