bbc.com
UK Driving Lesson Shift to Automatic Cars Due to 2030 Petrol and Diesel Ban
The increasing number of UK driving instructors offering automatic lessons reflects the government's 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales and the rise in popularity of automatic vehicles; the AA predicts that 26% of driving tests will be in automatic cars by 2026.
- What is the impact of the UK's planned ban on new petrol and diesel car sales on driving instruction and licensing?
- In the UK, the increasing popularity of automatic driving lessons reflects the impending ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. Driving instructors report a surge in demand for automatic lessons, anticipating a future dominated by electric and hybrid vehicles, which are predominantly automatic. This trend is supported by the AA's prediction of a 26% increase in automatic driving tests by 2025/26.
- How are driving instructors responding to the increasing preference for automatic driving lessons, and what factors are contributing to this trend?
- The shift towards automatic driving lessons is directly linked to the UK government's policy to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles. The AA's data, showing an increase from almost 17% to a predicted 26% of driving tests in automatic vehicles between 2022/23 and 2025/26, reflects this policy's impact. This change is also influenced by the growing market share of automatic vehicles, particularly electric and hybrid models, making manual transmission cars less prevalent.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the shift towards automatic driving lessons on driving education, licensing, and the broader automotive landscape in the UK?
- The rising demand for automatic driving lessons suggests a potential future phase-out of the distinction between automatic and manual driving licenses in the UK. As the market transitions to predominantly automatic vehicles, the demand for manual driving skills may diminish. This could lead to broader implications for driving education and licensing structures.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the increasing popularity of automatic driving lessons and the potential phasing out of manual license requirements. The headline, while not explicitly stated, implicitly supports this narrative by highlighting the instructors' opinions. The use of quotes from instructors who support the trend reinforces this bias. The sequencing of information presents the increase in automatics first, influencing the reader to accept the view that this is an inevitable outcome.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although phrases like "the shift is going on" and "it will only pick up in pace" suggest an inevitable trend. The repeated emphasis on the future and the ease of driving automatics subtly influences the reader towards a positive view of automatics.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspectives of driving instructors and the AA, neglecting potential counterarguments from those who prefer manual transmission or believe the shift to automatics is exaggerated. The article also omits discussion of the potential impact on employment for manual driving instructors and the potential for a shortage of manual driving instructors in the future. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact of increased automatic vehicle use, considering energy efficiency differences between manual and automatic transmissions, is not addressed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by implying that the choice is solely between automatic and manual, neglecting other forms of vehicle transmission technology or alternative transportation methods. The framing heavily emphasizes automatics as the inevitable future, overlooking potential nuances.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the increasing popularity of automatic driving lessons in the UK, driven by the government's plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles, which are predominantly automatic, directly contributes to climate action by reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. The rising number of automatic driving tests reflects a societal adaptation to this climate-friendly transition. The quotes from driving instructors highlight the awareness among learners of the impending changes and their proactive choice of automatic vehicles.