If you’re eager to start driving without the stress of gear changes, our automatic car driving lessons are the perfect choice. At Epic Driving School, our auto driving lessons are designed to make your learning experience smooth, enjoyable, and confidence-boosting from day one. Embracing an automatic transmission means you can focus on the road and traffic rather than juggling gears. Whether you’re a complete beginner or switching from manual, we’ll help you feel at ease behind the wheel and reach your driving goals faster than you might expect.
Did you know automatics are quickly becoming the new standard? In 2023, nearly 65% of new cars sold in Ireland were automatic transmission models. The trend is clear – drivers are choosing automatics for convenience and ease. Learning to drive in an automatic now is a future-proof choice (especially with electric cars, which are all automatic, on the rise). Our friendly, RSA-approved instructors will guide you every step of the way. Get ready to enjoy the simplicity of automatic driving – let’s get started! Book your automatic driving lesson today and take the first step toward confident driving freedom.
Why Choose Automatic Driving Lessons?
- No more clutch panic or stalling – For many learner drivers, dealing with clutch control and gear shifts is the hardest part of learning. Automatic lessons remove that hurdle entirely. No more worrying about finding the biting point or the car stalling at a traffic light. Instead, you can focus on steering, observing traffic, and making safe decisions. It’s a game-changer for your confidence.
- Focus on driving, not multitasking – Imagine having to juggle balls while running – that’s what learning in a manual can feel like as you coordinate the steering wheel, pedals, and gearstick all at once. Learning to drive an automatic car takes away the “juggling” so you can simply drive. You’ll have one less thing to think about, which is a huge relief if you’ve been anxious about stalling or rolling back on hills. In an automatic, the car will not stall, and hill starts are a breeze because the vehicle won’t roll backwards as you move your foot from brake to accelerator. It’s like learning to ride a bicycle without having to worry about the gears – you get to concentrate on the road ahead, not the mechanics.
- Perfect for busy city driving – Dublin traffic can be heavy, with lots of stop-and-go driving. Automatic cars excel in these conditions. You won’t be constantly shifting gears in jams or when crawling through city streets – the car does that work for you. This means less stress in traffic and more mental bandwidth to pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and road signs. Likewise, if you’re driving in hilly areas, an automatic makes uphill starts and navigating inclines much simpler. No handbrake juggling or fear of rollback – just press the pedal and go.
- Build confidence faster – By removing the complexity of the clutch and gears, many learners find they gain confidence much more quickly with automatic driving. Some driving instructors report that students learning in automatics often need fewer lessons to reach test standard than those learning in manuals. When you’re not struggling with gear changes, you can master driving basics sooner. This means you can progress to more advanced skills and diverse driving scenarios in a shorter time. (Of course, everyone learns at their own pace, but automatics can shorten the learning curve for a lot of people.)
- Enjoy the ride – One of the biggest benefits our students mention is how enjoyable driving becomes in an automatic. Without the distraction of gear grinding, you can appreciate the process of driving. You’ll have more attention to scan for hazards, plan your turns, and develop safe driving habits. It’s a friendly, relaxed way to learn. If you’ve tried manual lessons before and felt overwhelmed, switching to automatic can be a breath of fresh air. Many of our pupils who were once nervous or discouraged have found new hope (and fun!) in driving an automatic car.
Key Benefits of Our Driving Courses in Ireland
From your very first lesson, you’ll receive a thorough introduction to your vehicle and its features. Expect to learn about the safety systems, dashboard controls, and how to operate the car with ease. Your training includes practical exercises in smooth acceleration, precise braking, and secure parking. Our instructors use real-life scenarios to help you navigate common traffic situations, ensuring that you understand both the theory and practical aspects of driving. Special sessions, such as the edt lesson, offer focused feedback to fine-tune your skills and address individual challenges. This personalized approach guarantees that you gradually develop the competence and confidence needed to become a safe, independent driver.
