DriveBuddy
One of the first decisions a new learner makes is whether to learn in an automatic or a manual car. It affects how quickly you'll pass, what you'll pay, and — importantly — what you're legally allowed to drive afterwards. Here's how to choose.
At a glance
| Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|
| What you can drive after | Automatic cars only | ✓ Both manual and automatic |
| Ease of learning | Easier — no clutch or gears | Harder — clutch control takes practice |
| Lessons to test-ready | Usually fewer | Usually a few more |
| Cost | Often slightly cheaper overall | Sometimes more (extra lessons) |
| Modern cars & EVs | Standard | Increasingly rare |
| Trades & some jobs | May not meet requirements | Often required |
| Best for | Most learners, city driving, EVs | Trades, enthusiasts, driving any car |
By the numbers: manual vs automatic in Australia
- Manuals are now rare. Just 3.5% of new cars sold in Australia in 2023 were manual — down from around a quarter of passenger cars in 2000 (carsales; CarExpert, citing FCAI/VFACTS data).
- Learners have overwhelmingly switched. In NSW in 2024 there were roughly 289,000 automatic driving tests versus about 19,000 manual — around 15 to 1 (carsales).
- Fuel efficiency is now a wash. The old "manuals use less fuel" rule no longer holds — modern automatics and CVTs often match or beat manuals (for example, the Toyota 86 used 7.1 L/100km as an auto versus 8.4 L/100km manual). Check the official figure for the exact model rather than assuming (Practical Motoring).
- The price gap is shrinking. Where a model still offers both, the automatic can cost around $1,500 more (for example, a Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport) — but on most new models the automatic is now the only option (cars24).
How the licence condition works
In Australia you're tested in the transmission you want to be licensed for:
- Pass your practical test in a manual and you get a full licence with no transmission condition — you can drive manual and automatic vehicles.
- Pass in an automatic and your licence carries an automatic-only condition. You can only legally drive automatics until you remove it.
You can upgrade later by re-sitting a practical test in a manual car (usually after a few manual lessons). The exact wording varies slightly by state — for example, Transport for NSW and VicRoads publish their own conditions — but the principle is the same Australia-wide. Check your state authority for the current detail.
Reasons to learn manual anyway
- Your job or trade needs it. Many work, farm and site vehicles are manual.
- You'll drive older or cheaper cars. Plenty of budget first cars are manual.
- Towing, 4WD and touring. Manual gives more control on steep or slippery terrain.
- Overseas driving. Manuals are far more common across much of Europe and Asia.
- You just want the option. A manual licence never restricts you.
Reasons most people choose automatic
- It's quicker to learn, so you're test-ready and on the road sooner.
- Less to think about — no stalling, no clutch hill-starts — which means more attention on hazards, road rules and the test itself.
- It matches the cars you'll actually drive. Nearly all new cars, and every EV, are automatic.
How to decide
Ask one question: will you need to drive a manual in the next few years? If yes — a trade, a specific car, overseas driving — learn manual; the extra few lessons buy you the freedom to drive anything. If you're unsure, or you'll be driving modern automatics and EVs like most people, learn automatic, pass sooner, and upgrade later only if you ever need to.
Find an instructor for your transmission
On DriveBuddy you can filter instructors by automatic or manual and pick the right car for your test. Compare verified instructors, prices and reviews in your city: