Intensive or automatic driving lessons - what's right for you?

People learn in many different ways and the type of driving lessons that are right for you will depend on your individual skills and traits.

Some will benefit most from a short and intensive driving course, while others can find this form of learning overwhelming. Also, there are people who may want to take automatic driving lessons - although others may find it restrictive if they are unable to drive in a car with manual transmission.

Intensive and residential driving courses involve spending many hours each day driving over a short period of between 3 and 8 days. Your driving test will be scheduled to take place at the end of the course.

While these types of courses have a good success rate, there is no guarantee you will pass at the end of it. Also, while they are cost effective in the long run, the initial outlay is high compared with conventional driving lessons.

If you need to learn to drive particularly quickly, then you can benefit by taking part in a residential course. However, it is a big commitment. In fact, you will probably have to take some time off work or college to complete an intensive driving course.

These rigorous courses are available in both automatic and manual cars, depending on the driving school you choose.

There are many reasons why you may want to take automatic driving lessons, including:

- Driving an automatic is easier, as you don't need to work the clutch.

- Some disabilities can make operating the gearstick difficult.

- Learning at an automatic driving school can improve your confidence, especially if you are a younger learner.

While learning in an automatic can be easier, there are advantages to taking lessons in a manual vehicle.

The costs are generally lower, as automatics have higher fuel costs. It can also be slightly more difficult to find a driving school that offers automatic lessons. Although there are many such schools across the country, manual driving schools are still much more common.

As manuals are more popular, you may not be able to practise driving with friends and family between lessons. You should aim to get as much experience on the road as possible before your driving test, so learning in an automatic can be a disadvantage.

Finally, if you pass your test in an automatic, you will not be allowed to drive manual cars. By taking your test in a manual, you will be entitled to drive either type of transmission.

Whether prefer an intensive driving course or more spread out lessons, and whether you suit manual or automatic driving lessons depends on how you absorb information. Before beginning driving lessons, you should discuss the type that would help you the most with your instructor.