Which change to choose to learn to drive?

Last updated of 4 April 2025 by Maxime de Prinel

The choice between an automatic or manual car is a crucial question for those who pass the license. Should we opt for the simplicity of the automotive gearbox or the versatility of the manual transmission? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s see together what can influence your decision and how trends are evolving.

Why choose a manual gearbox?

✅ More control and sensations

With a manual transmission, six Master of Speed ​​Reports. This allows you to adapt the guide to road conditions and use the engine brake to save fuel and manage the brakes.

💰 A cheaper purchase and maintenance cost

As a rule, the cars equipped with a manual gearbox cost to buy and maintenance. Repairs are often more accessible, especially because technologies are simpler and more widespread.

⛽ Better consumer management

By playing with speed ratios, it is possible to optimize fuel consumption and avoid excessive that increase the pump account.

🚧 But more complicated learning

If you choose the manual transmission for your license, know that you will have to learn to manage the clutch and gearbox. This can be a challenge for some students, especially when you start in the hill or ingriges.

🏙️ less practical in the city

City diving with a manual transmission can quickly become tiring due to frequent stops and restarts. In case of plug, juggling the clutch and the gear lever can be restrictive.

Why choose an automatic transmission?

🏆 Faster and less stressful learning

With a coal, there is no gear lever to manage or crawl to manage. Result: you can focus 100 % on the rules of the road and traffic. It is an ideal option for beginners who wish to pass the license more serenely.

😌 A real driving comfort

No more stress of the start of the hill or frequent stops in the city! An automatic car offers a more fluid guide, ideal for urban trips and long journeys.

⚡ more and more convincing performances

Automatic boxes have changed a lot in recent years. Previously considered less dynamic, today they offer excellent performance and adapt to driving habits thanks to new technologies (double clutch, couple converter, CVT boxes, etc.).

💸 an often higher cost

This is one of the main disadvantages of the automatic transmission: vehicles are more expensive for the purchase and can request more expensive repairs in the event of a breakdown.

🚗 less choice on the second market

Even if their popularity increases, automatic cars are still in the minority in Europe. This can limit options when buying or renting a vehicle.

What impact on the driving license?

In France, the transfer of the license to an automatic car leads to a restriction with the mention «Code 78»which prevents the guidance of a manual car. However, a Formation of Sole 7 hours in driving schools It allows you to remove this restriction, without having to iron an exam.

And good news: From March 2024, there is no longer a mandatory deadline Before following this training! In other words, you can get a «classic» license very quickly after starting an automatic transmission.

🚀 Trends: more and more automatic roads

The automotive market is changing quickly. If manual boxes are still in the majority in France, the trend is gradually reversed:

🔹 in 2015Only 1 % of the authorization exams were performed on an automatic transmission.
🔹 in 2022This figure rose to 14 %and the trend continues to rise.
🔹 Automatic cars now represent More than 50 % of new cars sales in France.

With the boom in electric vehicles (which are all automatic), we can expect manual boxes increasingly rare in the years to come.

⚖️ Verdict: which license to choose?

If you are looking for Simplicity and comfortAutomatic transmission is an excellent choice, especially if you are starting. On the other hand, if you want have more flexibility and pay cheaperThe manual transmission remains an interesting option.

In any case, the legislation is evolving to facilitate the transition between the twoSo nothing is definitive. You can always start with an automatic transmission and, if necessary, quickly obtain a manual car authorization.

👉 It’s up to you to choose the box that best suits your driving style and your needs!