- Simplified Learning Experience: Our automatic driving lessons remove the need to master clutch control and gear shifting, letting you concentrate on understanding traffic rules and honing safe driving practices.
- Experienced Instructors: Our friendly and professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance, ensuring that every lesson is customised to your learning pace. Their supportive approach helps turn potential challenges into stepping stones toward mastery.
- Flexible Scheduling: We understand that modern lifestyles demand flexible learning options. Our courses are scheduled to fit your busy routine, whether you prefer early morning sessions or late afternoon lessons.
- Comprehensive Road Training: From navigating city streets to handling motorways, our curriculum covers every aspect of driving. Special sessions like the EDT lesson give you targeted practice and personalized feedback, ensuring you’re equipped to handle diverse driving scenarios.
Conclusion
Choosing to learn with Epic Driving School means you’re setting yourself up for driving success. Our automatic car driving lessons offer a comprehensive, learner-centered approach to mastering the road. By opting for automatic, you’re investing in a program that prioritises safety, convenience, and personalised guidance. From day one, you’ll notice the difference – a friendly instructor, an easy-to-use car, and a lesson tailored just for you. No matter your background or experience level, we’re confident we can turn you into a safe, skilled driver.
With expert instructors, a structured curriculum (covering all the RSA’s requirements like EDT), and plenty of real-world practice, our courses not only prepare you to pass your driving test but also equip you with the skills needed for a lifetime of safe driving. You’ll emerge from our program not just with a driving licence, but with the confidence and knowledge to handle all sorts of driving situations on your own. We’ve helped hundreds of students in Dublin achieve their driving goals, and we’re ready to help you achieve yours.
So, are you ready to take the driver’s seat and gain the independence that comes with a full driving licence? The road to driving freedom is just a phone call or click away. Contact us today or book your first automatic lesson online to get started. Our team is here to answer any questions and schedule your lessons at times that suit you. Don’t wait – slots can fill up fast, and the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be confidently cruising through Dublin’s streets in your own car.
Make the smart choice by learning in an automatic with Epic Driving School. It’s the easiest way to learn driving, and with our support, you’ll be celebrating a passed test before you know it. Join the many happy drivers who learned with us and discover how enjoyable gaining a new skill can be. We’re excited to be part of your journey to becoming a licensed driver. Let’s hit the road together – your success story starts now!
Ready to begin? Book Your Automatic Driving Lessons Now and take the first step towards confident, stress-free driving. We can’t wait to help you become the next safe driver on the road. 🚗🎉
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between automatic and manual driving lessons?
The main difference is the type of car you learn in. Automatic driving lessons are taught in a car with an automatic transmission – there’s no clutch pedal and no manual gear stick. The car shifts gears by itself. This means you don’t have to learn how to balance the clutch or change gears, making the learning process simpler. In manual driving lessons, you must operate the clutch and gear stick to select the correct gear, which is an extra skill to master. Many learners find automatic lessons easier and less stressful because they can focus on steering, braking, and traffic conditions exclusively. The overall road rules and topics covered are the same in both lessons (you’ll still learn parking, road positioning, etc.), but with automatic you won’t spend time on clutch control or gear selection techniques. It’s basically one less thing to worry about while you learn to drive.
Do I need to complete the 12 EDT lessons if I’m learning automatic?
Yes. In Ireland, the Essential Driver Training (EDT) program is mandatory for all new learner drivers, whether you are learning in a manual or an automatic car. The EDT consists of 12 one-hour lessons covering specific modules (such as car controls, road positioning, night driving, etc.) that every learner must complete with an approved instructor. When you take automatic lessons with us, we will cover all 12 EDT modules in your lesson plan. Each lesson will be signed off in your learner logbook by your instructor. The content of the EDT is the same for automatic learners; the only difference is that you’ll be demonstrating those skills in an automatic vehicle. Rest assured, our automatic lesson curriculum is designed to fulfil EDT requirements. By the end of your 12 lessons, you’ll have completed your EDT, and we’ll submit your records to the RSA, so you’ll be eligible to take your driving test when ready.
