How common is it for someone to not drive in your social circle? And how common are auto license holders that you know of?
Posted by Equal_Leading_1449@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 233 comments
Stats say that 75% of the adult UK population can drive a car. Out of these about 5% have an auto only license as well.
I have an auto only license. In my circle, I know of 1 other that does, the rest have a manual license but I also know many who don't drive at all.
What is it like in your social circle?
SlackerPop90@reddit
In one friends circle I was the last to learn in my mid 30s. Everyone else passed whilst in college/uni. We all have manual licences as auto wasn't as common when they were learning. In the other circle I am only the second person to get my licence of the 5 of us. The only person I know who has an auto licence is a friend who moved from America.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
It'll start being a lot more common in a few years. It already is amongst my gen. (i'm 23)
A lot of instructors have switched to teaching only in autos now. In my area something like 40% of instructors do auto only.
SlackerPop90@reddit
Yeah I thought about doing auto but had had some manual lessons when I was a teenager and in my 20s, plus my family kinda bullied me for suggesting it so I decided to try manual again first. Plus I found a good manual teacher for cheap and it gives a bigger choice of cars.
Absentmined42@reddit
I only had an automatic license for nearly 15 years. Then 7 years ago I bought my dream VW Transporter and had to learn how to drive a manual. Took a week off work and did an intensive course of lessons, passed first time (thankfully!)
cloud__19@reddit
It has literally never occurred to me to ask my friends what sort of driving licence they hold and I have absolutely no curiosity about the answer.
Pedantichrist@reddit
Then this post is not for you.
Icantdoitidk@reddit
The vast, vast, majority of people could not give a single fuck about anybodies driving license other than their own.
Pedantichrist@reddit
I do not think that is true - most people care that other drivers are legal.
Let's say it were true, however, this is not the thread for them.
That's okay, not all threads have to be for everyone. This post is for folk who are interested in how many of their friends have a driving licence, and how many of those have an automatic one.
There are other posts about cats if you prefer those.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
I don't agree. A lot of people act snobbish towards those who don't have a license or even auto only license holders. This narrative is changing though and generally it's becoming more accepted to not be driving or have a auto license.
koloqial@reddit
How many is a lot?
Alarmed-Improvement@reddit
I've never asked any of my friends, but I know the answers.
cloud__19@reddit
I can't even imagine how it would come up. I know for sure one of my friends has a manual licence because he drove me somewhere but apart from that it's just not a conversation any of us have ever had.
m1_ab@reddit
Out of my group of friends (all girls, aged 21-23): 5 of us have licenses (all manual), 1 doesn't. Out of the 5 of us who can drive, 2 own our own cars, 2 are insured on their parents' cars, 1 doesn't actually drive. 2 of my friends have boyfriends (similar age), neither of them can drive.
I don't think I know anybody who has an auto only license, but to be fair I don't go around asking people which type they have 😂😂
DrNuclearSlav@reddit
In my later university days I remember a fresh-off-the-plane American trying to impress people by saying he could drive a manual. Mate (or should I say partner?), that's just standard over here. In the immortal words of Shania Twain "that don't impress me much". If anything it's like you said, considered a bit weird and almost "what's wrong with you?" if you only have an automatic licence.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
It's becoming less and less frowned upon though. I'd say by 2040 nearly all tests will be done in an auto and by then, manual cars will be very uncommon.
DrNuclearSlav@reddit
Electric cars not having gearboxes is contributing to this problem.
CoffeeandaTwix@reddit
Some electric cars do have gearboxes (e.g. Merc CLA electrics amongst others). I can only only see this becoming more common, especially as more and more motorway drivers go electric and want more efficiency at 60mph+ for greater range. Of course, they are all still automatic so my point is not really relevant...
OkSun8521@reddit
Electric cars are less efficient at high speeds because of drag, not because the motor is less efficient.
Drag is proportional to the square of velocity, so driving at 70mph causes 5.4x more drag than driving at 30mph.
Mcby@reddit
What? That makes absolutely zero sense – how would whether the engine is electric or not affect drag?? All cars are less efficient at high speeds.
Spoonzie@reddit
Not sure it’s a problem really
rectal_warrior@reddit
It is when your partner isn't can't drive your car so you either have to do all the driving or buy another car.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
not really a problem. Time's are changing and its just the way things are going.
RealRhialto@reddit
What problem?
TehDragonGuy@reddit
Why is it a problem?
scarby2@reddit
Also old autos have a significant power drain from the torque converter and were only 4 speed which is a major problem if your engine is a 1 litre with 0.5 horsepower new cars have more power (usually turbocharged) and often use DSG boxes that don't have that problem also 8 gears are not uncommon.
Firthy2002@reddit
Most new cars these days are automatic and the number of new drivers with auto-only licences is expected to rise.
Time-Caterpillar4103@reddit
15 years driving manual. Got an auto hybrid and would never go back to manual again. Got flappy paddles that I can use if needed.
Monsoon_Storm@reddit
yeah, I'm a convert too.
Being stuck in traffic shifting through gears constantly isn't exactly my idea of fun.
I've also got flappy paddles but have never once been in a situation where I've needed them
Time-Caterpillar4103@reddit
Tried it once and realised I didnt know how to turn it off which was a fun few minutes.
Monsoon_Storm@reddit
Oooo good point, that never occurred to me. I'd be clueless too.
Fantastic-Pear6241@reddit
My American partner is going for an automatic license. She's only ever driven automatics and is worried enough about learning the new road signs and rules, so she's just sticking to automatic instead of adding on learning to drive a manual.
vrekais@reddit
Bunch of my friends and coworkers can't drive, some of them are considering learning but probably auto because they're considering EVs as first cars so their cars won't have gears at all. Same reason I only got an auto license when I turned 30.
Lazy_Cat1997@reddit
All of my friends drive a manual
Stabwank@reddit
I try not to associate with anyone who has an automatic only licence unless it is for physical reasons. The automatic only licence has become the easy/lazy option.
anarchtea@reddit
The next twenty years are going to be a bit of a shock.
Stabwank@reddit
Not really, I know plenty of people that can drive properly, why would I need to find new lower quality people?
Mogidogi@reddit
What a weird and judgmental thing to do
ferretinspace@reddit
I know about half a dozen people who own a car, and dozens who don't. I hold a full manual driving license but I don't don't drive. I think most cars I have seen are manual. But then I love in one of the few places outside London that have good bus coverage.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
41, don't drive, most people I know do.
