Automatics Take the Wheel: A Shift in Driving Tests

In a surprising evolution of driving trends, recent data reveals that **one in four driving tests** taken in Great Britain are now conducted in automatic cars. With learners leaning towards electric vehicles (EVs) and stepping away from traditional manual gearboxes, the road ahead seems to be paved with automatics.

Shifting Gears: The Rise of Electric Vehicles

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicates that among the **1.8 million driving tests** administered in England, Scotland, and Wales last year, a staggering **470,000** were in automatic vehicles. The motivation behind this trend? The impending **2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars** in the UK.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA's driving school, emphasizes that the once crucial skill of driving manual is losing significance. As she puts it, knowledge of manual operation is becoming "irrelevant to many." Current regulations dictate that if a test is passed in an automatic, the driver is licensed only for automatic vehicles.

A Glimpse into the Future of Driving

With the looming 2030 combustion car ban, many learners are increasingly confident in embracing electric technology. Recent political shifts, including the Labour government's pledge to restore an earlier, stricter timeline for the petrol and diesel ban, are accelerating this transition.”

While upfront costs for EVs may still be higher than their petrol counterparts, Bush notes the attractive **lower running costs** and savings in fuel and maintenance are persuading more drivers to make the switch.

Easier Tests, Safer Roads: The Case for Automatics

Sue Howe, a driving instructor in Swindon, champions the benefits of automatics, stating that they simplify the learning process. For new drivers, reducing distractions means they can focus better on the road. She argues that nervous learners can struggle with manual gears, often leading to stalling or damaging the vehicle.

"It just makes life so much easier—less work for the driver leads to greater concentration on safety," Howe explains.

From 6% to 26%: The Changing Landscape of Driving Tests

The preference for automatic driving tests has skyrocketed over the past decade. Back in 2012/13, only **6.12%** of tests were in automatics, a stark contrast to the **26%** witnessed in the most recent statistics. Predictions indicate that by 2025/26, **29%** of all driving tests could be in automatic vehicles.

A Gender Shift: Men Prefer Automatics

Interestingly, the latest figures from DVSA indicate a notable demographic shift: **39.1%** of those taking automatic tests last year were men, up from **23.2%** a decade ago. While the pass rate for automatics remains slightly lower than for manuals, the gap is ever-narrowing.

As society embraces electric solutions and the landscape of driving evolves, will manual transmission become a thing of the past? Only time will tell!