Automatic V Manual - How Easy Is It For Me To Learn How To Drive An Automatic Car

[Jaidyn]

We are buying a new car - I have used manual gears for 43 years but hand surgery means my wrists are what they were so we are choosing an automatic The garage is happy to take me out for a few hours in test car to let me practice . How easy has it been for others to feel confident switching to automatics? Comments / advice welcome 

[bookbinder]

I have driven an automatic car, in the USA, and I had no problem with it. I drove it for three weeks, and, I got so used to it, that I stalled my own (manual) car at traffic lights, because I forgot that it had a clutch! You won't have a problem!

[ToraToraTora]

Much easier than a manual. Drive with your right food only, D for forward, R for backwards, P to park. Never use the hand brake. Don't bother with any of the tiptronic + or - malarky.

[gingejbee]

Like bookbinder, I have driven in US, Canada and lots of Europe...mainly in automatics, although I would never own one myself. Not difficult at all.

[rockyracoon]

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Once you've driven an auto you'll never want to look at a manual again

[bhg481]

I would disagree with TTT about using the handbrake. If yuo park on a steep slope using only the P position on the selector you might have trouble getting the transmission out of P when you restart. This is because P puts a parking pawl into the gearbox which physically stops the cogs moving and you have to phyically pull this out with the selector; if your hand/wrist is weak you might find it a problem, so better to put the handbrake on first in such circumstances. Personally I always use the handbrake in traffic as it feels inconsiderate to blind the person behind with my brake lights and I always use it when parking on any sort of slope but not usually on level ground.

[Khandro]

It's a doddle, after an hour you'll wonder why you didn't go automatic years ago.

[jourdain2]

No problem switching to an automatic.  I had to driveone on aholiday in the USA and it was only for a week but I got used to it quickly.

I have arthritis in my knees and it was becoming agony to use and hold the clutch pedal. Automatic was the solution.

I did have a few problems with my current car which has a parking brake, not a handbrake, at first and I still stare at it until it says that it has engaged.

Just do it, it'll be fine.

[ToraToraTora]

21:48 point taken but I've never had an issue.

[davebro3]

Been driving autos for 30 odd years now (I was having hip pain from operating a clutch) - much easier, especially in stop/start  traffic. Never stalls when setting off, I rarely use the handbrake.

All hybrids & electric are automatic so manual is doomed!

[Impatiens]

Really no problem. Just keep your left foot glued to the floor.

[ToraToraTora]

I would discourage left foot braking for a new driver of automatics. They tend to asscoiate that with the clutch and nearly go through the windscreen.

[Vagus]

Many automatics have a foot rest for your left foot so just put your left foot there and forget about it.
I find it much like driving a bumper car, just 'go' and 'stop', very easy.

[ToraToraTora]

It's great in traffic too. Just use the brake, lift off to creep forward. I wouldn't touch a manual car these days I'm so used to the automatic Jaaag!

[ToraToraTora]

jaidyn, is any of this any use to you?

[douglas9401]

Not to do with driving really but, not using the handbrake when sitting in traffic might cause some raising of the blood pressure in the poor sod sitting behing the rider of the brake pedal.

[davebro3]

If the car in front showing brake lights raises your blood pressure I would suggest an appt with your GP!

[ToraToraTora]

I put it in P if there will be a noticable wait at lights.

[douglas9401]

Thank you davebro and congratulations on the successful humour bypass procedure.

[bhg481]

I agree absolutely with TTT at 9:59 and 10:06. Americans favour left-foot braking but they are brought up that way; converting to an automatic there is a tendency to stamp with the left foot and then youi need a new back bumper.

[Old_Geezer]

Just treat it as a dodgem and you'll be fine.