CINXE.COM
Learning to Drive an Automatic Car
<!doctype html> <html> <!-- paulirish.com/2008/conditional-stylesheets-vs-css-hacks-answer-neither/ --> <!--[if lt IE 7]> <html class="no-js lt-ie9 lt-ie8 lt-ie7" lang="en"> <![endif]--> <!--[if IE 7]> <html class="no-js lt-ie9 lt-ie8" lang="en"> <![endif]--> <!--[if IE 8]> <html class="no-js lt-ie9" lang="en"> <![endif]--> <!-- Consider adding a manifest.appcache: h5bp.com/d/Offline --> <!--[if gt IE 8]><!--> <html class="no-js" lang="en"> <!--<![endif]--> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <!-- Use the .htaccess and remove these lines to avoid edge case issues. More info: h5bp.com/i/378 --> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1"> <title>Learning to Drive an Automatic Car</title> <META Name="description" Content="Learning to drive an automatic car, auto, automatic"> <META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="automatic car, auto, learner, drive, driving, licence, driving licence, driving school, driving test, directory, tuition, driver, test, instructor, ADI, DSA, theory, theory test, theory questions, theory test FAQ, software, uk, england, education, training, road, road safety, motorway driving."> <!-- Place favicon.ico and apple-touch-icon.png in the root directory: mathiasbynens.be/notes/touch-icons --> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/slider.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/style.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/layout.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/typography.css"> <!-- More ideas for your <head> here: h5bp.com/d/head-Tips --> <!-- All JavaScript at the bottom, except this Modernizr build. Modernizr enables htm5 elements & feature detects for optimal performance. Create your own custom Modernizr build: www.modernizr.com/download/ --> <script src="js/libs/modernizr-2.5.3.min.js"></script> <script src="js/menu.js"></script> </head> <body> <header> <div id="top_thin_strip"></div> <div id="top_row"> <div id="logo"><img src="img/logo.jpg" alt="2 Pass - Everything for the learner driver." /></div> <div id="top_row_sharing"> <div id="top_row_ad"> </div><!-- //#top_row_ad --> </div><!-- //#top_row --> </header><!-- // HEADER --> <div id="menu"> <ul class="dropdown"> <li><a href="index.html">Home</a></li> <li><a href="start.htm">Starting Out</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="pass-your-test.htm">Are You Ready To Drive</a></li> <li><a href="licence.htm">Your Provisional License</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="high-tec.htm">Find the Right Driving Instructor</a> <ul> <li><a href="code.htm">Instructor Code of Practice</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="lessons.htm">Your First Few Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="herald.htm">Women Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="illegal-driving-instructors.htm">Watch for Illegal Driving Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="learn.htm">Learning with Family/Friends</a></li> <li><a href="auto.htm">Driving an Automatic</a></li> <li><a href="driving-age.htm">Driving Age Rumours</a></li> <li><a href="history.htm">History of the Driving Test</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">Find Driving Schools in your Area</a> <ul> <li><a href="residential.htm">Residential Courses</a></li> <li><a href="scotland.htm">Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="northengland.htm">Northern England</a></li> <li><a href="middleengland.htm">Middle England</a></li> <li><a href="southengland.htm">Southern England</a></li> <li><a href="wales.htm">Wales</a></li> <li><a href="nireland.htm">N.Ireland</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="goodluck.htm">Why we drive on the left</a></li> <li><a href="biker.htm">Planning to Ride a Motorcycle</a></li> <li><a href="lgv.htm">Planning to drive a Lorry or Bus</a></li> <li><a href="adi.htm">How to become a Driving Instructor</a></li> <li><a href="renew-driving-licence-at-70.htm">Ways to Renew your licence at 70</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="35test.htm">Theory</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="faqtheory.htm">Theory Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="faqhazard.htm">Hazard Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="hazard.htm">What is HTP?