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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.

Grace WLearner Driver - December '24

Many thanks to Lewis, such a patient instructor.
I was very nervous at the beginning but felt much confident at the end of lesson. I definitely recommend Shift driving school.

Marty HighLearner Driver - November '24

Brilliant
Passed my theory and my practical first time thanks to the fantastic teachings of Lewis and Alex. Great experience and would recommend to anyone.

Sorelle GrossbergerLearner Driver - November '24

I just passed my driving test.
I'm so grateful I had Kelli as my instructor. She is a lovely person, extremely patient and a fantastic teacher! I would highly recommend her, she gives her students confidence "and goes the extra mile!"
I will definitely miss our lessons together. Thank you Kelli! Wishing you well for the future.
Soroh G

Rebecca KnaggsLearner Driver - November '24

I was abit anxious about the idea of driving a car for the first time
Within minutes of getting in the car I felt very at ease, my instructor Simon was very friendly and welcoming, easy to talk to and answered my questions, what I thought would be a horrible experience turned out to be a Fantastic one and I can’t wait for my next lesson.

Megan TulipLearner Driver - September '24

Kelli was my instructor and she was amazing.
So patient and calm never made me panic when on the roads. I would really recommend Shift Driving School, I passed first time with only 2 minors !

Alex HLearner Driver - September '24

What a great guy Will is
First driving lesson last week and Will made it so easy and comfortable for me. Looking forward to my next one.

Chris ParkerLearner Driver - August '24

Had a great first lesson with Will.
He put me right at ease and was really encouraging. I really appreciated that he keen to point out the things you're doing well as well as the things you can work on.

Tejus MedaLearner Driver - August '24

Mock test: Great Experience with Shift driving school!
I had a driving test scheduled and was looking for a mock test to check my preparedness for it! Reached out to shift driving school and they were kind enough to accomodate my request and book me a slot before my test.

Laura WrightLearner Driver - July '24

Recently had my first lesson with Alex
I was made to feel very comfortable. After several other instructors he made me feel at ease with my nerves and spoke me through what we’d be doing and boosted my confidence, can’t thank him enough and hope to be passed soon with his teaching

James BurnLearner Driver - June '24

Thanks to Kelli!
Thanks to Kelli’s expertise, teaching and support, I passed my driving test today on my first attempt! I cannot recommend her and Shift Driving School highly enough to anyone looking to learn to drive confidently and efficiently.

Kirsty ClarkLearner Driver - June '24

Old and anxious learner
As a slightly older (29) and very anxious learner, I thought I had missed my chance to learn to drive. But Lewis built me from the bottom up in both skills and confidence. He never made me feel nervous or stressed, and I had complete trust in him. I couldn't recommend him more or shift more.

Lewis WaldieLearner Driver - June '24

Very professional service.
Passed first time. Would recommend.

Sophie EdminsonLearner Driver - June '24

Lewis was great
Very patient and encouraging, he gave clear instructions with me being a beginner. Looking forward to our next lesson!

Liam WoodsLearner Driver - May '24

Would highly recommend shift if you are looking for a driving instructor.
I had lewis, and he was very professional and easy to get along with and can have a laugh with you to calm your nerves

Eleanor MilliganLearner Driver - April '24

Shift driving school is amazing!
Really engaging with the students, reassuring and you can tell all of the instructors want the students to pass with confidence in their own driving. My instructor Kelli was absolutely fabulous, really helped me gain my confidence helping me take my next steps before passing my test with no minors! Would recommended to anyone learning to drive or wanting to learn.

Michael WalkerLearner Driver - April '24

Passed my driving test on the first try with Shift Driving School!
Kelli was an amazing instructor who always gave me honest feedback after every lesson and every lesson felt like a comfortable drive with banter.

Ishaq HussainLearner Driver - March '24

I thoroughly enjoyed my first lesson with Alex.
He was very patient with me throughout the drive and clearly described to me what I needed to improve on and how to correct any faults. I would highly recommend Shift Driving.

Shelley OmanLearner Driver - February '24

Just passed first time having done 22 hours of lessons with Lewis in 2 weeks.
Lewis was a great instructor, every lesson we would talk about my progress, areas to return to and further practice as I wanted to take the test within a short window. Lewis makes you feel at ease and so lovely and friendly. Exactly what you want from an instructor. Would highly recommend. Great result, thank you so much.

Emily HamiltonLearner Driver - December '23

Couldn’t recommend shift driving school enough
Lewis has been amazing there was a couple of times where I lost my confidence and didn’t want to learn anymore, but Lewis was patience helpful and managed to help me pass. Thank you again !

Luca LucasLearner Driver - October '23

Alex was my instructor he helped me pass first time
Really good instructor, makes sure you iron out all issues straight away so you learn faster, highly recommend

William GillisPass Plus - September '23

Recently completed my Pass Plus.
Alex was a really good instructor and made the course enjoyable. Would recommend 🙂

Kirsten ScottPass Plus - September '23

Had a great experience completing my Pass Plus with Shift
My instructor was very calm and friendly, making me feel relaxed whilst driving. Would recommend to any learner drivers!

Rosie McLeanLearner Driver - August '23

Amazing driving instructors
Positive and helpful. Would highly recommend

Jordan ChapmanLearner Driver - August '23

Couldn’t praise this driving school more!
Incredibly friendly and amazing feedback. Passed first time with absolutely no bother and would absolutely recommend to anyone.

LeoLearner Driver - August '23

First time pass…
Passed on my Test first time thanks to the excellent, top class teaching from Lewis!! Brilliant and professional driving school to learn from… can’t thank them enough!

Abbie RLearner Driver - July '23

Highly Recommended
My Shift driving instructor was fantastic. He was always calm, and gave clear, easy-to-follow instructions which made me feel confident when driving. I passed first time so I would definitely recommend them!

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.