Are Automatic Driving Lessons Easier?

If you’re learning to drive in and around Newbury, you’ve probably heard that automatic driving lessons are easier. At Electric Mile Driving School, we teach in a modern automatic, dual-control EV—and we see every week how removing the clutch and gear changes can speed up confidence for many learners. But “easier” depends on you—your goals, nerves, and how you’ll use your licence. Here’s a clear, local guide to help you decide.

Why automatic can feel easier (especially around Newbury)

No clutch. No gear changes. Less to juggle.
With an automatic, your left foot gets the day off and your right hand isn’t hunting for the right gear. That lowers the cognitive load so you can focus on observation, positioning and planning—the skills that actually keep you safe.

Fewer stalls and snappier hill starts.
Stalling disappears in an automatic. That’s a big win at steep pull-aways and busy junctions. Around Newbury that might be A339/A34 slip roads, Robin Hood Roundabout, or town-centre traffic where quick but calm getaways matter.

Smoother stop-start traffic.
In rush hour near Greenham, Shaw or Thatcham, autos make creeping and queueing simpler—great practice for clutch control without the clutch.

More headspace for roundabouts and lane discipline.
Newbury’s multi-lane roundabouts reward calm observation and early positioning. With no gears to think about, you can keep your eyes up and your plan clear.

The trade-off: licence rules and long-term plans

• Automatic licence: you can legally drive automatic vehicles only.

• Manual licence: you can drive both manual and automatic.

If you know you’ll only ever drive an automatic or electric car (most EVs are automatic), an auto licence may be perfect. If your future job or family car might be manual, consider learning manual—or learn automatic now to pass sooner and convert to manual later if needed.

Will I pass faster in an automatic?

What we see at Electric Mile: many pupils make fewer control-related faults (stalls, wrong gear, rolling back) and reach “test-ready” sooner because lessons focus earlier on hazard perception, mirrors, signalling and planning. That said, pass success still comes from consistent practice, targeted feedback and calm test-day routines—not the gearbox alone.

Who benefits most from automatic lessons?

• Nervous first-timers who want quick confidence without stalling anxiety.

• Learners who struggled with clutch control in past manual lessons.

• Drivers with left-leg/foot discomfort or coordination difficulties.

• Busy adults who want a faster route to safe independence.

• EV-curious learners who plan to drive electric from day one.

What automatic lessons look like with Electric Mile (Newbury)

We structure your learning around DVSA goals and Newbury-area routes so you’re ready where it counts.

Week 1–2: Core control & calm habits

• Smooth pulls-away and stops, mirror routine, road positioning.

• Simple loops around Wash Common and Speen to build early flow.

Week 3–4: Roundabouts & junction choreography

• Approach speeds, lane choice, priorities at Robin Hood and town-centre roundabouts.

• Emerging at busy T-junctions without the stall stress.

Week 5–6: Dual carriageways & merging

• Joining and leaving the A34/A339, safe overtakes, following distances.

• Night driving options for glare and speed-limit discipline.

Final stretch: Mock test + polish

• Full mock tests on representative routes, then targeted tune-ups.

• Test-day strategy (calm start, pacing, managing nerves).

Throughout, you’ll get clear feedback after every session, plus at-home practice tips that match Newbury’s real conditions.

But what about cost?

Automatic lessons can be in high demand, and autos sometimes cost a touch more than manual. The trade-off is fewer wasted minutes on clutch drills and a quicker path to test-readiness for many learners. At Electric Mile we offer block-booking options and a transparent plan so you know exactly what you’re working towards.

Automatic, electric, and the future

The UK car market is steadily shifting toward automatic and electric. Learning in a modern dual-control EV gives you quiet cabins, instant response, and fewer moving parts—great for confidence and eco-driving technique (anticipation and gentle acceleration). If you expect your first car to be automatic or electric, it makes sense to learn the skills you’ll actually use.

Is automatic “easier”? Our honest answer

For many Newbury learners, yes—automatic lessons remove a big chunk of mechanical juggling, so you can master the road sooner. But “easier” isn’t the only question. Think about your long-term licence needs, how quickly you want independence, and which style helps you feel calm, consistent, and in control.

If you’re on the fence, book an assessment lesson. We’ll give you a realistic plan—automatic, manual, or a route that gets you passed quickly and builds from there.

Learn the calm way—locally

Electric Mile Driving School offers patient, structured automatic lessons in Newbury, Thatcham, Shaw, Speen, Greenham and nearby. Train in a modern, dual-control EV with a local instructor who knows the routes, test expectations and the spots that trip learners up. We’ll focus on confident observation, safe decision-making and smooth, stress-free control—no stalling, no panic.

Book your automatic lessons now: Book a driving lesson