How many driving lessons will I need to pass my test in an automatic?
The number of lessons needed varies per person – everyone learns at their own pace. However, because automatic cars are easier to operate (no gears or clutch to master), learners often find they need fewer lessons than they might with a manual. In Ireland, you’re required to do a minimum of 12 EDT lessons by law. Beyond that, the average student might take anywhere from 20 to 30 total lessons to be fully test-ready in an automatic. Some may need more practice, some less. For example, if you can also practice privately between lessons (with a family member in a suitable car), you might progress faster. Our instructors will give you an honest assessment as you go. Once you’ve done your EDT, we’ll conduct mock tests to help determine if you’re ready for the real test. The good news is that without the challenge of gear changing, you can devote all your lesson time to refining your observation, timing, and decision-making – the key skills examiners look for. This often translates into reaching test standard sooner. We’ve had students who felt ready for the test after around 20 hours of lessons in automatic, but remember, there’s no rush – we want you to be truly confident and safe. We’ll make sure to guide you efficiently toward passing.
Is the driving test easier in an automatic car?
The driving test itself is conducted under the same conditions and scoring criteria for both automatic and manual drivers – you have to meet the RSA’s standards for safe driving. The routes and tasks will be the same (expect things like turns, parking, hazard observation, etc.). However, many learners consider it “easier” in an automatic simply because you don’t have to worry about stalling or gear mishaps during the test. In a manual test, for instance, a common mistake is stalling the car or being in the wrong gear which can lead to faults. In an automatic, those particular mistakes can’t happen – the car won’t stall and it handles the gears for you. That means you can put all your focus on your road positioning, mirror checks, and reacting to hazards, which generally leads to a smoother drive. So while the examiners mark you on the same things, an automatic car can make it simpler for you to demonstrate those things without gear-related errors. Many people who struggled with the manual test have passed easily in an automatic. Do remember, though: if you pass in an automatic, the licence you receive will be restricted to automatics (see next question). But if an automatic car suits you, it absolutely can make the test feel more manageable.
If I pass my test in an automatic, can I drive a manual car?
No – if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your full licence will be for automatic vehicles only. This is a restriction (often denoted as Code 78 on the licence) that means you are not legally allowed to drive a manual-transmission car on that licence. If in the future you decide you want to drive manual vehicles, you would have to take another driving test in a manual car to get the manual category added to your licence. It’s important to be aware of this before choosing automatic lessons. That said, if you never plan to drive a manual or are content with automatics (which are very common now), this restriction may not matter to you. Automatics include all electric cars and most hybrids, and the majority of new cars sold are automatic, so you’ll have plenty of vehicle choices. Many drivers nowadays are completely fine driving automatics for life. But yes, keep in mind: an automatic licence is somewhat limiting if you think you’ll need to drive a manual (for example, for a job or a specific vehicle). Some learners choose to start on automatic to build confidence and later take a manual test; others stick with automatic forever. It’s your call, just make sure it aligns with your future plans.
Are automatic driving lessons more expensive than manual lessons?
At Epic Driving School, our automatic lessons cost the same as our manual lessons in terms of hourly rate. We do not charge a premium for automatic. We believe you should choose the type of lesson that’s right for you without a big cost difference. In general, across many driving schools, automatic lessons can sometimes be slightly more expensive (a few euro more per hour) because automatic cars can be more costly to buy and maintain. However, we’ve structured our pricing to keep it level. Additionally, consider that you might need fewer lessons with automatic (since it’s easier to learn), which could make the overall learning journey cheaper for you compared to manual. The exact cost will depend on how many lessons you take. We offer package deals for both manual and automatic that reduce the average price per lesson. For instance, our 12-lesson package for automatic works out to a better per-lesson rate than paying one by one. There’s also the aspect of convenience – if automatic lessons reduce stress and help you pass sooner, that value is hard to put a price on! In short, while some schools charge a bit more for automatic, with us you’ll find affordable automatic lesson rates and great package savings. Check our pricing page for the latest lesson rates and deals.
