The continued transition to electric vehicles is seen as a key factor behind the marked increase of automatic driving tests, given the vast majority of these models do not use manual gearboxes.
It is estimated that of the 1.8 million practical driving tests taken last year in England, Scotland and Wales, 470,000 were completed in an automatic car.
To acquire a full driving license in Great Britain, drivers must pass their test in a manual car. Learners who learn to drive in an automatic car are currently issued a Category B auto license, limiting them to only operate vehicles with automatic transmission.
Northern Ireland currently supply their own driving licenses.
Last year, following the general election and change of government, Labour vowed to reinstate the 2030 petrol and diesel ban, previously shifted back to 2035 by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
While EVs can still command a considerably higher price than petrol, diesel and hybrid cars, the gap is lessening. Also, EV owners enjoy the benefits of savings when it comes to running costs.
In the last decade, the overall perception of EV’s has shifted significantly. The AA have estimated that during 2025/26, 29% of all tests will be taken in an automatic vehicle.
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