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Thinking of upgrading to a manual licence
Redemption
Community Connector Posts: 6,856 Master Poster
I’m thinking about getting my manual driving licence in the future to improve my job prospects. When I was 17, I originally started learning in a manual with a couple of instructors but struggled with it, so I switched to automatic and eventually passed my test in an automatic car. It’s been fine overall, although it does limit the range of cars I can drive. That said, most cars now have automatic versions, and some newer models—especially electric cars—are only available as automatics anyway. For my own personal cars, I’d probably still want an automatic as my daily, but for job prospects and to be able to drive a wider range of vehicles I feel like upgrading to a manual licence would be useful.
I definitely shouldn’t be self-conscious about only having an automatic licence, but I have been at times, especially as someone who really loves cars. I also don’t want to feel self-conscious about learning to drive a manual at 24 or 25, especially considering I’m already at least 70 percent of the way there—it’s just that I’d like to complete it. I’ve been quite on and off about the idea over the past few years because just thinking about it has felt really daunting, but realistically I should be fine. I already drive my automatic pretty much every day and know the roads well, so it would mainly be about getting used to the clutch, changing gears properly, and getting back to driving at the standard needed for the driving test, including getting rid of any bad habits. Back when I was learning manual before, I sometimes went into the wrong gear, which I think was partly because I was overthinking it, something I know I can still do now. Clutch control is also something I’d just need to get used to again with a bit of practice. I really just need a few lessons to top me off rather than starting from scratch like someone who has never driven before and might need months or even years to learn. Since I already drive regularly, I think I’d probably be able to pass within a few lessons, although I’ve heard the waiting lists for tests are really bad at the moment, so I might try to get a cancellation if possible.
I’ve also heard that around 2030 or 2035 new cars are expected to become fully electric, but that mainly applies to new car sales. There will still be millions of used manual cars on the road for many years after that, and the ban might not even go exactly to plan anyway. It would also mean that if I ever wanted to buy a manual car for myself in the future, I’d have the option to do so.
Comments
Hey @Redemption, thanks for sharing your thoughts on taking your manual driving test to give you more opportunities in the future with regards to your job prospects! I completely understand what you mean when you say about it being useful to get your manual license, so then you can drive both manual and automatic, and that could open up new opportunities. What sorts of jobs do you have in mind that might require a manual driving license?
I think it's really ambitious and strong of you to consider doing your manual test, taking lessons at 24/25, it's nothing to be self-conscious or ashamed about, a lot of people learn to drive at that age and even older than you. As you said, the main concern for you is getting used to the control of the car, particularly using the clutch, changing gears and clutch control, which is definitely the most difficult part of driving a manual! It sounds like you already have so much experience with driving anyway, which will be so helpful in doing manual lessons and a test. I'm curious, how do you feel about learning to drive in a manual, is that something you feel more prepared for now compared to last time? Maybe you're feeling excited or really nervous I wonder?
@Callum thank you. I do feel more prepared than last time, back then I was younger starting driving from scratch and overthinking stressing etc. I think now my confidence and i know all signs , roads etc just the clutch and gears as we say. I feel nervous to the point i put it off but I want to do it. I maybe feel a bit excited just to be able to drive a manual car.