Owning and driving a car has never interested me really. There's times when I'm like it'd be handy to have one but nothing has made me want to take lessons and learn.
I like being a passenger anyways, especially on longer journeys. Get to enjoy the views and scenery.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Where do you live? London or a big city?
SailAwayMatey@reddit
No.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah. I also live in the Midlands. Public transport is relatively ok but depends on the area.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
I'm in Staffordshire, where I live, the buses aren't overly costly and they're regular. The company running them does a good job. And they're app isn't bad for keeping you updated if a route is effected in some way. Can't moan too much.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
ahh I see. I'm down in Warwickshire. On paper transport is ok. Regular buses and trains. But the buses are all electric now and keep running out of charge. My partner doesn't drive and when she is on her way home from work at least twice a week the bus will run out of charge and she'll be stranded.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
That's no good then. Do they compensate passengers then if it happens?
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Nope they will send out a replacement. But that can take up to an hour sometimes. It's ridiculous.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
Unreal that is, what if you had an appointment or had to be at work, pick up kids from school...not good that isn't.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah. Like don't get me wrong it's great that the majority of buses are electric now in my area but at the same time, it should be planned out much better than it currently is. this tends to happen at peak times too for people finishing work. It's a joke tbf. Most of the time, I just step in and pick her up as it's way quicker than waiting another couple of hours for her to get home.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
Some ideas are good, but just not executed well. Maybe it will improve in time.
The buses here are old knackers some of them lol.
Loudlass81@reddit
We get all the old crappy stock nowhere else wants any more. Electric wheelchair ramps? In a City? NAH, why would we make our driver's lives easier when they could fuck around with a manual ramp that half the time was broken before it even CAME to our City so literally cannot be deployed...and that's BEFORE I have to argue why my hospital appt is more important to get to on time than someone with a buggy the can't be arsed to fold that's in the wheelchair space I chained myself to the front of fuckin buses to EARN...
SailAwayMatey@reddit
Had a couple of wheelchair users get on a bus I would get and one day, the driver, it was obvious he didn't want to do the ramp. Arse hole.
Loudlass81@reddit
Oh, yes, THAT'S another one of the reasons I just stay at home now...they'll also drive right past you on a cold, wet day with an empty wheelchair space cos they don't wanna get rained on opening & closing the ramp...I don't wanna be cold & wet at a fuckin bus stop either, mate...
Then the next bus has a buggy in tge wheelchair space and they're all "can't you just wait for the next one?"...at which point, I usually lose my rag, cos I'm cold, wet, in pain, and LEGALLY that space is mine...I have zero fucks left to give about others liking me when I have hospital appointments to get to. And thats the only thing I leave the house for now.
The wired is just too unfriendly for wheelchair users now. It's gotten SOOOOO much worse over the 15yrs I've been a wheelchair user for. The current Gen Z new parents seem to be the WORST EVER for buggy v. Wheelchair wars...I've pushed a wheelchair too when I was still physically able, so it's actually the worst it's been in 23 years...
Loudlass81@reddit
This is direct from my bus-driver Son-in-law, too...apparently none of the double dealers has working power steering...no wonder they all get dodgy backs & shoulders...
this_is_theone@reddit
Same here. It's a shame there's such a social stigma against it. People in my circle really look down on me for not driving, but fuck them.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
It's a personal choice really. I don't give af if someone can drive or not. It doesn't affect my life. It is a difficult thing to master anyway. I felt bothered by the fact I couldn't drive. I'm now 23 and passed my test a few weeks ago in an auto. I love it. I love giving people lifts like my partner, she doesn't drive, doesn't want to. Great! I can chauffeur her around knowing that she's safe as I'm at the wheel. Ultimately, if you don't wanna drive then nobody else should get a say in that decision. The roads are overcrowded with traffic anyways! Some people just love to force their opinions on others unfortunately.
SailAwayMatey@reddit
Ha, yeah fuck em.
Me and you aren't the ones paying for a car, road tax, repairs and maintenance and petrol to fuel it.
My ex had to get rid of her old car, would of cost her almost 4000 to fix it. She got rid of it, got a used one for a decent price, then, her fly wheel and timing chain needing sorting which cost me almost 2000. So yeah, things like that are off putting for me too.
apeliott@reddit
I have a driving licence for the UK and another one for Japan.
I drive in the UK a couple of times a year but I've never driven in Japan. Those fuckers terrify me.
At least a quarter of them are watching TV. Many don't put seat belts on their kids and they run red lights and pedestrian crossings at an alarming rate.
Mysterious_Use4478@reddit
I would have assumed that the japanese were more curteous drivers than us
dweedman@reddit
I find them to be pretty courteous drivers, in Tokyo at least
The cyclists are absolute lunatics though.
WelshBluebird1@reddit
Automatic licenses are very rare. Someone having a full license but not using it is incredibly common. Someone not having a licence of either kind is quite rare.
Material-Macaroon724@reddit
In my close 6 person friend group, 4 of us can drive and all of us have full licenses. Literally never have met someone with an automatic license, dont think there is an instructor very close to my area.
ems-x-82517@reddit
I passed my test but I don't have a license now and I make the choice not to drive because I'm epileptic. The rules around epilepsy and how long you have to go without having a fit before driving again is just too much of a faff and even though I live semi-rural, I'm actually in a town that's very well connected. No need to drive really. It's just something that's more convenient, especially in winter. But I'd rather just suck up the bad weather than risk my own life and someone else's. All my closest friends can drive and all hold a manual license which is pretty standard in the UK.
crimsonstare@reddit
I am the only non-driver in my friend group. Im 41, and never really cared enough to learn, especially when im in a city full of decent travel connections, and also full of red lights. Traffic in my area is catastrophic at the best of times, and I just never wanted to be part of it
Loudlass81@reddit
Nobody I know, we all have disabilities that prevent us from driving. In my social circle, 0 people have a car. But we're all trying to survive off Disability Benefits in UK...
Where Disability Benefits are so low the UN has called the whole UK Disability Benefit system "grave and systemic abuses of Disabled people's Human Rights" on three separate occasions over the past decade...Bulgaria has higher Disability Benefits than the UK, compared to average incomes in each country...
