How to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

Driving an automatic car is easier than driving a manual car because you don't have to learn how to change gears; the car does all the work for you. Perhaps you have been learning to drive in a manual car and are finding it difficult to master gear changes and clutch control. If you are having a problem perhaps you should consider changing to an automatic. The steps below give you some guidance on how to go about it.

Steps

1. Find an experienced driver, preferably a professional driving instructor, to teach you.
2. If you have been learning to drive in a manual car explain this to the instructor.
3. Tell him about any problems you have been experiencing such as not knowing how or when to change gears.
4. Sit beside the instructor and listen to him as he explains the different controls.
5. Notice there are only two foot pedals - the brake and gas pedals.
6. Remember both pedals are operated by your right foot - your left foot stays on the floor.
7. Study the gear selector. Instead of markings 1 - 5 and R (for reverse) an automatic gear selector has the following markings - P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral (use this if the car has to be pushed or towed) and D for driving.
8. Check that the car is in Park (P).
9. Turn on the engine.
10. Press the brake pedal down with your right foot.
11. Move the gear lever to drive.
12. With your hand on the handbrake look all around, including the blind spots, to check it is safe to move off.
13. Release the handbrake.
14. Use your indicators if there is anyone around who is likely to benefit from a signal.
15. Lift your foot gently off the brake - the car will start to move forward.
16. Move your foot over to the gas pedal and press down to increase speed.

Tips

• Be aware that driving a go cart car is extremely boring before you learn in one.
• Remember the car will creep forward as soon as you select D for drive. It is vital you keep your foot on the brake until you are ready to move forward.
• Driving an automatic car is far easier than driving a manual car. This means you can spend more time studying the road conditions and looking out for hazards.
• You still need to learn how to drive safely and considerately.
• You will still need to learn about all the road signs and markings.
• It is not necessary to put the car into neutral every time you stop at a junction or traffic light. However, if you are stopping for more than a few minutes then you should put the car into neutral.