How to Drive an Automatic Car

Do you find the frequent clutch and gear changes to be tiring? and considering a switch to a simpler, more relaxed driving experience? You're not alone. Automatic cars are becoming very popular in the UK. They make it easy to travel from A to B, especially in busy traffic. The absence of a clutch pedal and a simplified gear lever can make learning to drive feel less daunting.

This ultimate guide is your complete resource for information on how to drive an automatic car. We’ll guide you through basic controls and advanced tips. This way, you’ll feel confident and safe driving an automatic car.

Quick-Start Summary: Automatic Driving in a Nutshell

The Core Concept: The car changes gears for you automatically. Your right foot works the brake and accelerator. Your left foot stays comfortably out of the way.

The Golden Rule: One foot for both pedals. Never use your left foot for braking.

The Gear Selector (PRNDL):

P (Park): Locks the wheels. Use only when stationary and exiting the vehicle.
R (Reverse): For reversing.
N (Neutral): Disengages the engine from the wheels. Use for stationary waiting (e.g., at traffic lights) or if being towed.
D (Drive): For all forward driving. The car will automatically shift up and down.
L (Low) / S (Sport) / M (Manual): specialised modes for hills, sporty driving, or manual control.

How to Move Off:

Press and hold the brake pedal with your right foot.
Start the engine.
Select D (Drive).
Release the handbrake (or electronic parking brake).
Release the brake and gently press the accelerator.

How to Stop:

Ease off the accelerator and press the brake pedal.
Once stopped, keep your foot on the brake. For longer stops, select P (Park) or N (Neutral) and apply the handbrake.

What is Automatic Car: What Is It Really?

An automatic car shifts gears on its own. It does this based on speed and load. This means drivers don’t have to use a clutch to change gears.

Let's break down the key components:

The Gear Selector (Shifter): This can be a traditional lever on the centre console, a rotary dial on the dashboard, or buttons on the centre console. The common positions are part of the "PRNDL" sequence.
The Two Pedals: You will only see an accelerator (on the right) and a brake (in the middle). The clutch pedal is absent.
The Core Gears:
1. P (Park): A locking pin (called a "pawl") engages with the gearbox to prevent the car from rolling. Only use this when the vehicle is completely stationary.
2. R (Reverse): Self-explanatory; for moving backwards.
3. N (Neutral): The engine is disconnected from the wheels. The car can roll freely. Useful for car washes or if the car needs to be pushed.
4. D (Drive): This is the setting you'll use for 99% of your driving. The car handles all gear changes.

How to Drive an Automatic Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering an automatic is significantly simpler than a manual. Follow these steps in a safe, quiet area.

1. Pre-Driving Setup

Seat and Steering: Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach the pedals and see the road. Your left foot should rest on the dead pedal (footrest).
Mirrors: Adjust all mirrors for the best view.
Keyless or Ignition: Have the key fob inside the car or insert the key.

2. Starting the Car and Moving Off

Ensure the car is on level ground.
Press and hold the brake pedal firmly with your right foot.
Start the engine with the button or key.
While keeping your foot on the brake, move the gear selector to D (Drive).
Release the parking brake (electronic or manual).
Check your mirrors and blind spots.
Slowly release the brake pedal. The car will begin to "creep" forward—this is normal.
Gently press the accelerator to build speed.

3. Driving and Stopping

While Driving: Simply keep the selector in D. The car will smoothly change gears. You only need to control your speed with the accelerator and brake.
Stopping at Junctions or Lights:
1. To slow down, ease off the accelerator and press the brake.
2. For very short stops (a few seconds), you can keep the car in D and hold it stationary with the brake pedal.
3. For longer stops, it's more efficient and comfortable to shift into N and apply the handbrake, giving your foot a rest.

4. Parking

Bring the car to a complete stop using the brake.
Keep your foot on the brake and shift the selector into P (Park).
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Turn off the engine and exit the vehicle.

Automatic Driving: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts

Essential Things You Should Do When Driving an Automatic Car

Familiarise Yourself with the Gear Positions

Understand what P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), and L (Low) mean.
Check the car’s owner's manual for any extra modes like S (Sport) or Eco.

Start the Car with Your Foot on the Brake

Always press the brake pedal before starting or shifting out of Park.

Use the Parking Brake

Even though the car is in Park, it’s good practice to apply the handbrake when parking, especially on slopes.

Shift Gears When Fully Stopped

Only change from D to R or P when the car is at a complete stop.

Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

Let the car do the shifting — your focus should be on steering, braking, and observation.

