Driving Test: what percentage take automatic only?

[LotusOmega375D]

Unless you were disabled, back in my day only real uncos would take the auto only driving test.

Does anyone know what the percentage is nowadays? Will our manual classics just become undriveable static museum curios within the next generation, whereas their automatic equivalents will rise in value/popularity?

[PanzerCommander]

Interesting thought, especially with the increasing percentage of DSG gearboxes (don't strangle small engines like a conventional auto would) and hybrid vehicles on the roads.

Personally if I were to take my driving test again I would opt for the manual test (even though I have no intention of owning one) just for the flexibility it offers. I'd certainly do the manual test for any additional categories (as long as it was available) again for the flexibility.

Most of the youngsters that have been taking driving tests in the extended family and likewise friends families all seem to be going down the manual gearbox route.

[Poisson96]

Just passed my test (manual) and my instructor said there is a lot less autos than manuals around as learner cars. 95%+ of people I know have done the manual test.....

[cootuk]

A lot would depend if you learn at home and have an auto - beggars can't be choosers.

I do know of a couple of people that failed their tests and were advised to try an auto as it's one less thing to worry about (stalling at junctions, wrong gear etc).
They're also not likely to be hiring a van so would be quite happy with an auto.