Here in NSW you have the option for going manual or auto for your red P's, If you go manual, your allowed to drive whatever trans you like, auto = only auto. When you hit your Green P's (one years experiance) you can legaly drive manuals. so its pretty good for alot of people to learn auto, then switch to manual a year later. two of my friends are doing it that way. but i figure why not learn manual straight out. so thats what i did..