American Couple Reacts: Why Manual Cars Are Popular In The UK & Why They Aren't In America!

American Couple Reacts: Why Manual Cars Are Popular In The UK & Why They Aren't In America! FIRST TIME REACTION! This has been a topic brought up a lot lately! What is the BIG deal about what type of transmission you drive? Do Americans really NOT know how to drive manuals? Do all Europeans & British drive manuals? Are the Manual cars available in the United States? What are some differences between our countries that could impact our cars? There are lots of questions and many different answers. Let's take a look at 2 different videos, Why the Manual Car is going Extinct in the USA and why they are so Popular in the United Kingdom & Europe! We have a bit to say about this ourselves. Buckle up friends! HELP US ON OUR ROAD TO 100k SUBSCRIBERS AND SUSBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL TODAY! IT'S FREE AND ONLY TAKES A SECOND AND MEANS A LOT TO US
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[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

This has been a topic brought up a lot lately! What is the BIG deal about what type of transmission you drive? Do Americans really NOT know how to drive manuals? Do all Europeans & British drive manuals? Are the Manual cars available in the United States? What are some differences between our countries that could impact our cars? There are lots of questions and many different answers. Let's take a look at 2 different videos, Why the Manual Car is going Extinct in the USA and why they are so Popular in the United Kingdom & Europe! We have a bit to say about this ourselves. Buckle up friends! *HELP US ON OUR ROAD TO 100k SUBSCRIBERS AND SUSBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL TODAY! IT'S FREE AND ONLY TAKES A SECOND AND MEANS A LOT TO US* Thank you SO much for watching!

[@grahamstubbs4962]

Brits tend to take their driving test on manual transmissions. The licence then allows you to drive manual and automatic. If you take the test on an automatic, you are limited to automatics. Or bicycles. Possibly a pedalo - not sure about this, need to check.

[@penishazelton8321]

This was a good one_"NAT"

[@penishazelton8321]

​@@grahamstubbs4962yes, that's what I just said to NAT and Deb... read the message replay.!!

[@carlh429]

I drive an automatic- messed up my left ankle years ago which is always a bit achey and painy (football related) so it’s easier and more convenient to drive an auto, so I can rest my left foot.

[@alexgrainger3845]

If you pass your test in a manual gearbox car then you can drive a automatic car on the same licence but if you pass your test in a automatic vehicle then you have to take your test again (and pass) to be able to drive a manual gearbox car in the UK

[@danowen79]

Crazy that you can pass your driving test in the US for an automatic and be allowed on the road with a manual that you have no experience with, potentially stalling in dangerous situations etc.

[@numashaz12]

I have driven both, and I prefer the manual. I get pride as a woman, knowing that I can drive a car, rather than just steer one lol

[@DerkHat]

You can pass your UK test in an automatic, but then you can only drive automatics.

[@Nellil]

Same in Sweden...

[@kristienification]

Same in Belguim

[@Godkey1]

Same in the Netherlands

[@christinesmurthwaite8660]

I did

[@markborder906]

It didn’t used to be the case. My late father passed on an automatic but could and did drive manual. It was a daft rule that he never understood. Fortunately it was corrected.

[@dereknewbury163]

Hi, I'm from the UK and have only rarely driven an automatic. I hate the experience and they take all the fun out of driving. One of the reasons for the continuing popularity of manual in the UK may be the differences between our roads which outside of the motorway system are often narrow and quite twisty. They present frequent changes in driving conditions and most of us like to be in charge of the configuration of our vehicles. Automatics may be becoming smoother but they do not allow for changes due to anticipation of conditions ahead. I like to shift down to third when I detect an over-taking opportunity coming up ahead

[@HeatherMyfanwyTylerGreey]

I live near the western Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountain in Wales where we have plenty of narrow and zig-zag mountain roads there are not too many automatics or electric cars around here. Oh a month or so ago I saw an electric sparking white sparks caught in a ford on a flooded road. They cant stand the rain. One automatic to keep at home when ir pours!

[@dereknewbury163]

@@HeatherMyfanwyTylerGreey Haha, yes, I lived and worked in Radnor for almost 20 years and I very much had those roads in mind when writing that comment. Nothing like edging through a flock of sheep to make one appreciate a manual drive

[@G1NZOU]

Our family's automatic was ideal for taking a road trip across to Germany, for long distance motorway driving it's comfortable. But I agree for B road bombing a manual is just more fun and also keeps your attention on driving.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Agree, I’m a 69-year-old woman, and I would hate to have the thrilling excitement taken away from me with an automatic. It’s just so much fun. 😂

[@reinhard8053]

There are situations where an automatic is more comfortable (queueing). On the other hand in other situations where you often need to decelerate and speed up again after crossings it is just a lousy feeling when the automatic plays around with the gears until it is happy again.

