Summary
There is a growing trend in Great Britain where more people are choosing to take their driving tests in automatic cars. This shift is influenced by the upcoming ban on petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, as many new cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs), use automatic transmissions. Consequently, driving schools report increased interest in learning to drive automatics.
Key Facts
- One in four driving tests in Great Britain are now conducted in automatic cars.
- In 2024/25, 479,556 out of 1.8 million driving tests were in automatics.
- The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in 2030 in the UK.
- Passing a test in an automatic grants a Category B Auto licence, which limits drivers to automatic vehicles.
- The cost of running electric vehicles is generally lower than petrol or diesel cars, despite higher purchase prices.
- The number of men taking tests in automatics increased from 23.2% in 2012/13 to 39.1% last year.
- Automatic car tests have a slightly lower pass rate than manual tests, though the difference has decreased since 2012.
