Manual vs Automatic: Which Car Should You Learn to Drive In?

Key Differences Between Manual and Automatic Vehicles

When learning to drive, one of your first decisions will be the driving school vehicle choice manual or automatic. The choice affects not just your comfort level but also your Skills Test, future driving confidence, and car-buying options.

Manual Transmission:

• Also known as “stick shift”
• Requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal
• Gives more control over vehicle performance, especially in hills, curves  or low traction environments
• Some drivers report being more engaged with the road in a manual vehicle

Automatic Transmission:

• Shifts gears on its own
• Easier to operate, especially in traffic
• More common in the U.S., including Washington

Understanding these distinctions is essential before choosing the type of vehicle for your driving lessons.

Pros and Cons of Learning to Drive an Automatic Car

Pros:

• Easier to learn – Focus more on road awareness and safety rather than gear shifting
• Less stressful in traffic – No clutch or gear coordination required
• Widely available – Most U.S. vehicles are automatic, so it’s practical for daily use
  

Cons:

• Limited experience – You won’t be prepared to drive a manual later 
• Distraction – Though an automatic negates the need to operate two extra controls, it doesn’t mean the reduction in tasks will equate to more focus on the road.  A driver must be more disciplined to keep their mind on the road.

If you’re prioritizing ease and quick learning, automatic car training may be the best path.

Pros and Cons of Learning to Drive a Manual Car

Pros:

• Full control of the vehicle – Better for performance driving, engine braking, purchase price, maintenance costs and fuel economy
• Useful for international travel – Manual cars are more common outside North America
• Expands skill set – Adds versatility and confidence
• Statistically Safer – Once you learn the basics, driving a manual vehicle sharpens your focus on the road

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve – Requires practice with clutch and shifting coordination
• More stressful for beginners – Especially at intersections, on hills, or in traffic
• Less availability – It has become difficult to even find a manual transmission on many car lots and are functionally non-existent in electric vehicles
• Less commonly offered by driving schools – Many schools, including WMST, primarily teach on automatic vehicles
  

While learning to drive stick shift builds useful skills, it may not be necessary for the average new driver in Washington.

What WMST Recommends for New Drivers in Washington?

WMST prioritizes practical driver education based on what new drivers will most likely encounter on Washington roads. Most students will drive automatic vehicles for personal use, commuting, or family transport.

WMST primarily trains students in automatic vehicles because:

• It allows beginners to focus on traffic laws, situational awareness, and safe driving maneuvers
• It prepares students for the Skills Test, which emphasizes safety, control, and knowledge of traffic law over gear handling
• It ensures consistency with the majority of vehicles on the road today

If a student has access to a manual car and wants to learn, supplemental private training outside of WMST may be beneficial. However, automatic training will fully prepare you to be a safe and competent driver in Washington.

Will My Car Choice Affect My Skills Test?

Yes, to a degree—but not in the way many expect.

The Skills Test in Washington includes specific driving maneuvers such as:

• Backing around a corner
• Parallel parking
• Hill parking
• Lane changes
• Entering and exiting traffic

These require vehicle control, but not gear-shifting proficiency. Testing in a manual adds complexity, and stalling or incorrect clutch use can affect your score.

Important Considerations:

• Testing in an automatic simplifies the exam, reducing the risk of technical errors
• Washington does not restrict your license based on the vehicle type you test in, unless you’re pursuing a commercial license
• WMST provides a DOL-approved automatic vehicle at no additional charge for students taking the Skills Test

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it easier to pass the Skills Test in an automatic car?
Yes. Automatic cars are simpler to operate during the test, allowing you to focus on the required maneuvers and road rules.

Can I take driving lessons in a manual car at WMST?
Yes. WMST primarily instructs in automatic vehicles, reflecting what most students will use post-licensure, but will provide training in a manual transmission if requested.  However, this sometimes requires additional drive lessons if the student isn’t able to incorporate the clutch and shift into the normal curriculum.

Will I be licensed for both if I learn on an automatic?
Yes. Washington does not restrict your license for passenger vehicles if you pass the Skills Test in an automatic.

Are manual cars still relevant for new drivers in Washington?
Less so than in the past. Most cars sold in the U.S. today are automatic. However, knowing how to drive a manual can still be valuable for travel, commercial vehicles or emergencies.

Which is better for learning real-world driving skills?
For most students, learning in an automatic allows for quicker mastery of essential skills like scanning, signaling, lane control, and maneuvering in traffic—all of which are key for safe driving and test success.  However, for those students that are up to the challenge, the addition focus required to drive a manual can payoff in a safer driver.

Conclusion: Choose the Car That Sets You Up for Success

The manual vs automatic driving decision ultimately depends on your goals, comfort level, and driving needs. For most new drivers in Washington, learning in an automatic vehicle through a program like WMST provides:

• A smoother learning experience
• Full preparation for the Skills Test
• Real-world readiness for today’s road conditions

Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or scheduling your Skills Test, WMST offers supportive, hands-on training in DOL-approved vehicles designed to build confidence and driving competence.

Learn more about enrollment, scheduling, and test preparation at WMST.