[@stuartfitch7093]

In the UK it's the opposite those US states, you have to pass your manual driving test to be able to drive manual or automatic. If you take an automatic test then you can't drive a manual here in the UK. This is due to the fact it's recognised that it takes more skill to drive a manual than an automatic.

[@Mulberry2000]

That is true.

[@G1NZOU]

This, most people choose to take their test as manual just for that knowledge, even if they fully intend to drive an automatic once they have their licence, makes it easier to rent trucks and vans should the situation arise.

[@georgebarnes8163]

Yet you can ride a manual motorcycle after taking your test on an automatic motorcycle

[@sharonmartin4036]

This applies to most Commonwealth countries as well. I know it is the case in South Africa and I think also in Australia and New Zealand. Regarding driving skill, one has to know how to DRIVE a manual whereas one actually only STEERS an automatic.

[@zeroone5097]

yes the low cc variety@@georgebarnes8163

[@jenniferfox301]

My late hubby was one of those people who could drive anything. We had an automatic, once, and he tried to teach me to drive it. I hated it. Passed my manual test on 2nd try after he died. ❤ from UK 🇬🇧

[@prod.sr7186]

I am sorry for your loss duck, he was screaming his head off up there when you passed, Congrats on the pass!

[@slaintejimmy]

I'm happy with that 'fun' control of a manual. 👍 😀 My telecom job had me pop in 1000+ miles weekly for over 20 years.. it'll be a sad day to lose sticks and gears in the future. 😞

[@AJComputerServicesUK]

Hi Natasha & Debbie, I’m from the UK & drive a little Diesel Van which is a Manual, Close to 20 years old now but still works, Due to get it MOT’d later! 🙂🇬🇧

[@lottie2525]

Haha Natasha your reactions to cars on our narrower roads is so funny. It's actually become a family thing when we're on country roads - we pretend to be Americans and scream every time a car goes by.🤣🤣🤣

[@neiltitmus9744]

Because a lot of cars in the UK are less than 2 liters and would struggle with an automatic and fuel is more expensive due to tax and fuel economy is important for a lot of people cheaper to fix if they go wrong and more reliable

[@user-ml8gs9xd7f]

Ive had automatics and manual but here in the UK if you are sliding down a hill in snow you have no chance but in a manual you can dip your clutch and put the car in reverse which slows you down .👍😎

[@josephturner7569]

My father worked in a garage as a mechanic. One day an American women pulled in in a hire car. The car wouldn't go very fast. Turned out she thought first gear was Drive. 😂

[@shanwyn]

About the drivers licence: here in Switzerland the standard is manual. So you learn and pass your driving exams with a manual car to get your drivers licence. You CAN actually pass the test in an automatic, but it will be remarked in your licence afterwards and you are only allowed to drive automatics afterwards. If you wanna drive a manual car later in life, you have to repeat the test again in a manual car. So most people go for a manual drivers test no matter if they only drive automatic afterwards. Also concerning our terrain, no matter the automatic system, manual cars are far easier to drive up and down the Alps with it's narrow and bendy streets. And don't get me started of country roads in very rural areas that aren't even paved. Then Manuals are the best

[@jillosler9353]

One of the Driving Test requirements in the UK was 'the hill stop/start' where you had to use the gears and brake pedals to stop on an incline (bridge as well as hill), hold the car steady, and continue when able without rolling backwards! You can't do this in an automatic car and It requires skill to accomplish it. Another point is the UK/USA population density per square mile; The UK has a population density of 704 people per sq mile as against 96 people per sq mile in the USA - that's a big difference!

[@nicolad8822]

I never found hill starts a problem in an automatic, the opposite in fact. Took me a while to get used to the electronic handbrake version though.

[@DK-cy5mt]

The British driving test is one of the hardest in the world, if you pass your test in an automatic in the UK you're legally allowed only to drive an automatic

[@maxmoore9955]

I passed my Test in 1981 in a manual and must admit ive never Drove an Automatic car. Ive been to Europe many times .but always Taken my Car .So i got used to driving on both sides of the Road .I always made sure i was alert and not tired when driving off the Ferries in mainland Europe.

[@flamelily2086]

I have always driven manual cars so I've never understood why people panic about driving a manual. I used to own a Renault 4, which had a horizontal stick shift mounted on the dashboard. That did flummox me the first time I sat in the driver seat but it was surprisingly easy to learn how to change gears with the horizontal.stick shift. I drove that car for 6 years and I loved it.

[@smythharris2635]

The old R4, also known as the Mountain Goat..😅

[@ruk2023--]

What you have said here is that you have lots of experience driving manuals so you don't understand how someone who has never driven one panics. Think about that for a second...

