How do I know if I should swap to automatic?
Hi!
So I’m currently learning manual for because it’s what most of my family learnt, the cars I want are manual and I just want an open license. I’ve done 4 lessons so far, 3 hr and a half and 1 one hour lesson so 5.5hrs so far. Just came off a 1hr lesson and did a mini roundabout and did 2 main roads and practiced parking in bays as well as waiting at a level crossing by accident.
I really really wanna learn and pass in a manual as it seems more fun and I hate the stereotypes around auto drivers but I’m struggling a bit. My instructor today said I’m flawless at shifting gears which is what a lot of learners struggle with and my steering has improved but I keep biting the clutch too high or too low. When moving off I’m doing it fine with the bite and gears and when pulling up on the left I’m doing it fine but when stopping at a junction or in a parking bay I’m biting it too high and either stalling or rolling backwards on hills as I’m not biting it enough.
I feel like I’m making progress steering wise and the gear shifting around bends or on hills is really easy I’m just struggling with the bite.
Should I swap to automatic if I can’t get the bite or should I see how my next few lessons go and go from there? Thanks.
Posted Jul 30, 2026, 2:11 PM UTC