How to drive an automatic car
If you’re new to driving or have only ever driven a manual, the idea of getting behind the wheel of an automatic car might feel a little daunting at first.
But once you get the hang of it, many drivers find automatics simpler, smoother and less stressful; especially in stop-start traffic, such as traffic jams or on long commutes.
Most drivers have experience of sitting in long traffic jams, having to keep pressing the clutch, change gears up and down to crawl hardly anywhere over a long period of time.
Your legs start to ache and you can’t wait to get to your destination and have a good stretch!
Here’s an easy, no-nonsense guide to driving an automatic car in the UK, packed with helpful tips to get you started confidently and safely.
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Get familiar with the automatic gear stick
The most obvious difference in an automatic car is the gear stick.
Unlike a manual car, where you shift through gears manually using a clutch, an automatic does all the gear changes for you.
Most automatic gear selectors have a standard layout as follows:
P: Park
R: Reverse
N: Neutral
D: Drive
S or L: Sport or Low gear (optional in some cars)
To start driving, make sure the car is in P (park), press the brake pedal firmly with your foot, then move the gear stick to D (drive) to move forward or R (reverse) to go backwards.
Some cars also require you to press a button on the gear stick to shift out of park.
A few automatics may also have additional settings like B (for engine braking, common in hybrids like the Toyota Prius) or paddle shifters for manual gear changes.
If you’re unsure, check the owner’s manual for your specific model.
You may also have a side button to unlock the gear selector and put it into Drive or Reverse..
Use only your right foot when driving an automatic
In an automatic car, there’s no clutch pedal, which means you don’t need your left foot at all. Rest it to the side and keep it there.
You only use your right foot to control both the accelerator and the brake.
This helps avoid confusion or the dangerous habit of braking with your left foot, which can lead to sudden stops or jerky movements.
Stick with your right foot, it’s safer and how automatic cars are designed to be driven.
Your left has been working hard on the clutch for all these years, it’s now time for old lefty to retire and righty will lead the way.
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Always hold the brake when starting or stopping
One key difference in automatics is something called 'creep'.
When you take your foot off the brake while the car is in D or R, it may start to roll gently even without you touching the accelerator.
This means you must always hold the brake when you're stopped or when moving the gear stick between P, R, N, and D.
Most cars won’t let you move out of Park unless your foot is on the brake anyway; it’s a handy built-in safety feature.
Let the car do the work when automatic car driving
The joy of automatics is that you don’t need to worry about clutch control, stalling, or shifting gears.
The car handles all of that for you.
Your job is simply to steer, accelerate smoothly and brake in good time.
This makes automatic cars especially popular in urban areas or for drivers who want a more relaxed experience.
Just remember, the less you interfere, the smoother the ride.
Learn to trust the car’s gearbox; it’s cleverer than it looks.
Take it slow at first
If you’ve never driven an automatic before, it can feel strange not having to use a clutch or change gears.
The first time you take your foot off the brake and the car begins to move on its own, it can catch you off guard.
Start off in a quiet residential street or an empty car park.
Practice moving off gently, coming to a stop, reversing and then parking.
Get used to the car’s behaviour especially how it creeps when you release the brake. Focus on smooth braking and gentle acceleration, there's no rush.
Use ‘P’ and the handbrake when parked
When you’re ready to stop and leave the car, always follow this routine:
Come to a full stop with your foot on the brake
Shift the gear stick to P
Apply the handbrake or engage the electronic parking brake if your car has one
Turn off the engine
This secures the car and prevents it from rolling. On a slope or hill the handbrake is especially important, even in cars with hill start assist.
While the P setting locks the transmission, it's not designed to hold the full weight of the car on an incline.
Don’t change gears while moving
This is one of the most important tips for driving an automatic: never switch between Drive (D), Reverse (R), or Park (P) while the car is still moving.
Doing so can seriously damage the gearbox, which is an expensive problem to fix.
Always come to a complete stop before changing between these modes.
If you need to perform a quick three-point turn or reverse into a tight spot, take your time.
Automatic gearboxes aren’t designed for fast directional changes like you might do in a manual.
Know what Sport or Low gear is for
Some automatic cars come with extra gear settings like S (Sport) or L (Low), which can be handy in certain situations:
S (Sport) mode holds the gears longer, giving you more acceleration and power. It’s useful for overtaking or driving on motorways but it uses more fuel.
L (Low) is ideal for going downhill or towing as it increases engine braking and gives you more control.
You won’t use these every day but it’s good to know what they’re for.
Hill starts and stop-start traffic
Automatics really come into their own in traffic.
With no clutch to worry about, stop-start driving is far less of a pain!
Some cars come with features like hill start assist, which stops the car from rolling backwards on a slope when you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator.
Even without this feature most automatics manage fine, just keep your foot on the brake until you're ready to move, then apply gentle pressure on the accelerator to move off smoothly.
Parking sensors and cameras help: use them
Because you don’t need to concentrate on gear changes, you’ve got more attention to spare for parking.
Many automatics come with parking sensors, reversing cameras, or even automatic parking assist. Make the most of them.
Take your time, use your mirrors, and practice your parallel parking.
It might be easier than you think when you’re not juggling gears and clutch control.
You may well already be used to using these, as many modern manual cars still come with them!
In summary
Driving an automatic car in the UK is a straightforward and enjoyable experience once you get used to the feel of it.
Whether you're a new driver or switching from a manual, automatics are great for relaxed driving and stress free, long distance journeys.
Just remember the basics: use your right foot only, hold the brake when stationary, don’t switch gears while moving and let the car do the work.
With a bit of practice in a quiet spot, you'll soon be cruising comfortably and forget all about that pesky clutch!
So, if you’ve been wondering how to drive an automatic car or what to know before driving an automatic in the UK, now you’ve got everything you need to hit the road with confidence.
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