[@duncanliath]

I used to have a citroen 2CV6 which had 'a horizontal stick shift mounted on the dashboard' - loved that car. Only issue I ever had when changing gears was occasionally forgetting which car I was driving (my wife's car had normal floor-mounted gear lever) and my left hand reaching for the floor instead of the dash, and vice versa 😁

[@gillcawthorn7572]

I learned to drive in one , then when I had to change cars I had another . .A marvellous work vehicle as well ,once you opened the back hatch door it was a flat bed and you could just slide heavy things out . Loved the model.

[@iainhughes8110]

If I may be so bold: As fellow fans of manual transmissions and the proper driving experience, I think you have now found another good reason to move to the UK! Seriously - you would be very Welcome! 😊💐

[@bradatkinson511]

When I bought my latest car, I specifically went for a manual instead of auto. Not only because it is more enjoyable, but insurance premiums are actually less, or at least it was in my case. I believe it's purely down to the fact that with a manual you actually need to know clutch control in order to move without conking out so is somewhat a security feature in of itself

[@neilmcdonnell2964]

My partner moved to Ireland from Spain, they didn't feel comfortable driving on the left so tried automatic to make life easier. I actually like driving her's, especially in heavy traffic. But I'm more confident with driving manual, I find having more control over the clutch helps with parking or tight maneuvering or reversing.

[@zoenorman9846]

Hi Natasha and Debbie!!!!!!🤗 As someone who isnt a car person and who unfortunately doesnt drive, i found this video very interesting. Thanks for the upload. 🥰

[@richardjames3022]

The first car (a Moggy Minor) I had had a knackered gear box and had to double de-clutch up and down the gears, including while breaking. It was fun to drive. My current car is a manual VW Polo

[@martynadams2011]

Did you wonder how he knew how old that Mercedes was? There’s an episode available there if you investigate the details of UK car registration plates.

[@Smudgie33]

In the UK our “learning to drive” culture is very different than America, at least when I learnt to drive in the 1980’s. Over here you learn to drive via a driving school or independent driving instructor NOT by a friend or family member. The cars used by driving instructors have been specially converted so the passenger side also has the same pedals as the driver for safety reasons. Also when you take the driving part of your test you do so in the car you have learnt to drive in so this normally not your own car. In the UK if you pass in a manual you can drive automatic or manual but if you pass in an automatic that’s all you can drive.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We learn by a driving instructor the same exact way you said. No license without! You can get your license no matter if it's an automatic or manual. So, if you didn't learn from the instructor in a manual and you get your license, someone else can teach you. It's not hard

[@pete48172]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow The OP isn't quite right anyway, as you absolutely can learn to drive in the UK with a friend or family member. Most people nowadays will take paid lessons, but it's not legally required. I learned with a mix of lessons from a driving instructor and practice time with my mum - probably about twice as much (free :) ) mum time as instructor time. She in turn was taught entirely by her father, and I think my dad mostly learned from an older brother - informal teaching was more common back then. It's sensible to have some lessons to learn the quirks of the test and make sure you haven't picked up your friend's bad habits, but by law you just need to show up for the test and pass it.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

@@pete48172Yup. Back in the 70s when I learned to drive, all my friends were taught by parents, which a few "top up" lessons from an instructor in the run-up to the test. My parents wouldn't do that, so it cost me a fortune (I had a part time job I used to earn the money) to learn to drive, as the only time I had driving a car was during paid lessons.

[@robertgrant4987]

The connection between the driver and the engine and the road is through the clutch! Gears and shifting yes but its more about clutch control, feeling that bite on pulling away adding the power, quick changes up and down etc.

[@Dunbardoddy]

If you are taught to drive a manual then driving an automatic after passing your test on manual is fairly straightforward and easy. I very well remember driving an automatic (after several years of manual driving) for the first time and I was surprised just how easy it was.

[@shaunsheldon5580]

Never drove an automatic, it would probably feel like I've lost a leg as I've got a bad habit of riding the clutch pedal 😮

[@lemming9984]

I drove a Manual for 30+ years and had to have an Auto as I developed arthritis in my clutch foot. It got very painful in heavy traffic situations - constantly changing up and down. Autos are easier, you just don't need to think what gear you're in, but I miss the control a Manual gives, especially overtaking.

[@stevekenilworth]

if you no not rush to back line traffic when it moves then it be far more easy, put it in 1st or 2nd depending speed traffic moving my car pull me along with no input at around 2-3mph in 1st time you catch up the line traffic if in luck they moving again so hardly no clutch work if you read traffic well and plan ahead so plan so you rare have to stop , even hills put in 1st feet of pedals car pull you along with no driver input so in busy traffic ways in manual to make it much more lazy and if you got loads torque you can be even more lazy car pull you long with much higher gears @@lemming9984

[@davidsmart285]

i watch various blogs but when i need to relax or wind down before bed i go to your show, thanks

[@veritasvincit2745]

Depends on the car for me. In general I've always preferred automatics. Much better in UK stop-start heavy traffic. Modern auto boxes are very efficient now whereas in the past they were slow inefficient slush boxes that robbed performance and put up fuel consumption. Having said this there's something nice about rowing a performance car through a precise manual gearbox to actually drive the machine as opposed to just steering it. It's satisfying in the right car.

