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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
Oto Taliesin
3 days ago
Passed my driving test thanks to Majid and shift. 👍
Nikki Thompson
1 week 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
1 month 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
1 month 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
Izzy Brennand
1 month ago
I've had an absolutely fantastic experience with Shift from start to finish. I was assigned an instructor incredibly quickly after my first enquiry, and from the very first lesson to passing my test (first time with no faults!) I was supported incredibly well.

Simon helped me go from someone that had panic attacks after attempting lessons a few years ago, to being so confident behind the wheel that I have no reservations about going out and driving.

It was an absolute pleasure learning to drive with Shift and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Lankaji Liyanage
1 month ago
I had an excellent experience with Shift Driving School. My instructor, William Stanton, was professional, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout my lessons. He explained everything clearly, helped me build confidence step by step, and always made sure I understood not just how to drive, but why things are done a certain way.

Thanks to his guidance, I passed my test on the first attempt! I highly recommend Shift Driving School to anyone looking for a calm, knowledgeable, and reliable instructor.
Josh Adams
2 months ago
Today I passed my test!! I've have really enjoyed my lessons with Shift! There was a little bit of a wait but now I know why. I passed first time with my instructor (I had two because my availability changed) and you can tell by the way all of the instructors are with eachother that this is just a great school. The app is really good too. Would definitely recommend Shift Driving School.
Emily Allen-mair
2 months ago
10/10 experience when learning made sure I was confident and cool ready for the test . Entirely grateful for the pass !!!very grateful for the help of Lewis as an instructor!!!
Shannon Hutchinson
3 months ago
Absolutely amazing driving school! Simon was brilliant from start to finish, and I couldn’t have wished for a better instructor. I had a previous bad experience with a different driving school which left me feeling anxious and lacking in confidence, but from my very first lesson with Shift, Simon made me feel at ease and supported me all of the way through. He has such a lovely, calm manner, is suuuuuper patient, and has an amazing way of explaining things differently if you don’t quite understand or if something isn’t sticking. My work shifts changed quite a lot due to changing jobs mid-way through my lessons however Simon was so good at swapping things about in order to fit my schedule and really did whatever he could to allow me to get the most out of my lessons.

I Just passed my test first time and I owe all of my credit to Simon. Lewis also sat in for a mock test last week, and he was also amazing - super calm and made me feel really at ease. Could absolutely not recommend learning with this driving school enough, and I’m going to really miss my lessons with Simon going forward! This is such a big achievement for me and I can’t thank the driving school and Simon enough ☺️❤️
Jennifer B
4 months ago
Passed with Simon a few days ago! It has been a really good experience doing my lesson with Shift Driving School. I want to thank Simon most especially for his patience and for helping me pass my driving! It has been a journey, but we got there!

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.

Oto T.
3 days ago
Passed my driving test thanks to Majid and shift. 👍
Garry D.
7 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!
Nikki T.
1 week 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.
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 :)
Pottsi P.
1 month 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
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.
Abigail L.
1 month 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
Izzy B.
1 month ago
I've had an absolutely fantastic experience with Shift from start to finish. I was assigned an instructor incredibly quickly after my first enquiry, and from the very first lesson to passing my test (first time with no faults!) I was supported incredibly well.

Simon helped me go from someone that had panic attacks after attempting lessons a few years ago, to being so confident behind the wheel that I have no reservations about going out and driving.

It was an absolute pleasure learning to drive with Shift and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Lankaji L.
1 month ago
I had an excellent experience with Shift Driving School. My instructor, William Stanton, was professional, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout my lessons. He explained everything clearly, helped me build confidence step by step, and always made sure I understood not just how to drive, but why things are done a certain way.

Thanks to his guidance, I passed my test on the first attempt! I highly recommend Shift Driving School to anyone looking for a calm, knowledgeable, and reliable instructor.
Josh A.
2 months ago
Today I passed my test!! I've have really enjoyed my lessons with Shift! There was a little bit of a wait but now I know why. I passed first time with my instructor (I had two because my availability changed) and you can tell by the way all of the instructors are with eachother that this is just a great school. The app is really good too. Would definitely recommend Shift Driving School.