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Automatic Driving Lessons

Pros

  • No Gears
    No pesky gears to change for turns, approaches and slowing down. The car will change both up and down for you automatically.
  • No Clutch
    No clutch to press when stopping, meaning you can focus on stopping more safely.
  • Smoother Drive
    Most modern cars will change gear as efficiently as possible, but overall it will mean a much smoother ride.

Cons

  • Less Control
    You’ll have alot less control over the performance and drive as the car will handle gear selections, engine braking and rev matching.
  • More Expensive
    You’ll use more fuel in an automatic and pay more for insurance and maintenance.
  • Automatic Licence
    If you’re the designated driver and wanna drive your mates manual car, then think again. Automatics only on this licence.
Even though 84% of cars in the UK still use manual transmission, automatic cars are gaining popularity, and for good reasons. Going for an auto means no more dealing with gears or a clutch pedal.

Driving in the city also becomes much smoother. You can leave behind the concerns of clutch control and wearing it out. Additionally, there’s no need to deal with the constant stop-and-go frustration of traffic jams.

However, it’s important to note that automatics aren’t perfect either. Before you make a booking, it’s a good idea to know about their downsides too.

Automatic cars not only cost more to buy but also tend to guzzle more fuel and can be pricier to service.

Keep in mind that if you get an automatic license, you won’t be able to drive a manual car later. However, manual drivers have the option to switch to an auto if they want to.

Also, learning to drive in an automatic doesn’t always make it easier or quicker. Pass rates for automatic cars are lower compared to manual cars.

  • Automatic Beginners Course

    Newcastle

    £140.00
  • Automatic Driving Lesson – 2 Hours

    Newcastle

    £75.00
  • Automatic Driving Lessons – 10 Hours

    Newcastle

    £370.00
  • Automatic Driving Lessons – 20 Hours

    Newcastle

    £720.00
  • Automatic Beginners Course

    Newcastle

    £140.00
  • Automatic Driving Lesson – 2 Hours

    Newcastle

    £75.00
  • Automatic Driving Lessons – 10 Hours

    Newcastle

    £370.00
  • Automatic Driving Lessons – 20 Hours

    Newcastle

    £720.00
Arizah Ahmad
6 hours ago
I recently passed my driving test and my instructor Simon, was thorough, and tailored the lessons to improve where I lack.
The mock test is a must as it gave me an indicator if I should proceed or postpone my test.
Overall, reliable, thorough and reasonable driving school.
Leo James
6 days ago
Passed my test because of Lewis. Amazing.
Tim Pu
1 week ago
I had driving lessons with Lisa and passed my driving exam with only one minor. She is very patient and knowledgeable about driving safety and the surrounding area. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone considering taking driving lessons. Thank you Lisa for all of your help!
I used to find driving lessons stressful and boring, and my previous instructors (at other schools) were totally unreliable - messaging at short notice to cancel lessons. This made me hate driving all together...

Simon at SHIFT is the total opposite. He’s calm, consistent, and easy to get along with, which made a massive difference in my driving. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoyed the process this time around.

Not once has Simon let me down - even working his days off to ensure I got across the line!

Passing first time with only 1 driver fault was the icing on the cake - even the examiner on test day mentioned the number of high quality students that Simon produces!

Cheers, Simon!
inferno1393
4 weeks ago
Majid was a patient and skilled instructor who helped me pass my test and develop my independent driving skills
Jerusha Ranbhise
1 month ago
I had a fantastic experience learning to drive with my instructor, Simon Houghton. He helped me overcome my fear of the road with his calm, patient approach and never made me feel rushed. He tracked my progress carefully, helped me understand complex situations, and corrected my mistakes in a way that actually built my confidence. Thanks to him, my driving skills improved massively. A great experience with Shift Driving School. Highly recommended.
Oto Taliesin
2 months ago
Passed my driving test thanks to Majid and shift. 👍
Nikki Thompson
2 months ago
Would definitely recommend Shift & my instructor Ciaran!

