A Practical Guide from Today’s Driving School
When you're preparing to learn how to drive, one of the first questions you might ask is:
Should I learn to drive a car with a manual or automatic transmission first?
It’s a great question—and while both options have their advantages, the right answer depends on your personal goals and what’s most practical for your everyday driving needs. At Today’s Driving School, our focus is on helping students build confidence in their driving skills no matter what type of car is being driven.
Understanding the Difference
Automatic Transmission:
These vehicles shift gears on their own using an internal computer system. There's no clutch pedal or need to manually change gears. For most new drivers, this results in a smoother and more intuitive learning experience. Automatics also reduce the likelihood of stalling and make city driving—especially in heavy traffic—less stressful.
Manual Transmission (Stick Shift):
Manual cars require the driver to engage the clutch and manually shift gears. Learning this skill requires coordination and can take more time and coordination to master. Skills such as starting on hills or gear changes in stop-and-go traffic tend to be particularly troubling. especially when starting on hills or managing gear changes in stop-and-go traffic. However, it also gives drivers more direct control over the car’s performance, which some people find appealing or even fun once they’re comfortable with it. The main reason they chose to drive a stick shift in the past was they got better gas mileage, but with today’s automatic transmission that is no longer true.
Benefits of Learning on an Automatic
- Easier for Beginners
When you're first learning to drive, there's already a lot to think about—road signs, mirror checks, lane position, pedestrians, and more. With an automatic, you don’t have to divide your attention between shifting and everything else, making it a more forgiving environment for new learners.
- Faster Learning Curve
Most students learning in a car with an automatic transmission reach the stage of driving independently more quickly. That means fewer lessons, less stress, and an earlier sense of accomplishment.
- Less Stress in Traffic
Anyone who has driven through the Twin Cities during rush hour knows how challenging traffic can be. In an automatic, you can focus on braking and steering rather than constantly shifting between gears.
- Widely Available
In the U.S.—automatic transmissions dominate. Most new and used vehicles sold today are automatic, and nearly all rental cars follow suit. Learning on an automatic means you're better prepared for the car you’re most likely to drive after getting your license.
Benefits of Learning on a Manual
- More Control
With a manual transmission, drivers have greater control over speed, engine braking, and gear changes. This can be especially useful in certain weather conditions—like snow or ice, which we know all too well in Minnesota.
- Broader Driving Opportunities
Some jobs—like delivery driving, construction, or motorsports—require you to operate manual vehicles. Additionally, if you plan to travel to Europe or South America, manual rentals are often the norm and may be significantly cheaper.
- Deeper Mechanical Understanding
Learning to drive stick helps you understand how the engine and drivetrain work together. This often leads to greater driving awareness and can make you a more attentive driver overall.
- Potential Fuel Savings
While this difference has narrowed with newer technology, older manual cars may be slightly more fuel-efficient than their automatic counterparts—especially in older or lightweight vehicles.
Our Recommendation at Today’s Driving School
While we recognize the value of learning to drive a manual, Today’s Driving School currently offers instruction only in cars with automatic transmissions. Our priority is helping students gain confidence and develop skill in real-world conditions where cars with automatic transmissions are dominant, and we want them to focus on developing safe driving habits.
Learning how to drive with an automatic transmission gives you the opportunity to master essential driving skills—like steering, accelerating, braking, and scanning without the added complexity of gear-shifting.
Once those fundamentals are in place, there's always the option to explore driving with a manual transmission later, perhaps with a family member in a safe driving environment such as an empty parking lot.
Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. What matters most is learning in a way that helps you feel confident, safe, and prepared behind the wheel of your car.
At Today’s Driving School, our experienced instructors are here to guide you through every step of the process—supporting you with patience, encouragement, and expert insight tailored to Minnesota roads and weather conditions.
Have questions?
We are here to help. Go online to register or give us a call at (844) 374-8315 with any questions.
Jacob Ahner
Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School
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