After 9 years of teaching pupils to drive manual cars, I am switching to an electric vehicle (EV) from May 2026.

Why am I making this choice?

Firstly, the cost benefit… I had solar panels, a solar diverter and battery storage installed at my home six months ago and also switched to the superb energy provider, Octopus. The savings I have already made are amazing. For instance, our family car is a hybrid SUV; we very rarely need petrol, and it costs just £11 a week (that’s right, £11 a week) to charge the car overnight each day. By going electric with my teaching car, I will be saving a massive £400 per month on fuel.

Secondly, the environmental benefit… From 2030 the government has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. By going electric I am doing my bit for the environment because electric cars only produce 57kg/km of carbon dioxide per year; that figure also includes the manufacture and infrastructure behind the industry. My current petrol Skoda Fabia pumps a whopping 125g per km of CO2 into the atmosphere per year. The potential to run an eco-friendly driving school is an exciting prospect and one I wish to adopt sooner rather than later.

Thirdly, the benefit to the learner driver… Obviously going electric means going automatic. For many drivers, automatic transmission is more beneficial and desirable than manual because it reduces ‘cognitive overload’, thus allowing the driver to focus on the true skills of driving, such as anticipation, planning, judgement and interaction with other road users. Certain difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and anxiety tend to be more suited to automatic cars, so if you are experiencing stress or difficulties learning in a manual then consider the automatic alternative. It usually takes less time to learn to drive in an automatic car, hence the cost is cheaper to the pupil. Remember that passing your driving test in an electric automatic allows you to drive any automatic car whether it is petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.

Finally, the demand… The demand for automatic cars, electric cars and automatic tuition is increasing dramatically. Did you know that over 80% of new cars sold are now automatic? Meanwhile the sale and manufacture of manual cars is decreasing rapidly year on year. After the ban on the sale of new petrol/diesel cars from 2030, the cost of spare parts for manual cars will massively increase as they become harder to source and petrol prices will also go up. Meanwhile EV technology is progressing rapidly with range increasing up to 500 miles for some vehicles by next year, as well as huge numbers of rapid charge points being rolled out nationwide. Electric vehicles are smooth, quick and a dream to drive once you’ve passed!

Which car have I chosen?
After exploring a number of options including the BYD Dolphin, the MG MG4 EV and the Peugeot e208, I have chosen the exciting Cupra Born V1, 59kWh, e-BOOST, 5 doors with 265 miles on a full charge. It is a 2026 plate, brand new, and is super smooth to drive.

The Cupra Born is an exciting choice of car for the learner driver who is ready to embrace the eco-friendly future of driving. It produces zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. With instant torque and smooth acceleration, it offers a fun and responsive driving experience that is easy to handle. The absence of gear changes and the linear power delivery of an electric motor makes it easier for the learner to master acceleration. One of the stand-out features of the Cupra Born is its regenerative braking system. When the driver brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery. I will be teaching you eco-friendly tips throughout our lessons so you are prepared for the future of driving: the world where we all drive electric vehicles is not far away!

Interested in learning to drive in a Cupra Born EV car with me?

Contact me and I will add you to my waiting list for May 2026.

Read this interesting BBC news article: “What is driving the decision to learn in a manual or automatic car?” 25th October, 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1wgpr40jeno

And another one from 28th August, 2020… “Learner drivers park manual cars in shift to automatic.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53933653

For more information about the future of driving and petrol versus electric vehicles, watch this fab video by Rob Cooling, a highly experienced EV driving instructor.