The reason I ask because theres a trainer local to me who uses an auto but my mate told me he got spoke to like crap and when it came to his test his confidence was totally knocked. I could use the trainer who I passed my C test with and was happy with but they use an 8 speed (4 over 4) box.
Surely using the auto box vastly increases your chances of passing but I feel I would benefit with words of encouragement rather than my confidence being sucked from me.
Having an auto for test is I guess one less thing to worry about in terms of having gears,it removes the chance of stalling ect ect which should in theory make it easier to pass a test,which for me would be a massive incentive to take it in a auto as that’s what you want to do make the test as easy a possible.
I took both my tests in manual but you had to in those days,you’ll soon pick up the manual gears malarkey when you get a job.
When I was booking my test I had a massive waiting list for an auto but a cancellation had come up for the following week but in a manual. I decided to go for the manual option as I didn’t fancy the long wait. By 2nd day of teaching the 4 over 4 box became 2nd nature to use… Pull off in 3rd, neutral, flick switch and into 5th then use like a normal box.
When I passed and collected the merc motorhome which was auto it felt a bit alien…
It did help having a fantastic teacher in David at PSTT
Good luck whatever you decide to use
Tom
Best combination is auto with a good trainer. Sounds like you’ve already passed C on manual so not a lot to be gained by using manual again.
Pete 
Nate187:
The reason I ask because theres a trainer local to me who uses an auto but my mate told me he got spoke to like crap and when it came to his test his confidence was totally knocked. I could use the trainer who I passed my C test with and was happy with but they use an 8 speed (4 over 4) box.
Surely using the auto box vastly increases your chances of passing but I feel I would benefit with words of encouragement rather than my confidence being sucked from me.
There’s no doubt that an automatic is easier to drive and therefore easier to learn in, but given the choice between a crap trainer with an auto or a good trainer with a manual I’d go with the good trainer and manual gearbox.
The ‘crap’ trainer is actually on the recommended list of trainers so it could be my mate exaggerating or maybe the trainer took a dislike to him.
Or to throw a spanner in the works another mate who’s on the tankers said he’d learn in an arctic rather than wag & drag. [DIZZY FACE]
It’s irrelevant IMO. But I would suggest that it’s a sound idea to have 2 or 3 hours training in an artic following a pass in w+d. Using either configuration will put the same letters on your licence.
BTW, I have no axe to grind as we have artics and w+d’s on fleet. Similarly, manual and auto.
But, as pointed out above, best to choose a good trainer as the first priority.
Pete
I am learning in a 16 plate Scania with the following, the examiner raised his eyebrows when I set the cruise control on one of the routes where if you are not careful you will speed.
Auto
Adaptive Cruise Control
AEB - Advanced Emergency Braking by Scania
Lane Departure Warning
If only it had automatic reverse parking like a Merc or even auto drive like a Tesla then would not have to worry about doing much at all and would get a clean sheet all day long!!
