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    DRIVING ON THE ROAD > Manual or Automatic ?

A manual-gearbox car has 3 foot pedals: accelerator, brake and clutch. An automatic-gearbox car has no clutch pedal and you don't have to change gear yourself - it's automatic.

   
Manual Engine The vast majority of drivers take their driving test in a manual-gearbox car. They gain the benefit of being able to drive both manual and automatic cars after their test. Manual gearboxes are normally standard equipment in all classes of car sold in the UK except some executive or luxury cars.
The advantages of being able to drive a manual gearbox car are ...
 •  They are normally cheaper to buy.
 •  There is normally a much wider choice of cars available.
 •  Most cars fitted with a manual gearbox have better acceleration AND better fuel economy than the same model of car fitted with an automatic gearbox.
 •  Developing and maintaining the skills of smooth, well-timed gearchanges is an important way of enhancing your concentration and enjoyment of driving.
 •  You have the ultimate choice about what you drive. For instance, you are much less restricted if you want to hire or borrow a car. If you want to move on to an automatic car later, you can.
Passing only the AUTOMATIC test will restrict you ...
Automatic If you take your practical test in an automatic car, you are restricted to driving that type of car unless and until you decide to take another driving test in a manual car. Do you really want to limit yourself in this way? If you have tried a manual gearbox car and seem to have trouble getting used to it, consider the possibility that a change of driving instructor might be more useful than a change of car.
There are advantages to driving and owning an automatic gearbox car ....
They are less demanding to drive.
You avoid the potential cost of clutch replacement.
The choice is yours!
 
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