Compare DVSA-approved automatic driving instructors across the UK. Find the right instructor by price, pass rate and availability, then book your first automatic lesson with confidence.
Automatic driving lessons take place in a car fitted with an automatic gearbox, which means there is no clutch pedal and no manual gear changes. The car selects the correct gear for you based on your speed and throttle input.
For many learners, removing the complexity of gear changes and clutch control allows them to focus more quickly on the skills that really matter: observations, positioning, hazard perception and smooth car control. This is particularly beneficial for learners who find manual driving stressful or who have struggled with stalling.
Your automatic driving test is identical to the manual test in every other respect. You will complete the same show-me tell-me questions, the same manoeuvres and the same 40-minute independent driving section. The only difference is the car you drive.
| Factor | Automatic | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Gears to manage | None | Up to 6 forward gears |
| Clutch pedal | No | Yes |
| Average cost per hour | £35 to £50 | £30 to £45 |
| Typical hours to test | 40 to 50 hrs | 45 to 55 hrs |
| Licence restriction | Automatic only | Manual and automatic |
| Best for | Anxious learners, those who struggled with manual | Those wanting maximum flexibility |
| Availability | Growing rapidly | Widely available |
Enter your postcode or town and filter by automatic transmission. See every DVSA-approved automatic instructor near you with real prices and pass rates.
Check pass rates, learner reviews, hourly rates and availability for each instructor. Look for specialists in nervous learners or intensive courses if that fits your situation.
Contact your chosen instructor directly through their profile. They will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss availability, pricing and when you can start.
Automatic driving lessons cost between £35 and £50 per hour across most of the UK, compared to £30 to £45 for manual lessons. The premium exists because automatic cars are more expensive to buy and run. In London and the South East, prices are typically higher.
Automatic lessons are worth considering if any of the following apply to you:
Passing in an automatic restricts you to driving automatic vehicles for life (unless you later pass a manual test). If you think you might need a manual car in future, factor this into your decision.
Many learners find automatic lessons easier because removing the clutch and gear changes lets you concentrate fully on road awareness, observations and positioning. Stalling is not possible in an automatic car, which removes a major source of anxiety for many learners. Whether they lead to fewer total hours depends on the individual.
Automatic driving lessons typically cost between £35 and £50 per hour across the UK, compared to £30 to £45 for manual. The gap exists because automatic cars cost more to buy and run. In London the range is higher, typically £45 to £55 per hour. Prices vary by instructor experience, location and whether you book individually or in a block.
The DVSA national average is 47 hours of professional instruction before a first-time pass. Some automatic learners complete in fewer hours because the car is simpler to operate, though this is not guaranteed. Your individual starting level, lesson frequency and natural aptitude all affect the total.
Yes. A pass in an automatic car adds a restriction code to your licence that limits you to automatics only. To remove this restriction you must pass a separate test in a manual car. There is no automatic upgrading of your licence.
Yes. Many instructors and schools offer automatic intensive driving courses, typically lasting three to seven days. Some packages include the test fee. Search for automatic intensive instructors using our filters on the instructor search page.
No. The driving test is assessed on exactly the same criteria regardless of transmission type. The examiner does not mark you differently for driving an automatic. The car simply does not have clutch or gear change elements to assess.
Availability has improved significantly. Most cities now have multiple DVSA-approved automatic instructors. Availability is lower in very rural areas. Use our search to see exactly how many automatic instructors are listed in your area.
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