So there's nobody to even ask for a lift, our options are taxi, bus - if there even are any still, or being stuck indoors 24/7. They've cut 6 buses an hour over the 9 yrs I've lived here. From 8/hr down to 2/hr. Ending at 6.30pm.
Gawd forbid we might wanna go out in the evening...no taxis either since Uber screwed THAT up. Uber don't have to have WAV taxis to work. Licensed taxi firms DO. Uber closed down most of the Licensed cab firms then jacked up their prices so povvos like me can't afford them. So I'm just stuck indoors 24/7 cos can't access buses without a Carer...
DiscombobulatedMix20@reddit
I'll start with the first question, extremely common although I know some are learning just like myself and intend on working towards a full licence although many others have decided not to at all as public transport is really easy and cheaper to use. For those that aren't learning, many of them still have provisional licences strictly for ID purposes rather than learning.
I've heard in 2025 that around 25% of new licence holders or those who took their test, did so in automatic.
I know 2 of my mates are doing automatic. I fully understand the reason behind it and I support their choice. At the end of the day, automatic cars are starting to be in abundance and although it can present some hurdles like job prospects, those hurdles seem to become less and less nowadays.
I actually wanted to get an auto licence then decided against it due to a. the restriction of what you can drive and b. insurers charge more for the same automatic car if your licence is not manual. I then had the intention of manual licence, auto car. Due to me being essentially stone broke, I actually cannot buy an automatic car regardless of licence type.
Now since I actually know how to control a manual, the biting point, hill starts without the handbrake etc, I love it and I am intending on buying my own car soon to do my test and practice in!
Admittedly I am thinking in 5-10 years of switching due to the gained NCD, used autos being cheaper over time, petrol hybrids having better MPG, the 2030 ICE vehicle ban or due to my dodgy shoulder if I can afford it but if I can still drive a manual, best believe that I am sticking to it for a long while!
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Do you live in London?
DiscombobulatedMix20@reddit
Birmingham
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah near me then. Im more warwickshire. Birmingham is really hard to drive round tbf. But I think in 10 ish years, auto instructors will become the norm and by 2040 85-90% of tests will be done in an auto. I reckon at some point, the DVSA will just scrap an auto license and have 1 license as hardly anyone will drive a manual anyway.
Smeeble09@reddit
I don't know anyone with only an auto license, but I would say 40% don't drive at all.
RepresentativeStooj@reddit
Everyone in my immediate circle either has a manual license or no license.
Wizzpig25@reddit
This is probably highly age and location dependent. Where I live, and in my social circle, I only know of one person who cannot drive, and that is for medical reasons.
Lost_Ad1589@reddit
My (47m) best mate passed late in his 30s. I passed two years ago. Three other friends in our circle passed their full motorcycle licences in the last decade but none of them can drive a car. Another friend's work put him through his licence a few years ago so he could drive one of their vans and now he drives their HGVs.
We've mostly been friends since we were in our teens but we only started getting wheels in our 30s and 40s.
I know a couple of auto-licence holders. Both single mums who just wanted to be able to learn quickly and get themselves about and I can't fault them for it.
As a motorcyclist who became a driver, having a clutch and a gear selector didn't come a surprise to me, so I never felt intimidated enough by driving manual to have the need to learn auto, but given the ubiquity of automatics and the proliferation of e-vhicles, I don't see driving manual as a vital life skill.
inevitable_dave@reddit
It's about 60% with a license of some kind, and I only know of one person with an automatic license purely because he only passed a few months ago. For those who don't have licenses, the common theme seems to be not wanting to risk failing or finding it all too difficult.
Fantastic-Pear6241@reddit
I don't drive. Does that count?
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah that counts. It's fairly common here for people to drive. I imagine for her though being American, it's almost unheard of for someone over there to not drive. I think I saw something like only 7% of adult americans don't hold a drivers license.
Fantastic-Pear6241@reddit
Oh yeah it's been odd for her. You basically can't survive where she comes from without living. No public transport, nearest shop is a 30 minute walk that's across a 6 lane highway.
detectivebabylegz@reddit
I've worked in hospitality all my working life and therefore worked with mainly teenagers and young adults. I have noticed that more and more people are learning to drive automatic, because it's easier and cheaper, as you don't need as many lessons.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Still takes ages to get a test though. But yeah, and also, the other reason is that instructors are rapidly switching to teaching only in autos. Manuals are fast becoming a novelty or just an option for people on the breadline.
I'd say by 2040, it'll be almost unheard of for someone to do their test in a manual. The law might even change and the DVSA will just get rid of auto licenses. Bit like in New zealand and Australia, they only have one license so you can theoretically take your test in an auto and drive a manual.
detectivebabylegz@reddit
Automatic cars are getting better as well. I travel to America often and rent cars, which is always an automatic and the quality is always improving.
Redgrapefruitrage@reddit
I’d say 90% of my friend group can drive, some don’t have a car though, which is fine as we live in a town. I don’t have a clue if they have manual or auto licenses though.
Responsible-Hat-679@reddit
I have an auto only license and I’m the only person I know with that.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
It's getting a lot more common though. On this sub alone at least 10 people have said they have auto licenses. 11 if you include me. In 5 years, you'll definitely have colleagues who have an auto only license.
anabsentfriend@reddit
Everyone in my social circle drives. I have met them all at various jobs throughout my life and we had to drive for work for all but one. I don't know anyone with an automatic license.
maersyl@reddit
My wife doesn’t drive and it has become quite contentious at times. We used to live in Devon and all our family was in Durham, which is a 6+ hour drive on a good day with no stops.
She was passenger princess the entire time. I have to drive everywhere and it has got to the point where, whilst I love her dearly, it has become really frustrating for me and I have snapped a few times when I’ve been driving perfectly fine and she’s said “watch out for…” and I’ve quipped “who’s got the licence here?” and immediately felt terrible.
She comes back at me with saying only her dad ever drove in her family and I respond with “there’s a reason your dad’s lost his hair and had two heart attacks…” which she does find funny as it’s intended as a small joke - he even leans into that too by saying being dad’s taxi is the reason for it as well!
I know it’s such a small thing in the grand scheme of things but she knows I want her to learn to share the burden of driving and she just hasn’t. It’s been over a decade.
