The number of Kiwis sitting their driver's license in manual transmission cars has plummeted by more than 20,000 compared to a decade ago.
Data released to Newshub under the Official Information Act show 12,086 people sat their restricted license in a manual between January and November last year (latest available statistics), compared with 33,396 in 2011.
Nearly 66,000 people sat their restricted test in an automatic last year. The test was sat in an automatic by less than half of that in 2011 at just a touch over 26,000.
Broken down by district, the New Zealand Transport Agency recorded Auckland as having the most people sit their restricted license in a manual last year (2060), followed by Canterbury (1720) and Waikato (1518).
The data also showed a big decline in manual drivers sitting the full license test, with 66,348 opting to sit their test in this transmission in 2011 compared to 12,873 in 2021.
It should be noted however that testing officers aren't required to list the vehicle transmission driven in a full test - meaning these figures are less likely to be accurate - while they are for a restricted test.
Figures 'surprising' - AA Driving School
Automobile Association (AA) Driving School general manager Roger Venn said the figures, especially for full license tests, show an almost "complete switch-around" from manual to automatic between 2011 and 2021.
"The numbers were a little bit surprising, but the trend not so," he told Newshub.
Venn said the perception it's "easier" taking a driving test in an automatic vehicle was playing a part. He said people want to get their licenses the easiest way possible.
"The easiest way to get your restricted and full is to do it in auto, so I get it. Whether that's right is another matter.
"My personal view is that learning to drive in a manual gives you a better understanding of the car's dynamics and the kinetic way a car works, and the mechanics of a car."
Restricted licenses sat in manual in 2011 v 2021 - by district
- Auckland - 9440 v 2060
- Bay of Plenty - 2299 v 996
- Canterbury - 4851 v 1720
- Gisborne - 531 v 217
- Hawke's Bay - 1164 v 415
- Manawatu-Wanganui - 2002 v 1063
- Marlborough - 330 v 252
- Nelson - 568 v 306
- Northland - 1378 v 603
- Otago - 1588 v 724
- Southland - 931 v 454
- Taranaki - 1053 v 370
- Waikato - 3463 v 1518
- Wellington - 3326 v 1303
- West Coast - 316 v 154
The AA Driving School wasn't concerned about the decline in manual drivers, Venn said.
"There's a raft of reasons why manual is decreasing in popularity. One of the main reasons is there's a scarcity of manuals full-stop in New Zealand."
Venn said New Zealand had been bringing in Japanese-imported vehicles for more than two decades. Ninety-seven percent of Japanese cars are automatic, he said.
Manuals would become even less prominent as the world shifts to using electric vehicles (EVs), Venn said.
"Even if you want to learn stick, we can teach you [to drive] stick in one of our vehicles. But then if you want to practice with a mentor… it's difficult to find a suitable vehicle - especially if you're looking for a vehicle that's affordable, safe, modern and all the rest of it."
The AA Driving School recommends being proficient at driving both automatic and manual transmission vehicles, Venn said.
"By all means, learn, practice, go through your test in an auto if that's the first step to getting yourself your full license - that's great.
"Then, why not have some lessons in a manual? Why not come to the AA? We've got manual vehicles we can teach in if you want to learn, and then you can hone your driving skills once you've got your full license.
"There are reasons to get that manual experience… all we would say is - take professional tuition, take it seriously.
"Get your full license, do a defensive driving course and keep practicing and be willing to learn."
