Driving Lessons

Hello, I have recently gotten my provisionals and I don't make enough to take intensive courses (for a manual). Does anyone have suggestions about how I learn a manual (as I never driven one before because when I lived in the US, I only driven an automatic)? Thank you for your time and help!!!

If you can't afford lessons, I'd recommend taking your test on an automatic.

Find a friend/family member who will let you practice in their car?

I taught my kids, who had already completed Drivers Ed using automatics at school in the US, to drive stick. We started in the empty local school parking lot, and then out on the quiet roads in our subdivision. They had to learn fast as their shared car was a manual!

If you can't afford lessons, I'd recommend taking your test on an automatic.

But it really restricts your car choices in the UK and it seems automatics are more expensive in the UK to me. It could just be my perception. 

I have to drive an automatic (if I did drive), so no choice. You also have to go with what you are comfortable with.

To get quotes for instructors:
https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons

But it really restricts your car choices in the UK and it seems automatics are more expensive in the UK to me. It could just be my perception. 

It does restrict your choice a bit, but if it's either that or not pass your test I say go for automatic!

Okay, thank you!!! I'll do that then.

I have to disagree with Chary.  I think everyone-- in the U.S. or the U.K.-- should learn to drive a manual.  Particularly here, where you're not actually allowed to drive one unless you've passed the test in one, you don't want to find yourself stuck simply because the only vehicle available is a manual, and you don't know how to drive it.

I would do exactly as Fruitgum suggests.  Find a manual car you can use, then start out in parking lots or other flat, off-road locations.  It's really nowhere near as difficult as people make it out to be.  I learned when I was 12, and I've taught several friends over the years.  You should quickly get the hang of it, at least to the point where you're comfortable practicing on the road.  At that point, I would really recommend at least a few lessons before you take your test, just as a general refresher.

I only drive an automatic, and I have never had any problems in the 10+ years I've lived in the UK.

The problem here is that the OP cannot afford lessons.

Hello, I have recently gotten my provisionals and I don't make enough to take intensive courses (for a manual).

Is the problem money for intensive lessons only or lessons in general?  My instructor gave 'normal' lessons and intensive lessons (8 hours driving a day for a full week) and he admitted it was very exhausting- both for him and for his student.  Of course, he said he'd offer them if people wanted them, but he wouldn't suggest them.

I took 10-15 hours of lessons over the course of a few months and that was fine for me.    I was given a discount for booking 10 hours (I think that's normal) and since it was spread over a few months, it wasn't a huge strain on the budget. 

If you borrow a friend's car, be sure you're set with insurance.  You need to be on the insurance to drive a car in the UK.... so lessons might be a cheaper option.

I agree that manual gives you more freedom in the UK (and I believe manual cars are cheaper than automatics), but if you really don't feel comfortable with manual and you need a licence, go for automatic.

I'm currently doing my lessons in an automatic and once I've passed, owned a car for a few years and comfortable with the UK roads, will go back and resit my Manual road test (You dont need to resit your theory, if youve already passed it once) So to the OP dont stress over manaul or automatic.

Even still, I'd probably still drive an automatic as theyre more convenient for me and my needs.

Out of curiosity, how are people expected to practice driving a manual if they've passed with an automatic car? 

Having an automatic licence means you can't drive a manual so how are you meant to practice?    I'm sure it's done, I'm just not sure how.... 

Out of curiosity, how are people expected to practice driving a manual if they've passed with an automatic car? 

Having an automatic licence means you can't drive a manual so how are you meant to practice?    I'm sure it's done, I'm just not sure how.... 

Well, if you take lessons, you would be allowed as it would be in an instructor's car and under their insurance. Perhaps you'd need L plates and an appropriate person in the car with you otherwise?

Well, if you take lessons, you would be allowed as it would be in an instructor's car and under their insurance. Perhaps you'd need L plates and an appropriate person in the car with you otherwise?

This.
I plan on taking lessons about gears and such. My friend drives a manual and said she would be glad to help me practice as well (providing I pay for the extra insurance, etc)

Well, if you take lessons, you would be allowed as it would be in an instructor's car and under their insurance. Perhaps you'd need L plates and an appropriate person in the car with you otherwise?

This.
I plan on taking lessons about gears and such. My friend drives a manual and said she would be glad to help me practice as well (providing I pay for the extra insurance, etc)

I'd thought about that, but if someone doesn't want to pay for lessons only to learn manual (we learned on automatics at school and my dad taught me to drive manual in the States- but I know the driving licence process in the US is different than in the UK), can they just be put on the insurance for a manual and abide by the provisional licence rules (L plates, experienced driver in the car, etc)?  I haven't read anything about how to actually go about it (and it doesn't apply to me), but I'm just curious.