Shift were quick to come back to me with my initial queries and getting me set up with an instructor. The driving school app is really intuitive and easy to use which was great.

Ciaran was always calm, patient and made me feel at ease. He was happy to answer any questions I had, go over things I felt unsure or unconfident about and it really felt like he went the extra mile to make sure I was ready for my test.

I passed my test and feel like a confident driver thanks to Ciaran's support and guidance throughout.
Pottsi Plays
3 months ago
Found an instructor quickly. Julie was a fantastic teacher all the way through and set me up perfectly to pass first time. Special shout out the guys in the office and to Lisa who squeezed me in for a few last minute drives before my test.

Highly recommend.

Tom
Abigail Lane
3 months ago
10/10 experience learning to drive with Julie! She was patient and very lovely, she gave me the confidence I needed to pass my test. I really enjoyed each of my lessons and will miss them! I would recommend this school to anyone

How many driving lessons will I need?

The number of driving lessons you’ll need will depend on your individual circumstances and how quickly you learn. On average, it takes around 40-50 hours of driving lessons to pass the driving test, but some people may need more or less depending on their previous experience, confidence level, and ability to learn.

Do you have female driving instructors?

Yes, we do have female driving instructors available. When you book your driving lessons, you can request a female instructor if you prefer.

Do you do manual lessons?

Yes, we offer manual driving lessons in addition to automatic lessons. If you prefer to learn in a manual car, we can accommodate your needs. Click here to be taken to our Manual Driving Lessons page.

Is there a long wait for driving lessons?

We do our best to accommodate all our students’ needs and offer flexible scheduling. However, availability may vary depending on the location and the time of year.

What other areas do you cover?

At the moment we provide driving lessons in Newcastle, Gateshead and surrounding areas. Additionally, we are actively seeking driving instructors in other areas. Do you know someone who has what it takes? Click here to visit our become a driving instructor page.

Leo J.
6 days ago
Passed my test because of Lewis. Amazing.
Garry D.
9 months ago
recommends
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
Tim P.
1 week ago
I had driving lessons with Lisa and passed my driving exam with only one minor. She is very patient and knowledgeable about driving safety and the surrounding area. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone considering taking driving lessons. Thank you Lisa for all of your help!
Denise W.
1 year ago
recommends
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
Christopher W.
1 week ago
I used to find driving lessons stressful and boring, and my previous instructors (at other schools) were totally unreliable - messaging at short notice to cancel lessons. This made me hate driving all together...

Simon at SHIFT is the total opposite. He’s calm, consistent, and easy to get along with, which made a massive difference in my driving. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoyed the process this time around.

Not once has Simon let me down - even working his days off to ensure I got across the line!

Passing first time with only 1 driver fault was the icing on the cake - even the examiner on test day mentioned the number of high quality students that Simon produces!

Cheers, Simon!
Webdeco.
2 years ago
recommends
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
inferno1393
4 weeks ago
Majid was a patient and skilled instructor who helped me pass my test and develop my independent driving skills
Jerusha R.
1 month ago
I had a fantastic experience learning to drive with my instructor, Simon Houghton. He helped me overcome my fear of the road with his calm, patient approach and never made me feel rushed. He tracked my progress carefully, helped me understand complex situations, and corrected my mistakes in a way that actually built my confidence. Thanks to him, my driving skills improved massively. A great experience with Shift Driving School. Highly recommended.
Oto T.
2 months ago
Passed my driving test thanks to Majid and shift. 👍
Nikki T.
2 months ago
Would definitely recommend Shift & my instructor Ciaran!

Shift were quick to come back to me with my initial queries and getting me set up with an instructor. The driving school app is really intuitive and easy to use which was great.

Ciaran was always calm, patient and made me feel at ease. He was happy to answer any questions I had, go over things I felt unsure or unconfident about and it really felt like he went the extra mile to make sure I was ready for my test.

I passed my test and feel like a confident driver thanks to Ciaran's support and guidance throughout.