Automatic Driving tests- Common Questions and answers

Are you still confused enough to decide between buying manual and automatic vehicles? We know, it’s quite normal. Automatic driving is still a grey area for many and no wonder why we are often flooded with questions related  to automatic driving!

What we have done here; we have posted answers to some of the most common questions we have received in this category. If your mind is cluttered with confusions, these answers would help you erase them.

Here we go!

Do I Need to appear in a separate test for automatic driving?

No. In the UK, there is no provision of separate driving tests for people with automatic vehicles. You need to pass through the same set of tests applicable for people with manual vehicles. The type of the car is the only noticeable difference in this regard.

Like all  other candidates appearing for a DVSA driving test, you need to go through the following-

·         ‘Show me’, ‘tell me’ questions

·         General driving skill tests

·         Eyesight check

·         Independent driving tests

·         Reversing skills (one of 3 maneuvers)

Please note that, if you hold an automatic licence and want to upgrade to manual on a later date, you do not need to apply again for a provisional driving licence. While upgrading,  you don’t even need to sit in a theory test once again. However, you will have to go through the procedure of a practical driving test, using an automatic car.

Which one is cheaper, an automatic driving lesson or manual lesson?

Automatic driving lessons tend to be costlier than manual driving lessons, when we talk about per hour cost. A survey of automatic drivingschool  in and around Oxford would certainly indicate this. However, many learners would also tell you that, by learning automatic driving, they could eventually pass the DVSA driving test with fewer driving lessons. This shows, you can save a few bucks in the long run, by going automatic.

How many driving lessons do I need to take to pass an automatic driving test?

There is no specific and set number of lessons you require to take, before passing an automatic driving test. As per a DVSA statistics, an average learner takes 47 hours of driving lessons before passing his driving test. However, you may require fewer number of lessons to clear a DVSA driving test for automatic cars. From our experience, we can say that 20 hours of quality driving lessons should be enough to pass an automatic driving test.

If you want to be ‘test-ready’, through shorter and more intense driving lessons, you can also get enrolled into an intensive driving courseOxford.   A more focused approach is employed in intensive courses, to let you learn within a shorter time frame. However, as per DVSA rules, you need to fulfill certain criteria before you will be deemed fit to get enrolled into an intensive driving course.

We hope, from the above answers, you have been able to clear some of your doubts. But, remember, after you buy your automatic vehicle, it’s always better to enroll into a quality automatic driving school . There are still fewer automatic driving instructors than manual instructors. This makes experienced automatic driving instructors a ‘precious commodity’.  We would recommend you to weigh your options carefully and do your research, before you get the best automatic driving instructor around. Happy driving!