Tracey Ratcliffe Automatic Driving Instructor

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Tracey Ratcliffe Automatic Driving Instructor

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30/07/2026

📉Why is the manual gearbox heading for reverse? Just one in 12 new cars ordered this year had a manual gearbox, a massive drop from a few years ago. Are we seeing the end of the stick shift on UK roads, or is there still a place for them?

Learning to drive used to mean mastering the clutch and gears, but with most new drivers opting for automatics, the appeal is shifting fast. The stats are pretty stark and show a clear trend:

📉Only 8.3% of new cars sold year-to-date are manual.
📉This is down from 40% just five years ago.
📉Electric cars are all automatic, pushing the trend further.

For many, automatics mean easier driving in traffic and less to worry about. But manual drivers often praise better fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience. Are we losing something vital in the joy of driving?

20/07/2026

Another electric car - fourth now & wouldn’t have anything other ⚡️.
The MG4 has been used now for just over a week & thank goodness for AC. No complaints so far & everyone has adapted nicely to it.

29/05/2026

What a lovely way to end the week with Ebony passing her test this afternoon at Newcastle. She was so prepared and passed on her first attempt.
It’s been a pleasure taking Ebony out and seeing her progress from a learner to now a driver.
Enjoy celebrating this weekend and car shopping 🚗.

19/05/2026

Another early morning test at Cobridge test centre.
Perfect drive with ZERO faults from Ella.
I’m so proud of her & especially during her exams. She’s had prep for her driving test & revision to contend with. Now go & smash those exams!!!!
You can now enjoy driving your car independently 🚗
Take care & I’ll definitely see you around.

07/05/2026

Early test this morning for Jessica at Newcastle test centre. A lovely pass with only 3 minor driving faults.
Finding the right driving instructor was what she needed & we jelled nicely. She never thought she’d see this day & she’s super excited & proud of herself.
Well done for persevering & being determined.
Stay safe out on the roads Jessica 🚗

22/04/2026

Due to having 5 passes over the past week I have availability to take on new pupils wanting automatic lessons.
I cover St11, 3 & some of 4 with lessons available Tuesday-Friday but unfortunately no evenings or weekends.
Please read some of my reviews to see if I’m the instructor you’re looking for.
For further info please drop me a message.
Look forward to hearing from you.

21/04/2026

Another double day for me & both Amy & Jess are sister in laws.
This morning Amy passed with only 4 minor driving faults & this afternoon Jess with only 3.
Both ladies passed on the first attempt and at Newcastle test centre.
Thank you so much for the gifts - you really shouldn’t have 😊.
I know how much this is going to change both their lives.
So pleased for you both & stay safe.
Double celebrations 🎉🎉

17/04/2026

Friday couldn’t get any better with 2 passes.

First Evie passing at Cobridge with only 4 driving faults & Jess at Newcastle with 3 driving faults.

Both ladies were praised for how well they drove.

Manic morning for me but well worth it.

Congratulations to them both, I’m so happy for them.

14/04/2026

A big well done to Sam passing her test today at Newcastle test centre with only 3 minor driving faults 🎉.
Sam has taken her time with the process & had extra experience in her own car. She managed her nerves this morning to produce a drive that she can be proud of.
Take care Sam & enjoy the independence 🚙.

01/04/2026

Due to the changes, which commenced yesterday , regarding the booking and amending of driving tests, i request all learners ensure they openly discuss their competence to sit a driving test and that we mutually agree on a date/timescale to book a test.

If, in my professional opinion, you are not fully ready to take your booked test, 1 month prior to your test, you must change the date, if you wish to use my vehicle to sit your test. This timescale is due to having to give a 10 working day notice to cancel/change a test without losing your test fee!
(You need to be competent to drive safely and independently).

You can of course, keep your test date, but you will need to use your own vehicle.

Failure to maintain an open line of communication and or booking a test without my co-operation, may result in the withdrawl of my services.

From 12th May, i will be unable to book/amend/swap any tests for you, however i can help source a swap, but you, the learner, will have to contact the DVSA yourself to complete a swap/change.

These changes, in my opinion, are not for the better, they are implemented by the DVSA, and are beyond my control.

Address

Stoke-on-Trent
ST11

Telephone

+447854696990

Website

http://www.stokedrivingschool.com/tracey-ratcliffe/

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