[@lynby6231]

Even more so with hybrids, some of these have CVT gearboxes (constant variable transmission) so there’s no sensation of changing gears, these are incredibly fuel efficient and very reliable too, especially Toyota and Lexus models.

[@coot1925]

I drove trucks (semi's) for 15 years which had anywhere between 8 and 18 gears. This meant a lot of pushing the clutch peddle, so I always had an automatic car. A sigh of refief to get in, put it in drive and go home. I'm glad I learned to drive manual back in 1981. Since then I've driven fork-lifts, various tracked vehicles, diggers, earth movers and I have a full bike licence. Also owned a canel boat. There's not much I can't drive and I put that down to getting a manual licence.

[@ConquerDriving]

@ 09:40 I should have explained myself better here. I was referring to what was common in the US in the past and why in the 1960s-70s people in the US started to switch to automatic whereas in the UK we were driving little Austins and Datsuns which had much smaller lower torque engines. Over the last 20 years with lighter automatics available people in the UK have been gradually making the switch to automatic but most still have the skill to drive a manual as starter cars are usually cheap little manual cars with engines not much bigger than a litre. A 3 litre in the UK is considered a big engine.

[@michelletrudgill4573]

Very interesting, I don't driver never have husband was late to learn but has always had a manual. So long as you are a careful driver doesn't matter what you drive. Well done girlies another great video. ❤

[@josephturner7569]

I've had all kinds of vehicles. Left and right hand drive, manual and auto. I got my HGV licence in the RAF and I cross the ditch often.

[@Heather.C-kiwi-ninja]

Thanks once again for another fantastic reaction video. In New Zealand those who sit their driver's license in an automatic car can only drive an auto. Sending out some kiwi love to you both ❤❤

[@russelltaylor7779]

Having passed my test in a manual car many many years ago, I have had automatic and manual. The automatic cars were a super charged Mercedes and a v6 2.5 litre Rover. I still prefer a manual as the driving experience is far better.

[@mandypotts9090]

That was interesting,so much more to why and who drives what .l feel much more informed on a subject that l knew very little about . Thank you .( loved the clown driving at the start)

[@dawnfoulkes6646]

I learnt & drove in a manual & been driving electric ,which are automatic ⚡️ for 3 years now. It’s great as I can put even more time on the safety of the road & less on clutch control & gear changing, it’s also great charging from home 😎🇬🇧

[@booker0110]

Oh my goodness, the fun you get from driving a manual shift. I learned to double de clutch when I was a learner driver as my van had no synchromesh between 1st and 2nd gear. After I passed my test my husband immediately showed me how to the heel and toe. It was the most useful thing ever. Now I have an automatic but sometimes I drive a relatives manual and all the old skills make it a complete pleasure.

[@wildwine6400]

I used to work in a garage, and over those several years, from the thousands of cars that came in the garage, I think probably 2 was an automatic.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Lack of autos or lack of auto issues? 🤔

[@wildwine6400]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow just a lack of people using autos in general as thats including MOT tests we did, which is just checking cars over, that alone was near 20 cars a day. I just next to never saw any over those few years

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

@@wildwine6400 gotcha!

[@BedsitBob]

I drive a manual Ford Fiesta. It has one really useful feature, which is missing from many top of the range brand. It's an electrically heated front screen, that defrosts in about 2 minutes from starting the car, which is before the engine has even started to warm up.

[@jamessykes8176]

Here in the UK the stick shift is called the gear lever. When I joined the police we had to go on a police driving course (whether you had a civilian driving or not) and we were taught to double declutch, also called double clutching. This method used to be used before synchromesh gears but we still had to learn it with modern gears. It consisted of dipping the clutch twice when engaging a gear and either pressing the accelerator or brake depending whether you were changing up or down. If done properly it gives better control at speed when chasing (or following at speed) especially when rounding corners . Those were the days!

[@steve1711]

Great video. For 40 years in the uk only drove manual, except for 5 years in the middle east driving large engine automatic American cars. Then 5 years ago I bought an automatic. Dual clutch and in sports setting can use paddles to change gear if you want to. Would never go back to a manual.

