Warning issued to motorists who passed driving test with automatic licence

Motorists who passed their driving test with an automatic licence are being warned it could cost them.

Learning to drive can seem daunting and nerve-wracking to many. Especially if you’re young and unsure, or even starting out as a mature learner and having to fit it in around other responsibilities. 

Then, when faced with the option of learning to drive in a manual or automatic car, the latter may seem like an easier, less-complicated choice.

After all, in a manual vehicle, you have to know when to change gears, learn clutch control and try not to stall it.

Whereas automatic cars take that responsibility from you and all drivers have to do is place the stick into the right mode on the control unit, whether that be park, reverse, neutral or drive.

Between reading road signs, changing lanes, checking your mirrors and watching the roads, there’s a lot to take in when you take to the roads and drive.

Automatic motors can offer a smoother and simpler ride and for many nervous learners, choosing to drive one can seem like a no-brainer. But that is the only type of vehicle you’ll be able to operate as you haven’t learned the skill set to operate a manual vehicle.

However, those who have a manual driving licence can drive an automatic or manual car.

And now it seems like choosing to have an automatic-only licence is coming back to cause motorists some problems, as many will find they are spending hundreds of pounds more on car insurance.

Comparison website, Compare the Market, has warned people that they could be facing paying up to £760 a year more for their car insurance than those who have a licence to drive a manual vehicle.

Julie Daniels, Compare the Market’s motor insurance expert, said: “The increasing cost of car insurance is concerning for young drivers across the board, particularly those who have only learnt to drive automatic cars.

“These drivers face paying over £900 more this year to insure their car.”

Experts at Compare the Market described the increase as ‘concerning’ as figures show motorists who are under-25 with automatic licences are now paying £2,803 on average – a year-on-year increase of £916.

Further statistics revealed insurance premiums have also risen by a huge ££644 for drivers under-25 on average from January last year, taking the total up to £2,009.

The average yearly cost of running a car is now £3,403, compared to £2,436 in 2023 – a 25% increase.

Advising new young drivers on how to bring the cost of their car insurance down, Ms Daniels added: “A tip for young drivers would be to look around for cheaper car insurance first, either when their policy is up for renewal, or when taking out insurance for the first time.

“Adding an experienced named driver to a person’s insurance can also help reduce prices – as long as the information is accurate.

“Finally, a telematic policy, also known as a black box, can help give a younger driver more affordable quotes.”

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