So, yeah, it’s affected my immediate circle quite a bit, but that is literally the only issue I have with my wife so life’s good, really!
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Tbf I don't mind my partner not driving but then again the longest car journey I've done is only like 2 hours. ( I passed my test 3 weeks ago haha).
MJLDat@reddit
What’s an auto license? Did you get that at the DMV?
Automatic licence.
GardenIntelligent643@reddit
Auto as a shortened form of automatic has been common in British English a long time now. It's a stupid hill to die on.
"I could care less" on the other hand, that makes my blood boil, because being able to care less, means you do indeed care at some level.
MJLDat@reddit
The term is ‘Automatic Licence’. There are two differences.
Not sure why you mentioned the other thing.
GardenIntelligent643@reddit
License vs Licence is a level of pedantry I will not stoop to
MJLDat@reddit
It’s written on the thing. It’s not being pedantic.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
An automatic license means you can only drive CAT B vehicles (Under 3.5tonnes) with auto transmission.
MJLDat@reddit
You’re halfway there now. Keep going.
Laorii@reddit
I don’t know anyone with an auto only licence and only 1 person who can’t drive.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Give it 5 years and you'll definitely know someone who will. Give it 10-15 and any colleagues you have that will be in their late teens or early 20s at that point will most likely have an auto license.
sleepyprojectionist@reddit
Jump back in time 10-15 years and only two of my closest group of five mates had licences, and one of them hadn’t driven since passing.
Fast forward to today and we all have manual car licences, but half of us drive electric cars. I have one mate who is especially certain that if you put him behind the wheel of a manual car today that he would almost immediately stall and/or crash.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
And that's why I think auto licenses will be the default in 10-15 years. Because they'r emore common, more reliable and just easier for instructors to teach in.
enthralled95@reddit
The majority of my friends can drive, and all of us have a manual license. However, most of us, myself included, drive automatic.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
And that's why an auto license will become the default in a few years. Because like yourselves, instructors are switching to auto cars too as they're getting cheaper, more reliable and easier for them to teach in.
Bad_UsernameJoke94@reddit
I mean 75% of people might have passed tests, but do they actually know how to drive properly?
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Nope lol.
sihasihasi@reddit
I (55) don't think I know anybody who has an auto only license. Don't think I know anybody who can't drive, either.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Auto licenses are more common amongst gen Z and millenials I think (im 23). Simply because, autos are better and more common now, and also instructors are beginning to teach solely in auto cars now.
Not even 10 years ago, an auto only instructor was quite uncommon. Now, in my area its something like 40% of all instructors.
sihasihasi@reddit
Maybe. My 21yo has a manual, and my 17yo is learning manual, though. I don't believe any of their friends have auto licenses, either.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah the majority still learn in a manual but the proportion of auto learners has definitely increased compared to 10 years ago. In 5 years, I think auto learners will be the majority ( as in 51% auto 49% manual) and then in 15 years a manual driving instructor will be very hard to find indeed.
This generation coming through now, will be the last to experience learning in a manual car on a large scale. That's for sure.
Pedantichrist@reddit
I grew up in an area where there was no public transport at all. If I wanted to get a bus to London I had to hitch hike for 25 miles first.
Everyone had a car.
GasQuirky3938@reddit
I am 54 and I have never had a driving licence. Only one of my friends has a driving license.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Fair. Where are you based. London?
GasQuirky3938@reddit
I lived in Bristol when I was in the UK and now I am in Stockholm.
Dd_8630@reddit
Mid 30s here. Probably 50/50 if someone can drive or not. I have a motorbike license but not a car license.
Alternative_Route@reddit
I wonder if some people go down the auto route by default now, because the instructor is using a hybrid or ev and it's not worth them using a manual.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Auto instructors are becoming more and more common definitely. I only passed a few weeks ago and I'd say its about 60-40 in my area for manual to auto instructors.
In 15 years, I think autos will be the default and manual cars will be somewhat of a novelty or at least a lot more uncommon.
tuppenycrane@reddit
Manuals are already becoming a novelty, manufacturers simply aren’t making them anymore at all, all autos and electrics. Manuals just don’t make sense anymore with modern tech, a human shifter is always slower than an auto now, and electrics don’t have gears etc. Manual transmissions are offered as special “driving enjoyer” versions of new cars rather than main line models.
It’s kinda sad. I’m 22, I passed a year ago and have been driving my manual focus and I love a manual transmission. I live in London and yeah it’s annoying in traffic, but it’s a lot more engaging to drive than any automatic, and getting those smooth up and downshifts is really like a great minigame to play on a long drive. I really do enjoy driving.
It’s unfortunate some people might never experience a manual transmission, there’s not much else fun about driving modern cars except going fast or having 100 iPads all over the dash to keep everyone awake on a long drive. I’ll keep trying to buy and drive manuals until I absolutely have to switch
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah. Times change I guess.
turtleship_2006@reddit
I mean for me it was the default more because that's what my dad had been doing for about 15 years so I kind of just went with it
random_username_96@reddit
My social circle is all late 20s - mid 30s.
As far as I'm aware no one had an auto license, everyone that can drive can drive manual. As for how many can drive? I'd say it's about 50/50. Friends who are less well off and live in cities never bothered/needed to learn, and friends who are in better paying jobs and in suburbs or the countryside can mostly drive.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah makes sense. I think driving generally speaking is becoming less common. And learning in a manual will be quite rare in 10-15 years. By 2040 ish, I reckon most tests. will be done in an auto with the way things are going and especially with the preference instructors have.
_Dan___@reddit
Pretty much everyone I know drives and I don’t know anyone with an auto licence. I am mid 30s though and autos weren’t really popular when I / my friends were learning to drive.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
A lot has changed in the past 5 years or so though. In my area the proportion of manual to auto instructors is now 60-40% I'd say. 10 years ago, it was much harder to find an auto only instructor. More of a specialist thing. Now, it is becoming the default. It's not there yet but I'd say by 2040. Nearly all tests will be done in an auto. It's a lot easier for instructors and students all round i'd say. Learning or driving a manual will become a novelty by then, but not phased out entirely like some people say.
_Dan___@reddit
Completely agree. The transition to electric cars accelerates the change too.
I would never choose a manual now, and definitely don’t expect my kids to ever learn how to drive one!