Can I use the driving school’s car for my driving test?
Absolutely, and many of our students do. If you’ve been learning in one of our automatic cars, it’s a great idea to hire the same car for your driving test. You’ll be comfortable and familiar with it, which can boost your confidence on test day. We offer a car hire service specifically for the driving test. Typically, on the day of your test, your instructor will arrange a lesson with you just before the test (usually an hour) to warm up and run through any last-minute practice. Then you’ll take the test in our school car. The instructor will wait for you at the test centre and afterward you’ll usually be dropped off back home or wherever is arranged. This service comes at a fixed fee (around €150, which covers the instructor’s time, use of the car for the test, and insurance for the test). It’s well worth it to not have to worry about arranging another car. Some learners do choose to take the test in their own or a family member’s automatic car – that’s fine too, as long as the car is roadworthy, insured, and displays L-plates. But using our car is convenient and ensures you’re in a vehicle that meets all requirements (e.g., valid NCT, tax, insurance, etc.) and has dual controls (examiners are comfortable with dual-control cars). We’ll discuss this with you as you approach test readiness. Most of our students opt to use the school car, and we’re happy to provide it. Just let us know in advance so we can reserve the car and schedule your instructor for your test appointment.
Can I request a female driving instructor for automatic lessons?
Yes, of course. We understand that some learners feel more comfortable with an instructor of a certain gender, and we respect that. Epic Driving School has both male and female driving instructors available for automatic lessons (subject to scheduling and your area). If you have a preference, just let us know when booking your lessons, and we will do our best to accommodate. We have excellent female instructors on our team who are highly patient, friendly, and experienced with automatic training. Whether it’s for cultural reasons, personal comfort, or any reason at all, we want you to be relaxed during your lessons. Keep in mind that availability might vary depending on your location and the timing you want for lessons – there might be fewer female instructors than male overall – but we’ll make every effort to match you with an instructor you’ll feel comfortable with. The most important thing is that you can build a good rapport with your instructor. All our instructors, regardless of gender, are professional, approachable, and dedicated to helping you succeed. So, feel free to request what makes you most at ease. Your comfort can make a big difference in learning effectively.
Do you offer intensive or fast-track automatic driving courses?
Yes, we can certainly arrange an intensive course for automatic driving if you’re in a hurry to get your licence or prefer a condensed learning schedule. An intensive course typically means taking longer lessons or very frequent lessons over a short period (for example, daily lessons for two weeks), as opposed to weekly lessons spread over months. We offer customized intensive packages depending on your needs. Some learners who have a test coming up soon or who just learn better with immersion choose this route. With an automatic, an intensive course can be very effective because there’s less initial frustration (no gears/clutch to slow things down), so you can cover the essential topics more quickly. To set up an intensive course, you can contact us with your preferred timeframe and any deadline (like a test date), and we’ll work out a schedule with one of our instructors. We might suggest double lessons (2 hours at a time) or multiple sessions per week. Keep in mind you still need to have completed all 12 EDT lessons and held your learner permit for at least 6 months before you can sit a driving test (that’s an Irish rule), so if you’re a brand new beginner, the minimum timeline is dictated by that. But if you’ve already done some EDT lessons or are converting from manual to automatic and want to quickly finish up, an intensive series of lessons can help you reach test-ready level faster. We’re quite flexible – the key is communication. Let us know what your goals are, and we’ll tailor a training plan for you. Whether you prefer a slow and steady pace or a crash course (pun intended 😄) in driving, we can accommodate your style.
Have any other questions not covered above? Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help and happy to provide more information. Remember, no question is silly when it comes to learning to drive – if you’re wondering about it, just ask! At Epic Driving School, we are committed to making your automatic driving lesson experience positive, informative, and successful from start to finish. Safe driving and see you on the road soon! 🚗🎓