[@Blackhandfish]

I also moved to auto following knee issues. Not the same as a manual but with motorway driving and touring lot i find auto pleasant if not as pleasing. Would not go back to manual now though as boy racer days are over. My car also has paddles to change gear and its full auto as well we use manual change on hills here where you shift into manual on really steep hills to keep in 1st or second. If you visit the uk and goto some places like the lakes cornwall or scotland there are some steep hills especially in and out of coves you auto may do the up ok but at a certain rev it will look to change up gear which is what you do not want.

[@alanbatt]

I am in the UK I drive Toyota Preach Camper Van Manual 6 speed, I am 71 years old and can remeber when I started driving, the manual gearboxes where only 3 or 4 gears and that the first had no syncronising. so when engaging you had to double de clutch to put it into 1st gear!

[@G1NZOU]

Regarding boats, my family has a share on a syndicate boat, a 38ft long Norfolk Broads cruiser, and the wheel is on the left hand side, and on British waterways the convention is to keep to the right hand side of a river or channel, and on wider water to pass boats keeping them on your port side.

[@Carl-Hancox]

Another fab video ladies well done 100k is on the horizon , an ex mate of mine used to steal cars from multi-storey car parks , the Judge said he was wrong on so many levels lol xx 😆

[@lottie2525]

Wah wah wahhhh.🤣

[@Carl-Hancox]

@@lottie2525 Thanks Lottie , ive got a million jokes that i will slowly unleash on the World , sorry lol 😀😂👍👍

[@ADEpoch]

Aussie here. In most Australian states you seem to be able to shift from manual to auto licences after a certain amount of time. You get the type of licence you did your driving test in, but a year later, if you only have an auto licence, you can request to get that restriction removed.

[@A16AdamWalker]

I'm only licenced (UK) to drive Automatic's as due to a disability I couldn't work a Manual car properly - While there was only one driving school that did Auto where I learned (East Scotland), I remember the instructor told me the main reasons why so few did offer this was: 1) The nature of UK and many European roads meaning a lot more stop/start/slow speed requirements, 2) Licensing restrictions and how that can impact your choice when buying a car, 3) That until pretty recently Auto's were significantly worse on fuel mileage than their Manual equivalent, I think it wasn't till the mid-2010s the gap started to properly close and I noticed even on old Top Gear episodes, European cars tended to prioritise mileage more than US ones.

[@katydaniels508]

I love driving a manual ❤ I’ve had one hybrid in the past and didn’t enjoy it at all 😁

[@benthompson9517]

Yes Katy 👍

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Me too, and I’m a 69-year-old woman. It’s just a fun and excitement. The feeling of being able to control the car.

[@iainhughes8110]

I was shocked, and frankly disgusted, to learn that the new version of the Land Rover Defender doesn't offer a manual transmission!!

[@TheSimCaptain]

This guy is a driving instructor. I think you'll enjoy his videos where he takes his students on mock driving tests.

[@docmarten8382]

Automatic driver here… convert years ago…. I opted to have a larger diesel car which makes life liveable. The new 1 litre petrol 3 cylinder engined cars here in the UK are really good, and have quite high power outputs, plus with a decent automatic they drive very well.

[@littlescamps]

In the UK, if you pass in an Automatic, you can only drive an automatic. But if you pass in a manual, you can drive both

[@sharky001100]

In Australia we have either a manual licence or automatic. When you first get your licence you have a probationary period of 3 years. During this time if you have an automatic licence you can only drive an auto car but if you get a manual licence you can drive either. Once you have your full licence (auto or manual) you can drive either type of car.

[@Rallarberg]

Here in Norway, manual shift has always been the norm, but in the later years we have virtually stopped buying (new) internal combustion engine cars. Of new car sales, we are up to over 80% being electric. In my family, we've always owned manual shift cars (tiny hatchbacks, large-ish sedans and station wagons, with the occasional van), but even we see that it is (soon) time to let the internal combustion engine and manual shift go 😅

[@mattthomas6734]

It’s not too traumatic! I’ve loved driving a manual (various hatchbacks, MGB, Subaru), being engaged and properly in control. Now drive a Tesla, which may let my manual skills atrophy, but still gives the connectedness. The best description I can give is “it’s like being in 2nd gear all the time.” All the power you need/want at legal speeds, useful ‘engine braking’. So much more engaging and ‘in control’ than automatics I’ve driven. And yet much the easiest car I’ve ever driven on long, long journeys.

[@ThePhantomMajor]

One has more control of the vehicle with manual transition, you control the gear selection & changing down is another way to control your speed.

[@terryjacob8169]

I learned the basics of driving at the age of fourteen on the fields of my school campus in an elderly Austin 7, here in England. Sixty years later I still delight in heel and toe braking, plus double-declutching, with a manual transmission. Over the years I've had a few automatics, but still prefer the envolvement of a manual.

[@DerkHat]

Engines with more than four cylinders are rare in the UK. There are a number of premium brands that have sixes and V8s in the range, but they cost a lot!

