AUTOMATIC DRIVING LESSONS

No clutch. No gears. Just focus on the road ahead.

Automatic driving lessons with RED let you concentrate on becoming a safe, confident driver — without the added complexity of manual gear changes.

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Why choose an automatic car?

Many learners find automatic driving lessons easier than manual ones. Without a clutch pedal or gear stick to operate, you can direct more of your attention to road positioning, hazard perception, and building genuine confidence behind the wheel.

It's important to know that if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your licence will carry the 78 restriction code, meaning you will only be legally permitted to drive automatic vehicles. If you later wish to drive a manual car, you would need to take additional lessons and pass a manual driving test.

Automatic Car

No clutch pedal — only accelerator and brake
Gears change automatically as you drive
Easier to manage in stop-start traffic
Great for drivers with physical restrictions
Allows more focus on other road skills

Manual Car

Three pedals: clutch, brake, accelerator
Driver selects gears using gear stick
Licence covers both manual and automatic
Often cheaper to buy and maintain
More control on steep or slippery roads

What do automatic driving lessons cover?

Your automatic lessons with a RED instructor will follow the same structured syllabus as manual lessons — the only difference is you won't need to worry about clutch control or gear selection. Your sessions will cover:

Cockpit drill and controls — Getting familiar with your mirrors, seat position and the simplified controls of an automatic car.

Moving off and stopping — Learning smooth acceleration and braking without a clutch.

Junctions, roundabouts and traffic — Navigating real road situations, reading road signs and positioning correctly.

Manoeuvres — Parallel parking, bay parking, reverse parking and emergency stops, all assessed in the practical test.

Independent driving — Following a sat-nav or road signs unaided, which forms part of the DVSA practical driving test.

Mock test preparation — Practice test conditions to ensure you are fully prepared before your real test date.

Ready to book your automatic lessons?

Find a DVSA-approved RED instructor offering automatic lessons near you.

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Intensive automatic driving courses

If you need to pass your test quickly, RED also offers intensive automatic driving courses. These compress weeks of standard lessons into a concentrated programme, often involving several hours of practice each day.

The Learn To Drive With RED app

Whether you choose automatic or manual, the Learn To Drive With RED app is available to all RED learners. Use it to track your lesson progress, practise your theory test, and prepare for every stage of your driving journey.

Automatic Driving Lessons FAQs

Are automatic driving lessons harder than manual?

Most learners find automatic lessons easier than manual, because you do not need to manage a clutch pedal or gear changes. This allows you to concentrate more on road awareness and hazard perception.

Can I drive a manual car with an automatic licence?

No. If you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your licence will carry the 78 restriction code, which means you can only legally drive automatic vehicles.

How many automatic lessons will I need?

The number of lessons needed varies from person to person. Many learners may need fewer hours in an automatic as there is less to master than in a manual car.

Are automatic driving lessons more expensive?

Automatic lessons can be slightly more expensive in some areas due to the cost of automatic vehicles. Contact us or book online to see current prices in your postcode area.

Can I do an intensive course in an automatic car?

Yes. RED offers intensive driving courses in automatic vehicles, designed to help you pass your test in a shorter timeframe.