Automatic Driving Lessons - The New Manual?

The Automatic Revolution Arrives in Great Yarmouth!

Day Tripper Driving Tuition is proud to now offer automatic driving lessons, so we thought it would be appropriate to delve into this area a little further...

The UK is experiencing a seismic shift in how people learn to drive and the types of cars they choose. For decades, the manual gearbox was king, and learning to drive meant mastering the clutch and gear stick. But in 2026, the landscape is dramatically different. Over half of all new cars registered in the UK are now automatics, and the number of learners opting for automatic driving lessons—especially in places like Great Yarmouth—is soaring. This blog explores why automatic cars are taking over, what it means for learner drivers, and how local driving schools are adapting to meet this new demand. Whether you’re considering ‘automatic driving lessons Great Yarmouth’, want to ‘learn to drive automatic car’, or are curious about the ‘automatic driving test UK’, this guide is for you.

The Rise of Automatic Cars: A National Trend

The last decade has seen a remarkable transformation in the UK’s car market. In 2014, just 16.3% of cars on the road were automatics. Fast forward to 2024, and that figure has nearly doubled to 29.3%, representing over 15.5 million automatic vehicles. The trend is even more pronounced among new cars: over 50% of all new car registrations in 2025 were automatics, a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for British motorists.

This shift is not just about convenience. It reflects deeper changes in technology, government policy, and consumer preferences. Electric vehicles (EVs), which are exclusively automatic, are a major driver of this trend. As manufacturers phase out manual options and focus on electrification, the automatic gearbox is fast becoming the default choice for new drivers.

Automatic Driving Tests: From Niche to Mainstream

The shift towards automatics isn’t just about car sales—it’s transforming how people learn to drive. The number of automatic driving tests in the UK has skyrocketed. In 2012/13, just 6.1% of all driving tests were in automatics. By 2024/25, that figure had soared to 26%, with nearly 480,000 automatic tests conducted out of 1.8 million total tests.

Predictions suggest that by 2026/27, one in three driving tests will be in an automatic car.

Why Are More Learners Choosing Automatic?

Several factors are fuelling this surge:

• Electric Vehicle Adoption: All EVs are automatic, and as more drivers plan to go electric, they’re choosing to learn in automatics from the start.

• Urban Driving Realities: Stop-start traffic in towns like Great Yarmouth makes automatics more appealing for comfort and ease.

• Changing Attitudes: The old stigma around “not being a real driver” if you pass in an automatic is fading fast, especially among younger learners.

• Instructor Availability: More driving schools and instructors are offering automatic lessons, making it easier for learners to find a suitable course.

• Easier to Learn: Many people prefer driving lessons in an automatic simply because they feel they'll find it easier-no gear changes and no clutch!

The Numbers: Are Automatics Easier to Pass?

A common perception is that automatic cars are easier to drive and, therefore, easier to pass the test in. The reality is more nuanced. DVSA data shows that pass rates for automatic tests are consistently lower than for manual tests.

For example, in 2024/25, the overall average pass rate was 48.6%, with the auto pass rate being 43.9% and manual being 49%.

Why the difference? Experts suggest several reasons:

• Learner Profile: Many learners switch to automatic after struggling with manual, sometimes bringing overconfidence or ingrained habits that affect their performance.

• Test Readiness: Some automatic learners may take the test sooner, believing it will be easier, but may not be fully prepared.

• Urban Test Centres: Automatic tests are more common in cities, where test routes can be more challenging, impacting pass rates.

Despite these factors, the gap is narrowing as more learners start directly in automatics and as instructors adapt their teaching methods. The key takeaway is that, while automatics may offer a simpler learning curve, thorough preparation and practice remain essential for success.

Who’s Choosing Automatic?

The demographic profile of automatic learners is evolving:

• Gender: Historically, women were more likely to take automatic tests (up to 75% of candidates a decade ago), but the gap is closing. In 2024/25, around 61% of automatic test-takers were female, down from 76% in 2012/13.

• Age: Older learners (over 30) are more likely to opt for automatic lessons, but the share of younger learners (17–20) is rising as automatics become the norm.

• Urban vs Rural: Automatic tests are more popular in cities and towns, where traffic congestion makes automatics more appealing.

Local Perspective: Great Yarmouth Learners

In Great Yarmouth, driving schools report a steady increase in demand for automatic lessons. Local instructors highlight that learners appreciate the simplicity and confidence boost that automatics provide, especially in busy areas like the seafront, town centre, and connecting routes to Gorleston.

In a future blog, we will be examining the difference in manual and auto lessons, which will help you decide which route to take.

If you would like to book your automatic driving lessons with Day Tripper Driving Tuition, Dean - our auto instructor, covers Great Yarmouth, Caister, Hemsby, Acle, and the surrounding areas, as far south as North Lowestoft.