Automatic vs. Manual Transmission: Which is Best for New Drivers?

Buying the right car nowadays is a challenge in itself. Among the varied choices, one of the key decisions you must make is choosing the type of  transmission for your car. Modern cars come in two types of transmissions – manual and automatic. Both types of transmission perform the same function of ensuring the wheels receive the right amount of power when the  gear is changed. In a manual, the driver is responsible for shifting gears, while in an automatic, the car does the shifting for you. In a country like Australia, your transmission choice can influence the immediate learning experience and impact future driving opportunities and licensing flexibility. If you’re an aspiring instructor learning the ropes in a Driving Instructor Course, you must understand the nuances of both transmission types. And if you’re a new learner driver, the question is which type of transmission is the right choice for you. This post explores the pros and cons of both types and discusses which choice can suit new learners the best. 

Automatic Transmission

What it is:

Automatic transmission is simply the shifting of gears done automatically by the car, instead of having the driver do it manually. In this type, the vehicle changes the gears automatically based on speed and acceleration. Automatic transmission cars are trending, with 97% of new vehicles sold in Australia being automatics.

Advantages:

1. Easy to Learn: In Automatic cars, drivers need not shift gears manually, which is a big challenge for beginners. Eliminating manual gear shifts simplifies driving and improves the driver’s performance.
2. Less Stress in Traffic: In heavy traffic, cars move forward slowly with many stops in between. Having to change gears manually in such traffic can be tiring and stressful. Automatic transmissions take this stress and fatigue away by doing the job automatically.
3. Better for Urban Driving: City streets are busier and more prone to heavy traffic, especially at peak hours. Automatic cars can navigate these streets better by finding out the fastest routes free of traffic and utilising navigation apps and local conditions effectively.
4. Growing Popularity: Automatics had a bumpy start but are quite popular now, with more than 95% of new vehicle sales in Australia being automatic. Many modern vehicles now have only automatic transmissions, no manual options.

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Considerations:

1. License Restrictions: In Australia, if you have an automatic license, you can only drive automatic cars. If you want to drive a manual, you must first pass an additional test and get a manual license.
2. Cost: Automatics are the latest technology as well as the popular trend. Hence, these vehicles are usually costlier to purchase and repair.
3. Fuel Efficiency: When they first arrived on the scene, automatics were not as fuel-efficient as manual cars. However, that gap has slowly reduced as manufacturers try to become better every day.

Manual Transmission

What it is:

Manual transmission is when drivers shift the gears manually using a clutch pedal and gear stick. For this, the driver must first engage and then disengage the clutch and then disengage it to change gears according to the speed and driving conditions. Manual was once the most bought car in Australia, with more than 150000 annual sales. However, this number has slowly dwindled to just 11282 in 2020. However, there are still many who prefer manual over automatic.

Advantages:

1. Greater Control: When the gear stick is in your own hands, you can have full control over your vehicle, which an automatic transmission cannot provide. You can set your own speed and make your decisions when needed.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Manuals give you full control of your vehicles. This means you can use better driving techniques that can save more fuel.
3. Lower Cost: The mechanics in manual cars are simpler than automatics, making them less expensive.
4. Versatility: Those who learn to drive an automatic find driving manuals very difficult. However, manual drivers can also drive automatic cars easily after a brief adjustment period.

Considerations:

1. Need to Learn More: Manual driving requires drivers to be more skilled in operating their vehicles. This means more learning. Hence, fewer new drivers opt for manual licenses now.
2. Urban Driving: Australian cities are busy urban areas with heavy and concentrated traffic. Driving in such conditions can be frustrating, especially when you’re stuck constantly changing gears in traffic.
3. Resale Value: With low resale value, manual cars have become even less popular. They account for only 3% of new car sales and only 11% of driving tests in 2022.

What Should New Drivers Choose?

While both types of transmissions have their pros and cons, you should choose the one that suits you the best.

Choose Automatic if:

• You prefer a simpler learning experience. 
• You usually drive in urban areas like city streets with heavy traffic.
• You don’t think you’ll drive a manual vehicle in the future.   

Choose Manual if:

• You want to be able to drive both manual and automatic cars.
• You’re interested in learning more driving skills.
• You plan to drive in rural areas or overseas, where manual cars are more common. 

Conclusion

Manual transmissions give more vehicle control, teach driving in varied conditions and situations and are better for people considering driving overseas for any reason. Their automatic counterparts are easier to learn and make navigating traffic easier. In conclusion, the decision to learn to drive a manual or an automatic car depends on the driver’s preferences, driving goals, and the environment they’ll drive in. If you’re a driving instructor looking to develop skills to teach drivers to be safe and competent, joining a comprehensive driving instructor course, like the  TLI41222 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training from institutions like the Academy of Road Safety, is the first step. It can help you become a better instructor and take your first steps towards a rewarding career.

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