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah your kids are very unlikely to learn in one. Autos do the job and with UK roads you can't really enjoy driving a manual too much in the same way that if you were in Germany or the US where the roads are better and higher speed limits.
Super-Surround-4347@reddit
In London, lots of people don't, or at least didn't when I grew up there. I imagine it's the same as in other big city centered.
I've moved to the North in 2024 and most people seem to learn before they're 20. I learned at 31 when I moved here. Quieter roads and severe lack of public transport
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah it's very common in London to not have a drivers license. Even in Birmingham, near to me, none of my partners immediate family drive (mum, dad, and two siblings in their 20s).
Stinkinhippy@reddit
Myself and my sister are the only two I can think of with auto only.. neither of us really had any desire to drive it just became essential.
Kharenis@reddit
31 and basically everyone drives, not sure what licenses people have though. I live on the edge of York and public transport is a bit shit.
julemeister@reddit
They are planning on dying away with the distinction between manual and auto but I think it's going to be a while with the slower uptake on ev
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Good! That means I wouldn't need to do another test to upgrade my license haha.
strodey123@reddit
I think all my friends have licences, though not all have cars at the moment.
I've never known anyone to have an auto only licence. Though having owned autos now for a while, I'd never go back to a manual, the americans have got that bit right!
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
It'll be a lot more common. in 10-15 years auto licenses will be the default I reckon.
smoulderstoat@reddit
I don't drive. I have a couple of friends who can't drive cars but can drive trains.
I've one friend I know of who has an auto only licence, though some others have automatic cars and I guess they might be the same.
I guess the numbers are likely to change quite a bit as time goes on, as EVs and hybrids take over.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Oh yea its going to change a lot.
By 2030 all new cars will be electric (auto by default)
By 2040, the majority of second hand cars will be auto/ electric and therefore most tests will be auto too.
Azure_727@reddit
The only person I know who can't drive is my friends fiance, he's around 40. I only know one person with an auto only license, but he had a disability that meant he could not use his left leg.
I have a manual license, but have driven exclusively automatic cars for 20 years. I'd be useless with a clutch now.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
I find it hilarious when manual license holders take the mickey out of an auto license holder. Whilst they own an electric/hybrid auto car themselves! At the end of the day, in 2030 all new cars will be electric (so auto by default) and I'd say by 2040, the vast majority of cars on the road or second hand markets will be auto too. And even tests by then, will likely be 85-90% auto as well.
Accomplished-Fix3841@reddit
My partner has an auto license and drives an EV. If I ever get my driving license here (I hold a foreign license) it will be an auto license. I understand how to drive manual, and both my parents drove manual cars, but I don't have a desire to get a full driving license. I think as more EVs are on the market, there will be more auto licenses.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Auto licenses are full licenses. But yeah, I get what you mean. I'm a bit lazy tbf and couldnt be bothered to learn in a manual. It's extra effort and both my parents drive autos anyway so its not even like I'd have the chance to practice manual in their cars lol.
Maybe some day I will do the test if I care enough or need to. I do sim racing and use a clutch and gear paddles for that.
AquarianViolist@reddit
I’m thinking of my immediate group of 8 friends (4 couples) - it’s worked out that 3 of us drive (each 1 of a couple) and then 1 couple, neither drive, we’re aged 40-60, Brighton based - which makes a difference as car ownership, parking etc is tough here 😂 So 3/8 with a licence
CoffeeandaTwix@reddit
In my circle, there are only a few who don't drive and only one of those doesn't have a licence. I don't think I know of anyone who has an auto only licence. My other half has only ever driven automatics since her test but she has a normal licence.
Ok_Weather2441@reddit
About half have a license and a third have access to a vehicle, maybe 1/6th have a vehicle per person instead of 1 car per household
Northern England. It's not an affordability thing or anything people just prefer to bike or train to get around
cloudmountainio@reddit
I know a few people that don’t drive but the majority do. I live in a London borough though so public transport is pretty good. So for some of my friends they just don’t see the point in learning because they don’t need to drive.
I didn’t learn ‘til I was in my late 20s… my husband drove though and we had a car so wasn’t really an issue. I’d just do stuff that was easier with a car when he was off work.
Then I had children and realised getting a double buggy on the bus etc is agg. I did went for an auto license because I just got wanted to get from a to b in the easiest way possible and I wasn’t worried about automatic cars being more expensive etc.
I probably should have done it much earlier as I didn’t realise how much easier it makes life. It’s also nice not having to rely on my husband if I need to go to b&q or wherever (stuff that’s too heavy for the bus basically).
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah it's definitely more common in London and big cities.
cloudmountainio@reddit
I forgot to say, no one else I know has an automatic license (maybe that’s because I’m nearing 40 though!) and I get ripped for it. One of my friend’s husband always says I got my driving license at Legoland 🙄 😂
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Tbh though it really shouldn't matter whether you have an auto or manual license. As long as you're safe on the road. Who gives AF.
In 15 years nearly all road cars will be auto anyway as manuals are gonna be phased out a lot over the next decade.
Direct_Instance_8655@reddit
I was really surprised at the 5% figure and looked it up, very briefly admittedly. Looks like among driving tests today about 25% are automatic. So there will be more and more young drivers on automatic licenses.
To answer your question: I drive auto, my partner doesn't at all, best friend doesn't at all, other best friend automatic. Myself and all people mentioned are around 40ish.
funkmachine7@reddit
Automatics where basicly only for people with moblity problems, or the cash for large luxery cars. Theres still a gap in the secound hand market for small automatics
Stabwank@reddit
I think an automatic only licence should only be reserved for people with mobility issues.
Direct_Instance_8655@reddit
Hahaha, but why?
Stabwank@reddit
Stop people from picking the "easy" option, if having to change gears and use a clutch is too difficult maybe you should not be on the road.
After passing your test drive whatever you like.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Move on mate its not 1972 anymore. By 2040 90% of all driving tests are expected to be conducted in automatics anyway. Times change.
Direct_Instance_8655@reddit
The coordination needed to use clutch/gears has literally nothing to do with someone's ability to drive safely, unless they're in a manual car. Times move on. I know it's tough for some to accept. Let's keep everything unnecessarily difficult just because people in the past had to do it that way. Makes sense...
