Half of New Learners Want to Learn to Drive an EV
A new wave of UK learner drivers are showing a strong preference for electric vehicles (EVs). According to research from Gridserve, nearly half of new learners (48%) say they would be more likely to take driving lessons in an electric vehicle.
With over one million fully electric cars already on UK roads, and the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel models approaching, the driving test system is entering a major transition period.
Why are more learners choosing EVs and automatics?
The shift isn’t surprising. EVs share similarities with automatic cars, and demand for automatic driving tests has grown dramatically. WhatCar? reports a threefold increase in automatic driving tests compared to a decade ago.
Several factors are pushing this trend forward:
- The UK car market — more EVs are sold every year, making it natural for learners to start with what they’re most likely to drive after passing.
- Ease of use — no gear changes, no clutch control, and smoother acceleration.
- Futureproofing — with the petrol and diesel ban in sight, many see no point in learning manual if EVs will dominate roads for most of their driving lifetime.
The country now has over 620,000 plug-in hybrids on top of its million EVs, meaning more learners are exposed to electric cars through family, friends, or instructors than ever before.
Is it easier to pass a driving test in an EV?
Many learners find EVs simpler to drive. There’s no stalling, no struggling with hill starts, and far fewer moving parts to manage. The cars respond instantly, which builds early confidence.
However, the pass rate for those taking their test in an EV or automatic isn’t always higher. Because learning can feel easier, learners may book their test after fewer lessons, which reduces the amount of on-road experience. The result is sometimes more failed attempts.
Driving examiners have also pointed out that while the vehicle may be simpler, road awareness, hazard perception, and good judgement remain just as critical.
Barriers to learning in an EV
Despite demand, availability is still a major hurdle. Gridserve’s research shows that only 1 in 7 learners could find a local instructor offering EV lessons.
Challenges include:
- Limited supply of EVs among driving instructors, who face higher purchase costs.
- Higher lesson prices, as EV instructors may charge more to cover costs.
- Practical test differences — passing in an automatic licence restricts drivers from legally driving manual cars.
With 31.7 million manual cars still on the road, this is still a factor, although it will fade over time as the fleet changes.
Costs and affordability
Learning in an EV is one thing, buying one after p assing is another. EVs remain expensive, even second-hand, compared to older petrol or diesel cars.
A quarter (24%) of learners say they plan to buy an EV once they’ve passed, but young drivers are the least likely to have the savings to do so. Insurance is also higher in many cases. For this reason, many new drivers still turn to used petrol cars to start with, even if their test was in an automatic.
The long-term decline of manuals
The direction of travel is clear. In 2000, 89% of new passenger cars in Europe had manual transmission. By 2023, that number had fallen to just 32%.
In the UK, attitudes are shifting fast:
- 29% of learners feel it’s pointless learning in manual because most of their driving life will be in automatic or electric cars.
- By 2035, no new petrol or diesel cars will be sold. Infrastructure for manuals — like petrol stations and garages specialising in ICE engines — will gradually decline.
That said, existing manual cars won’t vanish overnight. For many, it still makes financial sense to keep a working petrol or diesel car rather than upgrade before they need to. Learners today may take their test in an EV, but still drive a parent’s older manual vehicle for a while.
What this shift means for electricians
For electricians, the move towards EVs has knock-on effects. More electric cars mean more charging points — at homes, w orkplaces, and public spaces. The skills needed to install, inspect, and maintain EV charge points are now part of the modern electrician’s toolkit.
Training providers are already updating their courses to ensure sparks can safely install chargers and advise customers on load management. This is why pathways such as Electrician Courses Castle Bromwich and Electrician Courses Handsworth are critical for preparing tradespeople for the future of low-carbon transport.
Preparing for an EV-first future
The UK’s rapid adoption of EVs means driving instructors, test centres, and learners need to adapt quickly. Some changes we can expect in the next decade include:
- More EVs in driving schools, as price barriers fall and second-hand stock increases.
- Further increases in automatic licences, potentially becoming the m ajority by 2030.
- Integration of EV-specific training, such as battery awareness, safe charging, and eco-driving techniques.
- Higher demand for electricians, as homes and businesses require more charging infrastructure.
Learn more with Elec Training
The future of driving is electric, and the future of electrical work is tied to supporting it. At Elec Training, we provide the skills needed to adapt to industry change — from inspection and testing to EV charge point installation.
Explore related modules and courses here:
For a full overview of training opportunities, visit the Elec Training homepage.
Why are more learner drivers choosing to train in electric cars?
More learner drivers are opting for electric cars (EVs) in 2025 due to their automatic-only transmissions (no clutch/gearbox to master), smoother acceleration for confident learning, lower running costs (e.g., cheaper “fuel” and maintenance), and future-proofing amid rising EV adoption—nearly 3 in 10 new cars are automatics, with 26% of tests in 2024/25 predicted to hit 29% in 2025/26. Nearly 40% of young drivers prefer EVs for eco-benefits and quiet operation, per surveys, with schools like AA adding EV fleets. Elec Training sees this trend boosting demand for EV-savvy instructors and installers.
Is it easier to pass a driving test in an EV or automatic car?
Passing in an EV or automatic isn’t inherently easier—UK pass rates for automatics are around 42.7% (2022-23 data, stable into 2025), slightly below the overall 48% average, as the test focuses on hazard perception and maneuvers, not transmission. EVs’ instant torque can aid smooth starts but challenge control in slippery conditions; myths of higher rates persist, but data shows similar outcomes. Elec Training advises focusing on core skills, regardless of vehicle type.
Can I drive a manual car if I pass my test in an EV?
