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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
Khant Chan Myae
5 days ago
I had a great experience with Shift Driving School, especially with my two instructors, Phil and Alex. Both were incredibly patient, friendly and knowledgeable. They always gave me honest feedback on the spot, explaining what I was doing well, what needed improvement and why. They taught me a lot about proper road positioning, what to look out for and what to do and avoid in different driving situations.

I originally booked 10 hours of lessons but managed to pass my driving test first time after just 8 hours! Their guidance, encouragement and patience really helped me become a more confident and safer driver.

A massive thank you to Phil and Alex! I would highly recommend them to anyone learning to drive!
Jamb0_20o7 _
7 days ago
Mady Saeidi
1 month ago
I highly recommend them. I had a driving lesson and a mock test, and both were professional and really helpful. The clear feedback improved my confidence, and I passed my test today! Thank you so much for all your help and support⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caitlin Yelland
1 month ago
I would highly recommend my driving instructor Simon Houghton! He taught me in ways that were completely different to my previous instructors, which really helped me build my confidence and improve my driving. He has a great sense of humour, which made every lesson enjoyable and relaxed. Most importantly, his teaching and support helped me pass my driving test! Couldn’t thank him enough. 🚗🎉
Vicki Mam
1 month ago
From back in march when I phoned shift to start to learn to drive they were amazing was assigned a tutor quickly and have to say Lewis is amazing at his job put me at ease from the get go ! Was always calm and knowledgeable and adapted well to me being an older learner being late 40s and 6 months later I passed my test can’t thank Lewis enough for helping me get there quicker then I ever thought I would be can’t recommend them enough
Thanks shift team your the best out there
Jack
2 months ago
I booked my test in an area I was mostly unfamiliar with, so I booked three 2-hour lessons with Lewis to get used to the roads beforehand. It was definitely the right call. Lewis was really calm, patient and knowledgeable, and he took me around a lot of the places the test route might cover, so nothing on the day came as a surprise.

He also helped me iron out a few kinks in my driving, and his tips were clear and easy to put into practice. The car was great too, very smooth to drive, and it definitely helped me on the day.

I passed, and I definitely reckon I wouldn't have without him. I'd happily recommend Lewis to anyone, especially if you're taking your test somewhere you're not familiar with. Cheers Lewis!
Jonnie T
2 months ago
Just passed yesterday with 0 driving faults. Thankyou so much to my instructor Paul.
Ellie lewins
2 months ago
Great driving instructor, I would recommend to anyone!
Annie Saunders
2 months ago
10-10 driving school got me through 23 hours of lessons
Zachary Haddon
2 months ago
I passed my test yesterday and Simon my instructor was a huge part of that. He was extremely helpful and supportive, very approachable and always had time for my questions and queries. I’d absolutely recommend Shift and Simon to anyone who wants to pass their test and enjoy the process along the way!

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.

Khant Chan M.
5 days ago
I had a great experience with Shift Driving School, especially with my two instructors, Phil and Alex. Both were incredibly patient, friendly and knowledgeable. They always gave me honest feedback on the spot, explaining what I was doing well, what needed improvement and why. They taught me a lot about proper road positioning, what to look out for and what to do and avoid in different driving situations.

I originally booked 10 hours of lessons but managed to pass my driving test first time after just 8 hours! Their guidance, encouragement and patience really helped me become a more confident and safer driver.

A massive thank you to Phil and Alex! I would highly recommend them to anyone learning to drive!
Jamb0_20o7 _.
7 days ago
Mady S.
1 month ago
I highly recommend them. I had a driving lesson and a mock test, and both were professional and really helpful. The clear feedback improved my confidence, and I passed my test today! Thank you so much for all your help and support⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caitlin Y.
1 month ago
I would highly recommend my driving instructor Simon Houghton! He taught me in ways that were completely different to my previous instructors, which really helped me build my confidence and improve my driving. He has a great sense of humour, which made every lesson enjoyable and relaxed. Most importantly, his teaching and support helped me pass my driving test! Couldn’t thank him enough. 🚗🎉
Vicki M.
1 month ago
From back in march when I phoned shift to start to learn to drive they were amazing was assigned a tutor quickly and have to say Lewis is amazing at his job put me at ease from the get go ! Was always calm and knowledgeable and adapted well to me being an older learner being late 40s and 6 months later I passed my test can’t thank Lewis enough for helping me get there quicker then I ever thought I would be can’t recommend them enough
Thanks shift team your the best out there
Jack
2 months ago
I booked my test in an area I was mostly unfamiliar with, so I booked three 2-hour lessons with Lewis to get used to the roads beforehand. It was definitely the right call. Lewis was really calm, patient and knowledgeable, and he took me around a lot of the places the test route might cover, so nothing on the day came as a surprise.

He also helped me iron out a few kinks in my driving, and his tips were clear and easy to put into practice. The car was great too, very smooth to drive, and it definitely helped me on the day.

I passed, and I definitely reckon I wouldn't have without him. I'd happily recommend Lewis to anyone, especially if you're taking your test somewhere you're not familiar with. Cheers Lewis!
Jonnie T.
2 months ago
Just passed yesterday with 0 driving faults. Thankyou so much to my instructor Paul.
Ellie L.
2 months ago
Great driving instructor, I would recommend to anyone!
Annie S.
2 months ago
10-10 driving school got me through 23 hours of lessons
Zachary H.
2 months ago
I passed my test yesterday and Simon my instructor was a huge part of that. He was extremely helpful and supportive, very approachable and always had time for my questions and queries. I’d absolutely recommend Shift and Simon to anyone who wants to pass their test and enjoy the process along the way!