[@stevekenilworth]

more than four cylinders are rare, seems like every other car is a 6 cylinder or bigger well where i live lots v6 diesels. most bmw you see have the diesel v6, even taxi around my local area v8 diesel well his owner company so has best car and it sure fast, but lot his cars v6 diesels with a few brand new skoda diesels what also lots torque. a v8 or v10 or v12 they sure quite rare but prob because they cost arm and leg to maintain and that before fuel and you get same ish power from v6. i prefer a 4 because light weight aspect, light car light engine what has reasonable power and manual and good set tires loads fun through the corners and back roads, also complex of v6 id hate repair bills for that, light weight car you do not need a big engine to keep up with cars twice the engine size esp on back roads. yep lots 4 cylinder cars but v6 not as rare as you may think, but after v6 maintenance and fuel costs id say v8,v10,v12 are getting more rare sadly

[@andrewcoates6641]

I think that the main reason for the lack of popularity for automatic transmission vehicles in England, comes down to the small number of driving schools that have an automatic transmission vehicle available for student drivers to learn how to drive in. Also because of the lack of availability on the market there is a corresponding shortage of used automatic available at a price that new drivers can afford to purchase. Another factor is that if you have passed the driving test in an automatic, then you will only be permitted to drive an automatic vehicle, whereas passing the driving test in a manual vehicle means that you have the option to purchase and drive either type of transmission vehicle.

[@gggggggg3542]

What about the rest of the country - - - - - - we can drive cars in Scotland too

[@stevekenilworth]

a lot i feel is company cars, they get huge discounts for so called green so fraud to steal tax.

[@samolevski1119]

I am shocked and saddened that you fell into the usual foreigner trap of confusing England and either UK or Britain, it really annoys the rest of us.

[@andrewcoates6641]

@@gggggggg3542 I have no reference for transmission types in Scotland or any of the other home nations, so I stuck with what I knew.

[@andrewcoates6641]

@@samolevski1119 as I have just replied to another commenter I have no reference for the number of vehicles with automatic transmissions in Scotland or any of the other home countries. The last time I went to Scotland was when I was a teenager, I am now a 63 year old and no longer drive due to a combination of ill health and lack of funds to run and maintain a vehicle of my own.

[@piratepete1475]

ye in the uk there is a test just for an automatic ...but if you take the test for the manual you can drive both

[@martingregory9881]

Years ago when I used to drive 1000 miles a week I had a manual car and to be honest there is a feel about a manual which you do not get with an auto , now I have an auto , the engine is small and has those up gear down gear paddles are actually good on a small engine auto and I use them all the time . My fav auto I had was the Vauxhall astra estate Auto which had sports mode and once that was engaged it changed the whole performance of the car although not really much use on most British roads .

[@vanessacare2615]

Great video ladies so much information I was shocked at that some is not manual I think they should give people the option to drive both.

[@colrhodes377]

I have a license for both, and the same with my bike. My wife only drives autos because she passed her test in autos. My car is an auto just because all Jag XJ's are Automatic. I also have a classic Sunbeam Stiletto with is manual and is an absolute joy to drive

[@jimpalmer9263]

Automatics used to be 3 speed so were slower and worse on fuel. Manuals had 5 or 6 gears so were more efficient and cheaper. New automatic gearboxes are 8 or 9 speed so are quicker and better on fuel. It’s just progress.

[@christopherrobertson8098]

In the uk driving licenses arw in 2 categories manual and automatic only if you drive manuak in the uk with a nanual licence you can drive an autimatic without re taking your driving test but not vice versa.

[@fishtigua]

Speedboats normally have the steering wheel on the right (starboard). Commercial boats have the wheel on the Portside.

[@davidcollins738]

You will like the river as you travel on the other side of the water . The wheel can be on either side but mostly are on the left. I have had both,

[@norsemankv6472]

I have had a driver's license for almost 35 years now. I took the driving test in a VW Jetta without power steering. Today, I drive a Skoda with automatic transmission. However, when it's slippery, cold, and winter, an automatic car doesn't stand a chance. In the '90s, I had a rear-wheel-drive Volvo 740, terrible in winter conditions with rear-wheel drive. But it was manually geared, which meant I could shift up to third gear and burn the clutch to move forward while taxis with automatic transmission were stuck in the ditch.

[@v8cool231]

I live in the UK and owned a manual 83 Camaro.

