Driving an Automatic

[lseagulls]

I have been driving manual cars for 30years but have never driven an automatic. I have been given one by a relative, but I dont feel at all confident about driving it. Do you think I should ask a driving school to give me a lesson or am I just being stupid!

[Hopkirk]

Someone who is trained to use both feet is quite safe in an auto, as long as they don't drive manuals aswell.

[joko]

i dont rest my foot on the brake at all.

i guess someone would have to watch for that though

[cazzz1975]

disagree hopkirk, also still an issue with break wear, I would imagine after driving for about 40 miles they are resting their left foot on the brake quite heavily compared to when they first pull away.

[joko]

none of my drivign instructors thought it was a porblem either

[cazzz1975]

very common amongst 2 footed auto drivers, a very bad habit.

[cazzz1975]

I know instructors who think its a problem.

[Hopkirk]

I don't necessarily agree with all of this, but it is interesting to read Honest John's views.

http://www.honestjohn...ing-automatics-safely

[Hopkirk]

Before you lay into me, I drive autos and manuals, and only ever drive autos with my right foot.

I am just showing there are alternative views.

[cazzz1975]

that is for tight maneuvering rather than everyday driving, if that..

[ChuckFickens]

conversely...

http://www.2pass.co.uk/auto.htm

http://www.learnerstu...o-drive/automatic.htm

http://www.learningto...g-in-an-automatic.htm

http://www.drivesafed...g.co.uk/automatic.htm

http://www.ehow.co.uk...e-automatic-cars.html

[alavahalf]

Some years ago I used to make and fit hand controls for disabled drivers ... when the job was completed. We would either deliver to the customer, or they would come to pick it up. These were often brand new cars that the customer had never driven... and more often than not, they were autoimatic.
So not only were you handing over a brand new car ... but you were giving them their first driving experience in an automatic.
The standard procedure was to ask the customer to tie a scarf around an ankle of their choice. The ends of the scarf would then be tied around the seat frame.
This stopped then from putting you through the windscreen..!

[cazzz1975]

i know hopkirk but its amazing how many people drive with their foot on the brake in an auto then tell you that they dont have their foot resting when they actually do, my neighbour for one, had her brake light pemanantly from trailing the brakes, swore blind that she doesnt rest her foot on it.

[joko]

i know i dont because i am aware of that problem so i keep my foot to one side

[jake-the-peg]

I do sympathise I hate them.

It's OK at first you tuck your left foot under or whatever your chosen technique is but after a while you relax and before you know it you've put you foot on the "clutch" and end up looking like ond of those stick-to-the-windows Garfield dolls.

No I don't think you're being stupid but I don't think a driving school will be able to help - it's 30 years of ingrainedbehavior you're trying to change

[carlton23]

Just be careful when you go into reverse, as they can suddenly go back very fast, and give yourself extra room for manoeuvring until competent. Auto`s have a `Kick-down` for fast overtaking so tread carefully friend.

[Finney144]

I would never drive an automatic and didn't for 40 years. A 4 week trip to the US changed my mind! I collected the car from the airport and drove through Boston rush hour without a problem. As soon as I got home I started the hunt for an automatic and I've never looked back. Just keep your right foot away from any pedals and enjoy.