Automatic Driving Lessons and Licences
For many drivers, driving an automatic car is easier than operating a manual vehicle. Operating and learning how to drive an automatic car is also easier for many drivers, including elderly drivers and drivers with disabilities. Automatic cars allow drivers to concentrate without the stress of operating a clutch and changing gears. Since driving an automatic car is quite different from a manual vehicle, specific driving licences are required to legally operate an automatic car in the United Kingdom. Driving lessons with an automatic car are often an affordable way to learn how to safely and properly operate automatic cars with the guidance of experienced instructors.
Driving Licence for Automatic Cars
Drivers are only permitted to drive a manual car when they are issued a regular Category B driving licence. In order to legally operate an automatic car on public roads, drivers must hold a special type of driving licence specifically for these types of vehicle. In addition, drivers must complete their practical test with an automatic car.
A Category B auto licence allows a driver to operate an automatic car. Similar to a regular B licence, a Category B auto licence permits drivers to operate a car with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg. The car must have no more than 8 passenger seats. It also permits drivers to use a trailer of up to 750 kg with the car. The combination of the car and trailer must not weight over 3,500 kg, and the trailer cannot weight more than the car.
Learning to Drive an Automatic Car
Driving an automatic car is a different experience than operating a manual shift vehicle. Changes in gears are made automatically depending on the car's speed and the pressure put on its accelerator. As a result, using a clutch is not necessary. This frees the driver's left foot, while the right foot is used for the accelerator and the brake. Whether learning to drive for the first time with an automatic car or if a driver is interested in switching from a manual vehicle, driving lessons provide a safe and convenient way to gain practical experience.
Before obtaining a full licence, drivers must obtain a provisional driving licence. This type of licence allows drivers to legally operate a car in order to practise their driving skills and gain experience. If a driver does not have a Category B licence, a provisional licence is also necessary for drivers interested in completing driving lessons with automatic vehicles. With a provisional driving licence, drivers must be accompanied by a driver that is over the age of 21 with a valid full licence for at least three years. If learning to drive an automatic vehicle, the accompanying driver must hold a valid Category B auto licence for a minimum of three years.
Driving Lessons
Learning how to drive an automatic car provides the experience needed to successfully pass a driving test before obtaining a full licence. Driving schools deliver a range of training courses for automatic vehicles that provide trainee drivers with the opportunity to practise their driving skills. Driving courses typically include theoretical instruction with respect to road safety and the rules of the road outlined in the Highway Code. They also feature on-road training so drivers can learn how to operate an automatic car through practical, hands-on experience.
While some driving courses may seek out theoretical and practical components in their training, other drivers may wish only to pursue practical driving lessons. This is especially true for drivers who are familiar with the rules of the road and who have driving manual vehicles. Driving lessons provide an opportunity to become familiar with automatic vehicles, especially if drivers have operated a manual vehicle for many years. This ensures they gain the hands-on experience needed to safely and correctly drive an automatic car. The number of driving lessons taken will depend on how much practise a driver wishes to obtain. In turn, the number of driving lessons will often determine the cost and timing of the training.