Practice Smooth Acceleration and Braking

Gradually press the gas and brake pedals to avoid jerky movements.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Use mirrors, blind spot checks, and signals before any movement.

Mistakes to Avoid When Driving an Automatic Car

Don’t Use Both Feet

Only use your right foot for both the accelerator and brake. Using your left foot can lead to dangerous mistakes.

Don’t Shift to Neutral While Driving

This can reduce your control over the vehicle, especially if you need to accelerate suddenly.

Don’t Rest Your Hand on the Gear Selector

It might lead to unintentional gear changes or wear out the mechanism.

Don’t Rev the Engine in Neutral

It’s unnecessary and can strain the engine.

Don’t Ignore the Dashboard Warning Lights

Pay attention to any alerts — automatic cars rely heavily on electronic systems.

Don’t Coast Downhill in Neutral

You lose engine braking and control, which is unsafe and sometimes illegal.

Don’t Panic in Traffic or Hills

Use the brake hold (if available) or control the car with gentle pressure. Practice hill starts in a safe place.

Key Benefits and Potential Drawbacks

The Advantages

Ease of Use: The biggest benefit. Driving is less physically and mentally taxing, especially in heavy traffic.
Accessibility: Ideal for learners or those with mobility issues that make using a clutch difficult.
Smoothness: Modern automatics provide exceptionally smooth gear changes, enhancing comfort.
Hill Management: No risk of rolling back on hills. The car will hold itself stationary for a second or two when you switch from brake to accelerator.

The Considerations

Cost: Automatic cars are generally more expensive to buy (new and used) and can be more costly to repair if the transmission fails.
Fuel Efficiency: Modern automatics are efficient, but they may use a bit more fuel than a well-driven manual. However, the difference has narrowed a lot.
Licence Restriction: Passing your test in an automatic car means your licence only permits you to drive automatics. You cannot legally drive a manual car.
Less Engagement: Some driving fans think automatics are not as engaging. They feel these cars give less control than manuals.

How to Practice Automatic Driving: A Checklist

Master the Pedals: Can you operate the accelerator and brake smoothly using only your right foot?
Moving Off and Stopping: Can you start, drive in a straight line, and stop smoothly in a quiet area?
Gear Selector Familiarity: Can you confidently select P, R, N, and D without looking at the lever?
Reversing: Can you manoeuvre in reverse? Control speed with the brake.
Junctions and Roundabouts: Can you approach, slow down, and move away smoothly?
Parking: Have you practiced both bay parking and parallel parking?

Conclusion

Driving an automatic car is about embracing simplicity and comfort. It removes the most complex part of learning to drive, allowing you to focus entirely on the road ahead. While it may not offer the same raw engagement as a manual, the benefits in urban environments and for daily commuting are undeniable.

Choosing between manual and automatic is personal. But knowing how to drive an automatic gives you more options. Now, find a quiet road, take a deep breath, and enjoy the effortless ease of automatic driving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Driving an Automatic Car

What do the letters P, R, N, and D mean on an automatic car?

P (Park): Locks the transmission. Use only when the car is stopped and you are getting out.
R (Reverse): For going backwards.
N (Neutral): The engine is disconnected from the wheels. The car can roll.
D (Drive): For all forward motion. The car changes gears automatically.

Do you use both feet to drive an automatic?

No. You should only use your right foot for both the accelerator and brake pedals. Using your left foot for braking is dangerous and can lead to accidental braking.

What is "creep" in an automatic car?

Creep is when the car moves forward on its own when you release the brake in Drive (D). It's a normal function that helps with low-speed manoeuvring, like in traffic or at car parks.

How do you perform a hill start in an automatic vehicle?

It's simple. When you remove your foot from the brake, the car will not roll back. Just release the brake and press the accelerator as you normally would. Many modern automatics have a "hill hold" feature that keeps the brakes applied for a second longer for extra confidence.

Can you switch from Drive (D) to Neutral (N) while moving?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. There is no benefit, and it can be dangerous as you lose engine braking and control. Always keep the car in drive while moving.

Is an automatic car better for fuel economy?

It depends. Modern automatics are as good as or better than manual versions of the same car. Traditionally, manuals had an advantage, but this gap has largely closed.

What should I do when stuck in traffic?

For short stops, keep the car in D and hold it with the brake. For longer, stationary traffic, shift into N and apply the handbrake to reduce fatigue and transmission wear.

What is the "L" or "S" on my gear selector?

L (Low): Keeps the car in a low gear for engine braking on steep descents or for more power on steep climbs.
S (Sport): Holds gears longer for sharper acceleration and uses lower gears for engine braking.