</a></li> <li><a href="hazardtest.htm">2Pass HTP Video Clip</a></li> <li><a href="booking.htm">Ways to book your Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="dts-online-test.html">Free Trial Hazard Perception Test</a></li> <li><a href="theory-questions.htm">Free Theory Test Question Samples</a></li> <li><a href="traffic-sign-test.htm">Free Traffic Sign Test</a></li> <li><a href="motorway-test.htm">Free Motorway Test</a></li> <li><a href="software.htm">Theory Test PC Software</a></li> <li><a href="download.htm">Theory Test Instant Downloads</a></li> <li><a href="casestudytheorytest.htm">Case Study Questions</a></li> <li><a href="nerves.htm">Overcome Your Test Nerves</a></li> <li><a href="firstaid.htm">First Aid On The Road</a></li> <li><a href="quizzes.htm">Theory Quizzes</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="pract.htm">Practical</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="tackle-recent-driving-test-changes.htm">Tackle Recent Test Changes</a></li> <li><a href="faqpract.htm">Practical Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="video.htm">Lots of Video Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="satnav-testroutes.htm">Download Driving Test Routes</a></li> <li><a href="bookingpract.htm">Book Your Practical Test</a></li> <li><a href="practical.htm">Practical Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="nerves.htm">Overcome Test Nerves</a></li> <li><a href="driving-test-instructor.htm">Your Instructor On Test Day</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="engine.htm">New Tell Me/Show Me Questions</a> <ul> <li><a href="driving-test-tell-me-questions.htm">New Tell Me Questions</a></li> <li><a href="driving-test-show-me-questions.htm">New Show Questions</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="independent-driving-test.htm">Independent Driving on Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtest-in-bad-weather.htm">Your Driving Test in Bad Weather</a></li> <li><a href="driving-tests-around-the-world.htm">Driving Tests Around the World</a></li> <li><a href="awareness.htm">Situation Awareness</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to do</a> <ul> <li><a href="dashboard-lights.htm">Dashboard Warning Lights</a></li> <li><a href="cockpit.htm">Cockpit Drill</a></li> <li><a href="moveoff.htm">Move Off</a></li> <li><a href="steering.htm">Steering</a></li> <li><a href="gears.htm">Changing Gears</a></li> <li><a href="hill.htm">Hill Starts</a></li> <li><a href="pull-up-on-the-right-and-reverse.htm">Pull up on the right and reverse</a></li> <li><a href="signs.htm">The Turn In The Road</a></li> <li><a href="reverse.htm">Reverse Around Corner</a></li> <li><a href="parallel.htm">Parallel Parking</a></li> <li><a href="bayparking.htm">Bay Parking</a></li> <li><a href="brake.htm">Emergency Stops</a></li> <li><a href="roundabout.htm">Roundabouts</a></li> <li><a href="junction.htm">Approach 'T' Junctions</a></li> <li><a href="junctionright.htm">Right Turns</a></li> <li><a href="crossing.htm">Pedestrian Crossings</a></li> <li><a href="boxjunction.htm">Box Juntions</a></li> <li><a href="stopping-distance.htm">Stopping Distances</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to Deal with </a> <ul> <li><a href="firsttri.htm">Driving Alone</a></li> <li><a href="fog.htm">Driving in Fog</a></li> <li><a href="snow.htm">Driving in Snow</a></li> <li><a href="flood.htm">Driving in Floods</a></li> <li><a href="motorway.htm">Driving on Motorways</a></li> <li><a href="aquaplaning.htm">Aquaplaning</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtips.htm">Aggressive Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Road Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="emergencyvehicle.htm">Emergency Vehicles</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="nightmare.htm">Test Nightmares</a></li> <li><a href="failure.htm">Failures Top 10</a></li> <li><a href="ecodriving.htm">Eco-Driving</a></li> <li><a href="drivingshoes.htm">Shoes for Driving</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="passed.htm">Passed</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="driving-penalty-points.htm">6 Penalty Points Law</a></li> <li><a href="how-to-feel-safe-when-you-pass-your-driving-test.htm">How to Stay Safe on the Road</a></li> <li><a href="passplus.htm">Pass Plus</a></li> <li><a href="learnlive.htm">Using 'P' Plates</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to Deal with </a> <ul> <li><a href="firsttri.htm">Driving Alone</a></li> <li><a href="fog.htm">Driving in Fog</a></li> <li><a href="snow.htm">Driving in Snow</a></li> <li><a href="flood.htm">Driving in Floods</a></li> <li><a href="motorway.htm">Driving on Motorways</a></li> <li><a href="aquaplaning.htm">Aquaplaning</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtips.htm">Aggressive Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Road Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="emergencyvehicle.htm">Emergency Vehicles</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="childseatbelts.htm">Seat Belt Laws for Kids</a></li> <li><a href="retest.htm">New Drivers Who Offend</a></li> <li><a href="advanced.htm">Advanced Driving</a></li> <li><a href="buying.htm">Buying a Used Car</a></li> <li><a href="top-10-cars-for-new-drivers.htm">Top 10 Cars for Sale</a></li> <li><a href="selling.htm">Selling a Car</a></li> <li><a href="textcheck.htm">Vehicle Data Check for £3</a></li> <li><a href="finance.htm">Finance your first car</a></li> <li><a href="insur.htm">Insurance Advice</a></li> <li><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Cheap Insurance Quotes</a></li> <li><a href="breakdown.htm">Breakdown and Recovery</a></li> <li><a href="numberplate.htm">Purchasing a Number Plate</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Dealing with an Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="engine.htm">General Car Maintenance</a></li> <li><a href="lgv.htm">Learn to drive a Lorry / Bus</a></li> <li><a href="adi.htm">Becoming an ADI</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="software.htm">Training Aids</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="dts-online-test.html">Free Trial Online Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="hazardtest-download.htm">Hazard Perception Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="cardownload.htm">Car Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="motorcycledownload.htm">Motorcycle Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="largevehiclesdownload.htm">LGV/PCV Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="adidownload.htm">ADI Theory Test Download</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="software-cars.htm">Car online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-motorcycle.htm">Motorcycle online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-lgv.htm">LGV/PCV online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-adi.htm">ADI/PDI online Revision</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="book.htm"> eBooks (pdf format)</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="satnav-testroutes.htm">Download Driving Test Routes</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Insurance Solutions</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance?refid=2passcld">Buy Learner Driver Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Insurance for Car Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="/cheap-motorcycle-insurance/">Insurance for Motorcycle Riders</a></li> <li><a href="van-insurance.htm">Insurance for Van Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="temporary-insurance.htm">Temporary Car Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="bicycle-insurance.htm">Bicycle Insurance</a></li> </ul> </ul> </li> </ul> </div><!-- //#menu --> <div class="subpage_title"> <div class="subpage_title_inner"> <h2 class="fontface">Learning in a Automatic Car</h2> </div> </div><!-- //.subpage_title --> <div id="main" role="main" class="clearfix"> <div class="column_left"> <ul class="sidemenu"> <li><a href="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance?refid=2passcld">Buy Learner Driver Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="history-driving-test.htm">Driving Test History</a></li> <li><a href="driving-age.htm">Driving Age Rumours</a></li> <li><a href="licence.htm">Your Provisional License</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="goodinstructor.htm">Find the Right Driving Instructor</a> <ul> <li><a href="code.htm">Code of Practice</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="herald.htm">Women Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="illegal-driving-instructors.htm">Illegal Driving Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="goodluck.htm">Why we drive on the left</a></li> <li><a href="lessons.htm">Your First Few Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="learn.htm">Learning with Family/Friends</a></li> <li><a href="auto.htm">Driving an Automatic</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">Driving Schools in your area</a> <ul> <li><a href="residential.htm">Residential Courses</a></li> <li><a href="scotland.htm">Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="northengland.htm">Northern England</a></li> <li><a href="middleengland.htm">Middle England</a></li> <li><a href="southengland.htm">Southern England</a></li> <li><a href="wales.htm">Wales</a></li> <li><a href="nireland.htm">N.Ireland</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="biker.htm">Riding a motorcycle</a></li> <li><a href="lgv.htm">Driving a Lorry or Bus</a></li> <li><a href="adi.htm">Becoming an ADI</a></li> <li><a href="links.php">More Links</a></li> </ul> <br><br> </div><!-- //.column_left --> <div class="column_central"> <h1 class="fontface">Driving <FONT COLOR="#CC0000">an Automatic Car</FONT></h1> <p><font size="+1"> <img src="pedals.gif" align="RIGHT" height=145 width=181 alt="no clutch"> <B> Please Note</B><br> You can take the driving test in an automatic car. <br> <b>However</b>, when you pass your test, your driving licence will only entitle you to drive an Automatic. <br><br>If you require to drive a manual car, you will need to take a manual test. <br><br> Learning to start, stop and steer is much easier in automatic cars. The right foot should normally be used to control the accelerator and footbrake. Because there is no clutch, your left foot should not need to be used at all.