Warning issued to anyone who passed their driving test with an automatic licence

When it comes to learning to drive, we all have to make the decision between whether we'd prefer automatic or manual.

If you choose the latter, you've got the responsibility of changing gears, making sure you don't stall and constantly pumping the clutch pedal.

But automatic cars do all that for you - so for some people, taking the easier option is a no-brainer.

And who can blame them?

Between checking your mirrors, watching the road and taking in hordes of new information, there's a lot that goes into learning to drive as it is, so eliminating the worry of using a gear stick is a huge relief for a lot of learners.

Automatic motors might be easier to operate and a smoother ride, but there is one huge drawback to taking your lessons and passing your test in one of these vehicles.

If you get your licence while behind the wheel of an automatic, that is all you are allowed to drive from then on as you don't have the skillset to operate a stick shift.

On the other hand, those who have a manual driving licence can choose either option.

And it seems like the decision to get an automatic-only licence is coming to bite motorists on the backside, as they now face forking out hundreds of pounds more for car insurance.

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How much extra could you be paying for insurance?

Compare the Market has warned that these people could end up paying an additional £760 in comparison to their manual driving peers.

Figures from the UK price comparison website suggest there is a 'concerning' rise in insurance costs for those with an automatic-only driving licence.

Who will the price hike affect the most?

Motorists who are under-25 with automatic licences are now paying £2,803 on average, which is a staggering year-on-year increase of £916.

It's bad news for the whopping 138,354 people who passed in an automatic car in 2022-23, although insurance companies will be rubbing their hands together.

Julie Daniels, Compare the Market's motor insurance expert, said: "The increasing cost of car insurance is concerning for young drivers across the board, particularly those who have only learnt to drive automatic cars.

"These drivers face paying over £900 more this year to insure their car."

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According to Compare the Market's statistics, insurance premiums have also drastically jumped up by £644 for drivers under-25 on average from January last year, taking the total up to £2,009.

On average, the running cost of a car has is now £3,043, which is a 25 percent increase from 2023 when the cost amounted to £2,436.

How can you bring the cost down?

Insurance expert Julie advised: "A tip for young drivers would be to look around for cheaper car insurance first, either when their policy is up for renewal, or when taking out insurance for the first time.

"Adding an experienced named driver to a person's insurance can also help reduce prices - as long as the information is accurate.

"Finally, a telematic policy, also known as a black box, can help give a younger driver more affordable quotes."

Topics: Cars, Driving, Money, UK News, News

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_