No, passing in an EV (automatic-only) grants an automatic license (code 78), restricting you to automatics until you pass a manual test for full category B entitlement. You can learn manual post-test, but insurance may cost more initially for restricted licenses. With manuals declining (only 25% of tests in 2025), many opt for automatics long-term. Elec Training recommends assessing future needs before choosing.
How common are EV lessons in the UK?
EV lessons are increasingly common but still limited, available to about 1 in 7 motorists (14%) in 2025, up from 2024, with 37% of tests in automatics (many EVs) and schools like AA/RAC expanding fleets—London leads at 41% availability. Projections show 29% automatic tests in 2025/26, driven by EV growth. Elec Training tracks this via industry partnerships, noting urban hotspots.
Are EV driving lessons more expensive?
EV lessons cost slightly more (£30-£50/hour vs. £25-£45 for petrol/diesel) due to higher instructor insurance, charging access, and vehicle depreciation, but savings on fuel/maintenance offset this—total courses average £1,300-£2,600, with EV adding £100-£200. In 2025, premiums for young EV drivers are £1,260 annually, but lessons remain comparable. Elec Training highlights long-term EV economics in its EV modules.
Will I need to buy an EV if I pass in one?
No, you don’t need to buy an EV—passing in one yields an automatic license, allowing any automatic (EV or ICE), but not manuals until further testing. With EVs at 22% of new sales in 2025, it’s practical, but hybrids/automatics suit transitions. Insurance may favor EVs for lower claims. Elec Training advises matching license to lifestyle, not vehicle type.
Why are manual cars becoming less popular?
Manual cars are declining in the UK due to EV/automatic dominance (all EVs automatic), consumer preference for ease (57% model drop in 10 years, only 25% tests in 2025), and bans on new petrol/diesels by 2035—automatics now 75% of new sales. Younger drivers (under 30) favor automatics 80%. Elec Training sees this accelerating EV infrastructure needs.
What challenges come with EV batteries for new drivers?
New drivers face EV battery challenges like range anxiety (200-300 miles typical, affected by speed/AC), longer charging (30min-8hrs vs. 5min refuel), cold-weather range loss (20-40%), and learning regenerative braking for efficiency. High upfront costs and charger access add stress, but smooth handling aids learners. Elec Training’s EV courses cover these for safe adoption.
How does the rise of EVs affect electricians?
EVs boost electrician demand for home/commercial charging installs (1M+ points by 2030), maintenance, and grid upgrades, creating 100,000+ jobs with 20-30% pay premiums in specialisms—up 50% from 2020. Challenges include skills gaps, but opportunities in MCS-certified work abound. Elec Training’s EV courses position pros for this growth.
Where can electricians train to gain EV installation skills?
Electricians can train via City & Guilds 2921-34 (domestic/commercial EV charging) at providers like Elec Training (new 2025 course for electrification skills), Trade Skills 4U, or Logic4training—2-day programs covering design, install, and testing for MCS certification. Elec Training’s Stoke-on-Trent program sharpens skills for the EV wave.
FAQs About Learner Drivers and Electric Vehicles in the UK
Why are more learner drivers choosing to train in electric cars?
More learner drivers are opting for electric cars due to the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales, making EVs the future of driving; their automatic transmissions simplify learning (no clutch or gears), and environmental awareness among younger drivers is rising, with over 50% of 16-49-year-olds likely to switch to EVs in the next decade.
Is it easier to pass a driving test in an EV or automatic car?
Yes, passing in an EV or automatic can be easier as it eliminates clutch control and gear shifting, allowing focus on road awareness; however, pass rates are slightly lower (43% for automatics vs. 48% for manuals in 2023-24), though instructors note fewer lessons are needed overall.
Can I drive a manual car if I pass my test in an EV?
No, passing in an EV grants a Category B Auto licence, restricting you to automatic vehicles only; to drive manuals, you’d need to retake the test in a manual car for a full Category B licence.
How common are EV lessons in the UK?
EV lessons are growing but still niche; in 2024-25, 26% of tests were in automatics (up from 17% in 2022-23), with EVs comprising a portion; only 9% of young drivers passed in EVs over the past five years, though forecasts predict 29% automatic tests by 2025-26 amid rising EV adoption.
Are EV driving lessons more expensive?
EV lessons can cost 10-20% more (£35-£45/hour vs. £30-£35 for petrol), due to higher instructor vehicle costs and charging needs; however, fewer lessons (25-35 vs. 45 for manuals) may offset this, with averages around £1,500-£2,000 total for a course.
Will I need to buy an EV if I pass in one?
No, you can drive any automatic vehicle after passing in an EV, including petrol/diesel automatics; the licence only limits you to automatics, not fuel type, so you can choose based on budget and needs.
Why are manual cars becoming less popular?
Manuals are declining due to the EV shift (all EVs are automatic), improved automatic efficiency (better fuel economy and performance), and the 2030 petrol/diesel ban; only 22% of new cars sold in 2024 were manuals, down from 70% in 2011, with models offering manuals halving since 2018.
What challenges come with EV batteries for new drivers?
New drivers face range anxiety (limited to 150-350 miles per charge), longer charging times (30+ minutes for fast chargers), battery degradation over time (2-3% yearly), and upfront costs; cold weather reduces range by 20-30%, and improper charging can shorten battery life.
How does the rise of EVs affect electricians?
The EV boom creates jobs in installing 300,000+ chargers by 2030, plus maintenance and upgrades; demand for skilled electricians could add 100,000 roles by 2032, but a shortage risks delays in net-zero goals, with 99% of electricians noting safety risks in untrained installations.
Where can electricians train to gain EV installation skills?
Electricians can train at Elec Training for City & Guilds 2921-34 EV charging courses (2 days, covering domestic/commercial installs); other options include Elec Training (online + practical), focusing on IET Wiring Regulations and safety.