<BR> When the initial gear selection has been made, usually when the vehicle is stopped, all subsequent changes are carried out automatically. They are regulated by the car's speed and the pressure applied on the accelerator. <br><br> When driving automatic cars, the brakes have to be used more often to avoid its natural tendency to creep forwards. <br><br> Automatic cars enable drivers to concentrate on the more important things, such as planning ahead and steering. <br><br> It makes learning to drive easier, particularly for older or disabled people. <br><br> Your instructor should explain about the extra use of the handbrake and different techniques used to control the car at low speeds. <br><br> <B>Practice makes perfect, so get plenty of practice from an Approved Driving Instructor.</B> </font></p> <TABLE> <TR> <TD COLSPAN=2 BGCOLOR=#ffffcc WIDTH=80%> <p><font size="+1"> <B>FAQ about Automatics:-</B><BR> <font color="blue"> In a automatic car when you stop at lights or at a give way sign do you need to put the car into "park" or "neutral" or put the handbrake on in either of these , or just brake?</FONT><BR> From time to time you will stop in traffic. On these occasions you need to make sure that the car is secure. Whether driving a manual or automatic, it's a good idea to use the handbrake to secure the car when you stop for more than a moment. This helps to prevent the car from being shunted forward if hit from behind.<BR> In an automatic it's even more important to use the handbrake; if you are hit from behind the car will try to take off! Stay in drive so that you are ready to move and apply the handbrake firmly.<BR> If waiting a long time, apply the handbrake and then select neutral. This removes the chance of 'creep' if the handbrake is not securely applied. <BR> When parking use the 'park' position as soon as you stop. This locks the transmission. </font></p> </TD> </TR> </table> <br><br> <hr> </div><!-- //.column_central --> <div class="column_right"> <a href="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance?refid=2passcld" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/images/banner/instructors/banner_160x600.jpg" alt="Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance" border="0" width="160" height="600"></a> <br><br> <a href="young-car-insurance-quotes.htm" target="_blank"> <img src="img/quotezone1.gif" border="0" width="160" height="600"></a> </div><!-- //.column_right --> <!-- NEW ROW --> <br style="clear:both" /> <!-- NEW ROW --> </div> <div class="advert_block"> <div class="advert_inner_full_width"> <a href="https://www.2pass.co.uk/dts-online-test.html"><img src="img/anytimefree.png" border="1" width="970" height="250" alt="Driving Test Success Anytime free trial" /></a> </div> </div><!-- //.advert_block --> <footer> <div class="l-footer_inner"> <div class="l-footer-col"> <h2 class="fontface">Navigation</h2> <ul class="footer-nav"> <li><a href="index.htm">Home</a></li> <li><a href="start.htm">Starting Out</a></li> <li><a href="theory.htm">Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="pract.htm">Practical Test</a></li> <li><a href="passed.htm">Passed</a></li> <li><a href="software.htm">Training Aids</a></li> <li><a href="page3.htm">News</a></li> <li><a href="site-search.htm">Site Search</a></li> <li><a href="mail.htm">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="in.htm">Privacy Policy/About Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-footer-col"> <h2 class="fontface">Advertisement</h2> </div><!-- //.l-footer-col --> <div class="l-footer-col last"> <h2 class="fontface">Join us on Facebook!</h2> <div class="fb-like-box" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/www2passcouk" data-width="300" data-height="370" data-show-faces="true" data-stream="false" data-header="false"></div> </div> </div><!-- //.l-footer_inner --> <div class="disclaimer"> <p align="right">© 1996-2025 </div> </footer> <!-- JavaScript at the bottom for fast page loading --> <!-- Grab Google CDN's jQuery, with a protocol relative URL; fall back to local if offline --> <div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=113437838748987"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> <script src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.1/jquery.min.js"></script> <script>window.jQuery || document.write('<script src="js/libs/jquery-1.7.1.min.js"><\/script>')</script> <!-- scripts concatenated and minified via build script --> <script src="js/plugins.js"></script> <script src="js/libs/slider.js"></script> <script src="js/script.js"></script> <!-- end scripts --> <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6156711-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </script> </body> </html>