Direct_Instance_8655@reddit
Sure maybe back in the day. I chose automatic just because i figured why bother with a manual. No issues whatsoever driving, passed at first attempt etc. The gap is closing, had no issues finding a decent automatic second hand car. I'm not living the kind of life where i'll borrow other people's cars all the time, so I just thought why bother, that's all.
Optimal-Ring-5879@reddit
I’d say about a third of my social circle can actually drive, and of them only one actually owns a car. We all live in a city and those who do have licenses usually grew up rurally / out of the city. No idea what type of license they have tho it’s never occurred to me to ask.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Where do you live? London? That's way below national average tbf. But London and cities often are anyway for driving stats.
jsm97@reddit
Not the OP but The town or city you live in is a factor for whether you need a car but it's not the only one. Where you live within that town/city is important too. You have more need of a car in outer London suburbs like Enfield than you do living in the centre of small city like Cambridge where most things are within walking distance.
I don't drive, but also haven't taken a bus in about 2 months either. Everything I need is either in walking distance or a train ride away and I'm a 5 minuite walk from the station.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yeah that's true tbf.
fickle_tartan@reddit
Very similar for me, even some of the folks who grew up outside the city still never learned to drive! I was the driver for a while but I don't even have a car anymore, just no need for it.
GreyStagg@reddit
Remember plenty of people with a manual licence drive autos as well, so whatever you're trying to find out here may be skewed.
MisterD90x@reddit
I never learnt to drive a car, I got my motorbike licence instead at the ripe age of 35
BetweenBakerSt@reddit
I'm on an auto-only licence due to disability and outside of the folks on my wheelchair rugby squad, most of whom are also on an auto-only, I don't know anyone
Pyjama365@reddit
The only people who I know who have only ever had automatic cars are two relatives that coincidentally both lost function in one hand each, due to accidents. But I think they both technically still had full licences, at least before the accidents, because they learnt to drive before the accidents.
I only know one other person who has owned an automatic vehicle, having driven for many years but opted for an automatic due to disability meaning it's perfectly safe to drive with 2 pedals but slightly painful for them sometimes to drive with 3.
I have never knowingly known anyone have an automatic-only licence, although it's something I've considered for myself, with possible AuDHD (but decided that ADHD meds, if applicable, are probably a safer option).
RhubarbImmediate7007@reddit
40% of my band can’t drive. It’s kind of a pain, but we’re used to it now
Icedtangoblast@reddit
Only one in our circle drives. 5 of us
BemaJinn@reddit
I have an auto only licence, but I was late to the game (40 when I passed) and needed a licence fast.
That being said, even when I was 18 before I could drive, I was only ever interested into auto and as time has gone on its become less and less necessary for manual.
I only know of one other person that has an auto only licence.
zamoflo@reddit
Me and one of my best mates are both auto only! And a lot of people I know who are learning are having auto, switched to auto lessons, or have only driven autos since passing their test in a manual - it’s seems a lot more common now. Most of my friendship group drive, but a lot of us learned later (mostly after uni - I was due to take my test right as covid hit, then moved to a different area and it took me two years to find an instructor so only ended up passing after 30 - luckily I didn’t need lessons for long because it all came back to me after a few!). The only people I really know who learned before uni were people who were a bit more well-off and had cars bought for them. I know a few people who passed their driving test while we were in college but didn’t get their own car until moving back home post uni.
Namerakable@reddit
As far as I know, I'm the only person in my department at work who doesn't drive and who doesn't have a licence (others who don't drive seem to still have a licence).
Not sure about the auto licences. I didn't realise they were a thing.
DisastrousTurnip3553@reddit
90% of the people I know well drive. They all have manual licences though some, like me, drive autos or EVs
scooches66@reddit
Neither my son nor his father have licences. I also worked in a petrol station where the manager couldn't drive.
tobotic@reddit
Don't get high on your own supply.
InternationalRich150@reddit
I drive auto, I assume people who learned earlier than I have a manual licence as 20 years ago, didn't seem too common to drive auto.
However my mum switched to an auto years ago and my ex husband now exclusively drives Auto. He's a Hgv driver as well and says its just better, idk why.
However I don't really ask. Can't say I care much. Cars a car to me.
OkRefrigerator107@reddit
Grew up in London and can’t drive, neither can most of my friends
Ajay-1992@reddit
licence FFS.
Ajay-1992@reddit
licence FFS.
Skoodledoo@reddit
I live and work in London, I have a full license but I don't have a car as it's cheaper monthly to use public transport. If needed, I'll hire a car.
takesthebiscuit@reddit
I think my son is auto only, his mum taught him and I honestly never asked if he actually passed on manual or automatic 😂
greenneedleuk@reddit
I am 51. never had a driving lesson. Never sat behind the wheel. Wife drives and warbles on about I should learn but we live in a city. There are buses galore, trains, taxis and my response to her is if she wants a car fine but I am happy walking cycling and using public transport.
If I am ever in the car it is because she wants to go somewhere.
EasyCheesecake1@reddit
Quite common, I live in a city with good transport links and little free parking, at the least resident parking permits, most of my social circle are regular working people.
Anaptyso@reddit
I live in London, and know plenty of people who have a licence, but hardly ever drive. I've only driven myself a few times this year, and a while back had a gap of three or four years of not driving at all. For me it's very much a last resort when there's no other practical options.
happybaby00@reddit
Very common if you live in London excluding the south east part of it. It's not needed here.
Broad-Raspberry1805@reddit
My mum can’t drive, neither can my sister or her fiancé. A couple of my mates can’t. I’d say 90% of my social circle can.
unknownuser492@reddit
There is one person in my circle who can't drive. Not everybody else has a car, but they all have a licence.
Don't know a single person with an automatic licence. Only know one person with an auto car
Difficult_Panic_2093@reddit
I am a definitely not an accurate stat but I moved to the uk almost 4 years ago and the 10 of us that moved over together were all auto licence holders only. I now have my manual as well and so do most people I know (I miss my beloved auto tho) but my fun stat is that because of where I’ve converted my licence from I automatically got my trailer licence with my conversion
sixe6throwaway@reddit
I have a manual licence and most if not all of my friends can drive, and they all have manual licences. When it comes to the women in my life, if they have a licence, it tends to be auto only.
leah_amelia@reddit
Most of the people in my life can drive and have manual licences. There's only a few people in my life who can't drive. A couple of them can drive but don't because they don't need to.