[@raymondadams7570]

in boats we drive on the right, the steering can be anywhere, visibility not a problem

[@michaelfoster5577]

The reason why automatics are taking a larger market share is that quite a few manufacturers do not offer manual cars any more. I drive a 13 year old Alfa Romeo and I love it - it is only a 1.7 litre engine (with a turbo!), but it has more power than any other car I have owned - which include a V6 Mercedes SLK, a 2 litre turbo Audi and a rotary engined Mazda. It is also the most reliable car I have owned! Yet all the modern Alfas are automatic, as are Jaguars - and most other higher end cars. My Audi was an automatic but I hated driving it and exchanged it for the Alfa. At my advanced age (!) I shall probably keep the Alfa until I stop driving altogether.

[@neru666]

I've never had a car with an automatic transmission in the 22 years I've had it. It's only when I'm at work that I drive a truck that's automatic. As far as I know, there aren't any new trucks over here with a manual transmission.

[@onedogbob]

hi Natasha and Debbie just a heads up for you if your licence says automatic you are not allowed to drive a manual in the UK you must pass your test in a manual to drive either automatic or manual

[@clarelawton4653]

I drive a manual and love it, having driven both I prefer it to an automatic, automatics remind me of bumper cars, my husband drives an automatic and would always choose that over a manual, I can’t be doing with all these newer cars with electronic handbrakes either. Think manuals keep you more engaged and alert in the driving experience but i guess its always nice to have a choice. I cant believe there is an emoji for my little car 🚗 and actual size too, lol 💕

[@AngeDownie-by8ee]

Its Ange I passed n got my manual licence first attempt..but for last few years have only driven an automatic

[@Wheelchairuser90]

Debbie’s T-shirt always makes me chuckle. I’ve seen it before. “BJ and the Bear”. BJ means something else in the U.K. and if your partner is a bear, it’ll be a good night 😂

[@ShaneH42]

As a Brit I’m used to seeing cars on the right side of the road through TV, movies etc., but seeing the gearstick on the driver’s right side still boggles my mind

[@SmurfBambi]

I've only ever driven a manual. My family and most of my friends drive a manual and I think that is just down to price and what feels comfortable. Most people I know buy second hand cars here which are mostly manual. If I see automatic cars on the road they are often new expensive cars. The reason why most people pass in a manual is so they have the option to drive both manual and automatic. However manual is often the only first car most available to new drivers as it is at an affordable price. 15 years ago I remember someone bought an automatic and bragged about it to everyone as it was seen desirable. Recently however my friend bought an automatic and was embarrassed for everyone to find out as her reason for buying was it was easier to drive.

[@vixgray5435]

I drove a manual. As I've noticed other comments say if you pass in a automatic in the uk you can only drove an automatic but if you pass in a manual you can drive both xx

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

I've always preferred manual driving, because I feel I have more control over the vehicle. Also, in the past, automatics were less economical. However, as my joints have become less flexible with age (I'm in my 70s) all that clutch-pressing in order to change gear is staring to get a bit old. Love the channel.

[@Will-nn6ux]

My own car is currently manual and I’m driving an automatic for work. I’m generally pretty indifferent, either is fine. In traffic jams, I *much* prefer driving automatics though. It’s just so bloody tedious working the clutch and gears to slowly ease the car forwards for ages.

[@stevesanelli90]

Wow ladies, Camaros are my favourite model car! I actually worked on the Zeta platform Camaro built in Canada before the very new ones!

[@tanyacampbell29]

In the UK I believe you have to pass your manual test to be able to drive both manual and automatic but if you only pass an automatic test you are not allowed to drive a manual you will need to take a manual test so it's easier and cheaper just to take a manual test in the first place.

[@stevekenilworth]

also one his vids he said the pass rate for manual test is higher than an auto test

[@jeannieadams5155]

Manual are the usual in the UK ! Mine is 6 gears and reverse . It’s great you actually drive the car ! Changing gear according to speed etc !

[@user-yq4bi3wk7v]

Learned to drive on a manual, Volkswagen beetle missing teeth in first gear, but took my test on an automatic so I could concentrate on driving. Over the past 60 years have driven all sorts of vehicles mostly manuals, the most fun was a Triumph Spitfire and the second most fun was a Bluebird bus.

[@reinhard8053]

In Europe the average engine size is around 1.8l which still sounds big to me with all the small cars around with 1-1.5l. But with less and less small cars available and the wave of oversized SUVs that makes sense. I went back from 2l to 1.5l (same power). I was looking for a car for around 25K-30K. For the automatic you would need to spend an additional 1.5K-2.5K€. And with some types you only would get it with the big diesel engine which costs 2k-3K€ more, too. So add 10-20% to the cost. And our taxes go with the power, so that would also be more.

