Driving an automatic

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use the gear selector positions P, R, N and D correctly.
• You can control the car at low speed using creep and the footbrake.
• You can use your right foot for both the accelerator and the brake.
• You can secure the car properly when stopped and parked.
• You can explain what an automatic-only licence allows you to drive.

What you need to know and understand

• P is park, R is reverse, N is neutral and D is drive. Many cars also have extra modes such as sport, low gears or manual paddles.
• Only select P when the car has completely stopped.
• Keep your foot on the brake when selecting D or R, because the car may start to move.
• Creep is the way many automatics move forward slowly on their own when the brake is released in D or R.
• Kick-down means pressing the accelerator firmly so the gearbox changes down for extra power, for example when overtaking.
• If you pass your test in an automatic, your licence only covers automatic cars. You can upgrade by passing a practical test in a manual car, without retaking the theory test.

Getting to know the selector

• P (park): locks the transmission. Use it when parked, along with the parking brake. When parked on a hill, the Highway Code says to use park in an automatic.
• R (reverse): for going backwards. Select it only when the car is stopped.
• N (neutral): no drive to the wheels. Useful if you are stopped for a short time, with the parking brake on.
• D (drive): for going forwards. The gearbox chooses the gear.
• Other modes: low gear positions, sport mode or manual paddles let you hold a lower gear, for example on a long downhill slope. Check the handbook for your car.

One foot or two?

Most instructors teach you to use your right foot for both the accelerator and the brake, and keep your left foot flat on the floor. This stops you pressing both pedals at once and helps avoid sudden, harsh braking if you are used to a clutch. Using your right foot for both also means you can never accidentally accelerate while braking.

Creep and slow speed control

In D or R with your foot off the brake, many automatics move gently forward on their own. This creep is very useful in queues and when parking, as you can control speed with light pressure on the brake alone. The downside is that the car will move if you relax your foot, so always hold it on the footbrake when waiting, or use the parking brake for longer stops.

Electric and some hybrid cars may also slow down noticeably when you lift off the accelerator, because of regenerative braking. Get used to how your car behaves before driving in traffic.

Starting and stopping routine

1. Foot on the brake, selector in P, then start the car.
2. Keep the brake pressed and select D or R.
3. Release the parking brake after your observations.
4. Ease off the brake to let the car creep, then gently use the accelerator.
5. To park: stop with the footbrake, apply the parking brake, select P and switch off.

Common mistakes

• Selecting D or R without your foot on the brake. The car may lurch.
• Selecting P while still rolling. Always stop completely first.
• Using the left foot on the brake. It can lead to harsh braking or pressing both pedals together.
• Forgetting the car creeps. Keep a firm foot on the brake when stopped in gear.
• Letting speed build on long downhill slopes. Use a lower gear mode if your car has one, and the footbrake.

Test yourself: Driving an automatic

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive an Automatic Car
• Automatic vs Manual