ThrowawayParsnip5@reddit
It kinda depends on which social circle - out of my home/school pals all of them have been driving since we all turned 17/18 (we've all just hit our 40s), all manual licenses. Out of my hiking pals, all can drive but a few only passed within the last 8-9 years, all manual licenses. Out of my work pals (those I do have a social life with) it's a mix. Some can drive, some can but don't have cars, some have only just passed and some haven't ever had any lessons.
As for myself, I learned to drive manual when I was 17/18. Then could never ever afford a car. So went until I was 39 without driving - had to take lessons again, and struggled with manual this time. Had to resort to an auto to make progress. So I hold a manual license but drive an auto currently.
I don't think I know anyone who holds an auto license, even if plenty of folk I know do drive autos these days.
Sea-Match-4689@reddit
I would assume that 25% who can't drive live mostly in large cities, so the experience will vary a lot
kitty4196@reddit
Only me and 1 other person in my circle can drive. I haaate being designated driver most of the time
Ok_Sympathy_6830@reddit
Pretty much all my friends own a license and about 90% of them have cars. I only have 1 friend who has an auto license and thats because he did his license in australia where that is the norm. Live in the outskirts of Manchester
urghasif@reddit
I'm surrounded by non-drivers (and am one myself!). Neither my brother nor my partner drive, and I think about half my friends don't drive either? The majority of the friends who are drivers learnt in the last 5 years as well. In my department at school, 2/6 drive!
TheSmallestPlap@reddit
Extremely common for someone to not drive, but everyone I know who does, bar one, holds a full licence, not just one for automatics.
evenifihateit@reddit
I don't drive, as in I have never had lessons or tried to get a license. I'm massively in the minority among people I know. It seems to bother a lot of people who can't grasp me not wanting to be a car driver and not finding my life is made impossible by it. I have had three kids and do a full time job and am perfectly fine getting public transport and walking but people always assume I am lacking and limited and wish I had a car.
Asleep-Software-4160@reddit
All my friends drive (manual) except one. He said it was great always being the passenger and not having to pay for fuel, now no one will give him a lift. Some thoughts should stay as thoughts.
waxfutures@reddit
I have an automatic only licence, as does my brother, his ex partner, and the person on the desk next to me at work. The common factor is that we all learned to drive in our mid-late 30s and just took the easier option to get it out of the way quickly.
I personally would never choose to drive a manual anyway because of nerve issues in my left foot making it painful to use the clutch, so not having the licence is meaningless to me.
Everyone else I know that drives passed their test at 17/18 and drive manuals.
CicadaSlight7603@reddit
Growing up in the country it was standard for nearly every 17 year old I knew to get their full licence (not auto only as back then few cars were automatic). There was almost no public transport in our area (a bus each way to nearest town once a week type thing).
I now live in a walkable city and a lot of families only have one car as there’s simply no need for two most of the time. (We did the costs and just using taxis came in cheaper than keeping our second.) But I would guess most have licences as I see most people I know drive from time to time.
Things are changing; we are wondering whether it’s worth our teen learning manual when they’ll mostly be driving EVs in their life, which are of course auto. Then again it opens up more cheap first cars if they can drive manual.
r_keel_esq@reddit
Of my various adult friends and associates, two couples have only one driver and it is pretty limiting for them - their partner is always the designated driver, they're the one that has to go do the shopping etc.
I only know one person with an auto-only licence and it was because she needed to pass her test quickly when expecting her first child and an auto was a faster option
Altixan@reddit
In my thirties and I have three friends that don’t have a license. For all of them it’s anxiety related. Two are working on it.
ceciem2100@reddit
I'm the only one in my social circle who does have auto or manual licence any longer due to epilepsy, but my partner has both and we have a car (auto) and his work car (EV). We live in greater London tho, so we don't actually use the car that much at all! My licence was pulled in 2005, and I've adapted to just not being able to drive, love walking and public transit is a dream compared to the country+city I came from. None of my friends have auto only, but then again we're all older.
asjonesy99@reddit
FWIW my test is 25th June and whilst it’s for a manual license I’m intending on never actually driving a manual again
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Honestly, give it 15 years, maybe even 10 at this rate and hardly anyone will be driving a manual day to day. The only people that will are car enthusiasts or people right on the bread line.
Curious-Term9483@reddit
In my social circle, those of us with licenses got them before an automatic license was a common thing to have so I imagine we all have manual.
I know automatic only tests existed but no driving teachers had automatic cars and automatic cars were typically much more expensive than manual and not the kind of old banger most of us could afford!
I assume there's a good chunk of new drivers in automatics though, based on the difficulty we have found in tracking down a driving teacher who will teach manual for my eldest.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yes auto instructors are rapidly becoming the default. But, it makes sense as it's far easier for them to teach in.
By 2040, manuals will be more of a novelty and just for car enthusiasts I reckon.
Curious-Term9483@reddit
Yes definitely it's going to come. Not till they sort out the infrastructure to allow those of us without drives to charge an electric, but pretty quick after that I should think. (In terms of new licence take-up anyway.)
thermalcat@reddit
I can count on one hand the number of close friends* that don't drive or have a license. Most got them before the age of 25. I only know two people with auto licenses and one of those is an American who moved here 20 years ago. Neither my mother, sister or my mother-in-law have learnt to drive.
I'm in my late 30s and have lived in Yorkshire and Greater Manchester my whole life.
*Definition being that I know them well enough to have seen their license or been out for a drive with them.
Specialist_Emu7274@reddit
Apart from one person everyone in my social circle can drive, although not everyone has a car. We can all drive manual, I only know one person with an auto-only licence
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Damn, do you live in a city or rural area? I think in cities it is a bit more common for someone to not drive.
Specialist_Emu7274@reddit
Currently in a town, but I still had the car when living in Manchester. But myself and lots of friends are from rural areas, so we pretty much had to learn to drive to have any kind of independence.
The person who doesn't drive is from London then moved to Manchester, which is why he has never learnt. Although he still wants to learn.
olivinebean@reddit
I live in Brighton and have no interest in driving
Luckily, this means I get to avoid all conversations about driving because drivers know I won't get it or care.
CertainFurball@reddit
Hardly any of my friends drive (in our 30s & 40s). Either never bothered to learn or couldn’t afford to. I’m usually the one who ferries them round if we’re going somewhere. They always offer petrol money so it’s ok.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yes. Offer your taxi service. I'm the only one in my partners circle who drives really. None of her family do, her friends don't. So it feels good haha.