[@F11BAR84]

I have only had manual cars, I have driven automatics but to date only had manual, for me I feel much more in control of a manual especially in bad weather. Getting a new car next year so maybe it's time to surrender if the manuals won't be as available. Very interesting topic today, great video :-)

[@g0fvt]

I have had a UK driving licence for over 40 years and have driven perhaps a million miles with manual transmission cars and vans. I tend to prefer them but recently bought just my second automatic transmission vehicle. Some cars seem to suit automatic transmissions better than others... many corporate vehicle fleets do not include automatic transmission vehicles at all. I still drive both, quite happy to alternate between the two. With SOME high performance cars manual transmissions are an EXTRA COST option. A manual is more fun for those that enjoy driving, not all do.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I had an automatic car for a while but as much as I loved it I eventually really missed actually driving a manual if that makes sense. For me personally, manual is a far more enjoyable driving experience. Love your channel ladies , looking forward to you visiting Britain. Love and best wishes from Britain 👍❤️🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@janetburrows137]

I’ve had lots of knee surgeries and often think in a traffic jam, I’d love an automatic, but they just aren’t the same. ❤❤

[@janicejohnson6372]

I love driving and would never choose an automatic car. I feel in control if the car is a manual, and to me you are actually driving and not sitting in a bumper car from a fair. Also learning to drive in a manual gives you the option to drive either manual or automatic

[@davidgrainger5378]

In 55 years of driving, I have owned 10 cars of which 8 have been automatics. In my last job, there was a company rule that you could not use your own car when out on company business and about half of my driving was on company business. I therefore had experience of driving either a company pool car or if no car was available we would hire a car on the company's account. All these cars were manual so I was switching between manuals and automatics. Ladies, I am pleased to hear that you both can drive manuals as when you come to the UK that is most likely what your hire car will be.

[@garyhague5882]

Live in the UK and drive a Jaguar XF. When I bought it I could only find automatic so that's what I have. Would have preferred a manual. Also not mentioned in the UK video but if you pass your test in an automatic you can't drive a manual car. You would have to take another test for the manual. If you pass your test in a manual you can drive both.

[@andrewwood8706]

as a uk driver i have had many american cars torino, trans ham, camero all column change apart from my cobra mustang[70s] was manual

[@G1NZOU]

My first car is a classic 1967 Wolseley Hornet, my parent's first car that they bought second hand off an uncle who bought it new, they also used to drive me around in with a baby seat. So I definitely want to learn manual to be able to drive it and any other classic car I might end up owning.

[@YAMR1M]

We have both a manual and an Auto. The auto is a Volvo XC60 which is a 2 litre diesel and we got it because I need to tow a caravan (trailer) and the auto is more relaxing to drive in towns. Volvo changed their policy about the same time as our car came out (possibly a year or so before ours was made) to not produce engines over 2 litres and to give more performance make hybrid electric versions to add more power when needed. Our previous car was a Mitsubishi Outlander which was a 2.4 litre 4 cylinder diesel manual and for its size it was quite quick and towed well but the auto version at the time that was made in 2011, it was not efficient and made the car much slower as well as use more fuel. The Volvo has an 8 speed automatic gearbox so it is as efficient as the manual version of the XC60. It is not as quick when pulling away and does feel like it is more sedate, unless you change the gearbox modes when it does feel better. But it is not as eager as a manual would be. So yes cars being produced in the past 10-15 years have improved their automatic gearboxes a lot. Ford has a 10 speed gearbox and manuals are still 5 or 6 speed. So he is right modern auto's are now more common. As for electric vehicles. My friend is about to change his company car for a new one for 2024. The options list has some really dull petrol/hybrids and the majority of the options are electric vehicles. He has no real choice but to get an EV now. Tax benefits, tax allowances on his salary and the benefits to the company are pushing them down the EV route. This is one way to get more and more EV's into the second hand market in 2-3 years time as most companies will replace cars for more EV's so it makes buying a second hand company car EV more affordable and helps get more and more of them on the roads.

[@steveyates7044]

I`ve only owned one automatic (1959 Armstrong Siddeley) which was only available as an automatic. (Oddly the limousine variant was only available as a manual.) The previous model, however, could be had as manual, automatic or pre-select. I can only assume that limitations on choice was a cost-saving move by the makers.

[@barriehull7076]

My sister took immense pride in telling me she passed her driving test first time but it took me two goes. I had one week, or was it two, paid tuition, by at that time, 1973, the G.P.O. driving instructor, then one more week to pass the test on the second examination. Have driven both manual and automatic, automatic Vauxhall Carlton and Volvo 2.4l turbo 5 cylinder, between 1990 and 2013.

[@oxfamshop]

I live in a fairly typical street just off humdrum avenue 😁😁 . In the uk you do have to pass your test in a manual car in order to legally drive a manual car

[@user-rt7hz2ds5e]

CVT is a dutch invention from DAF

[@georgebarnes8163]

Nope, invented by Milton Reeves in 1879, DAF never used CVT until the late 50s, plenty of other car and motorcycle manufacturers were using CVT long before DAF decided to us it.