Prudent-Pressure2146@reddit
I can’t drive but I am absolutely the anomaly in my friend circle. I had two parents who couldn’t drive and we always used public transport, and I’ve always lived in a city so I’ve never thought twice about it, and now it seems too daunting/expensive/I do fine without a car anyway
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
Yes it's definitely more common in cities. I only recently passed in an auto. My partner doesn't drive and none of her immediate family (parents & siblings) drive either. They're all from Birmingham.
BarNo3385@reddit
100% manual licenses. (Both everyone in my social circle has a license and they are all manual).
RedWeasel2000@reddit
Don't know about auto only licences but not driving is pretty common (London). I work in outer London and the people who grew up in those outer borough's or outside London generally all drive. The inner borough lot I'd say maybe 40/50% have a licence but most don't have a car. I think it's pretty common to learn a bit later in London too, only 1 of my school friends could drive by the time we went to uni, but all my friends I met at uni already had their licences.
dread1961@reddit
I come from a family of four kids, only one can drive (not me). In my small social circle of family and friends I know of only two drivers with cars and another one who had a licence but doesn't drive. I'm in my sixties, live in rural Northumberland and have never driven.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Work and used to live in London so pretty high. Maybe 20%. If public transport good, then much less need.
blissnabob@reddit
Everyone in my friend circle can drive a manual car. It is a key requirement of being in my friend circle.
Just kidding by the way. Know loads of people that don't drive and loads that can only drive auto. So long as they can get to where they need to safely, I'm not concerned how they get there.
PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit
Pretty rare but living north of Inverness will do that to you!
When I lived in London very few of my friends had cars.
luala@reddit
I’m in London so it isn’t uncommon. My husband and sister never learned, I drive but we don’t own a car (I drive a van as part of volunteer work I do occasionally). Neither of my best friends can drive. We’re in early 40s. We have an e-bike for running the kid about and a regular bike.
Neddlings55@reddit
Im the non driver in my circle.
Absolute PITA as i live in the countryside.
Everyone i know has a manual licence.
GardenIntelligent643@reddit
Almost everyone I know has a manual license not auto, the only people who considered getting auto are people who had trouble passing.
I think at my age now (31m), everyone who wants to learn to drive, has, and those who didn't are comfortable living in urban areas where you don't need the car.
These days with more and more cars coming with automatic gearboxes which will filter down to the used market (especially electrics and hybrids), more people will never need to drive a manual, especially if they have a partner who can drive manual for the occasion you have to drive a rental. Not sure what % of pool cars and rental cars are automatic across various companies, but I bet it's increasing.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
On autotrader there are actually more autos than manual cars for sale. So you're right about it trickling down.
It'll probably take about 15-20 years but I think by around 2040, manual cars will be significantly harder to find and will almost be a novelty by that point, and particularly in cities, self driving cars will become common too.
I'm a sim racer and could've got manual but I just cba for the clutch irl. I like it on racing games but not irl. But maybe one day I'll do it and just get a manual.
PGMOL-Cleaner@reddit
I don’t drive. My best friend whom I live with doesn’t either. My brother can but no longer does as he lives in the city too. My parents do.
The roads would make me too angry. They already make me too angry just as a passenger or a pedestrian.
fuck_peeps_not_sheep@reddit
I used to have an auto only but im doing my full now
lavayuki@reddit
I own an auto license as does my brother, but that's because I only ever knew automatic cars. My parents have been driving automatics since the first automatic came to the market when I was a kid, and always drove automatics after that. Manual cars never came into my sphere of vision and I would never consider driving one, so I did the auto test. My brother did the same.
All my UK friends drive, just my Japanese friends do not since people use trains in Japan so they never learned how to drive before coming here. All my colleagues drive too, but some walk to work because they live nearby. They all have manual licences, I'm the only one with an auto licence out of my friends and colleagues. My brother has a licence but he does not actually drive since he works from home and sold his car.
Euphoric-Wall-2576@reddit
I was about to say it's very common in my circle to not drive but actually that's not true anymore. In my 20s and early 30s it was very common, but most of the people who couldn't drive have learned since then, either because they had kids or moved to places where it was harder to get by without. I still don't drive and neither does my partner but I don't have many other friends left who don't.
SnooMacarons9618@reddit
Not quite the perspective you were looking for, but I only learnt to drive in my forties. I was the only person in my friend group who couldn't drive. I now have an automatic licence.
Though I have had a motorbike licence for longer than a car licence. I was also the only person with a bike licence for quite a while, though there are three of us now.
SmokeDraw742@reddit
I have a full licence but haven't owned a car for the past 5/6 years. Some of that was spent living in London where it wasn't at all necessary to have a car. Where I live now I can walk to everything that I need in either the village or the town and can take a bus to the city in a total of around 50 mins.
Pretty sure that everyone else I know owns a car.
Equal_Leading_1449@reddit (OP)
That's class tbf.
Same_Difference_3361@reddit
10 ISH friends and only one doesn't drive (medicinally not allowed)
dbxp@reddit
It's rare, most people I know live in the city centre and don't have kids so having a car doesn't make much sense. If you need to do big supermarket shops for the family or live rurally they make more sense
Dolgar01@reddit
I don’t know in my social circle who has auto only and who has manual. I assume that everyone is manual because are old and it made more sense historically to get a manual licence.
This is changing because automatic cars are becoming the norm. The last three cars I drive were automatic. I get them new leased through work and there is no manual option for EV.
robparfrey@reddit
Most people I know, who are all 23 years or older. A solid 90% have full licences. The rest don't or cant afford to drive.
I dont know anyone with automatic only.
DangerousSeesaw@reddit
I know of one friend with an auto license and a couple that don’t drive at all. The rest have manual licenses.
random_banana_bloke@reddit
i find it odd if someone doesnt drive out my normal circle and i dont know anyone who has a auto only license. To be fair these days a auto only license really isnt a big deal especially as all evs are auto (well they dont have a normal gearbox). Both my cars are auto but I hold a full manual license (and a HGV license too... which i took in a auto but its a manual license)
seriousrikk@reddit
I have absolutely no idea if any of my friends have an automatic license.
Never really come up in conversation.
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