Driving an automatic

By the end of this topic you can

• You can select P, R, N and D safely with your foot on the brake.
• You can control the creep at low speed.
• You can use only your right foot for both pedals.
• You can explain your state's automatic licence condition.

What you need to know and understand

• P (park) locks the gearbox. R is reverse, N is neutral and D is drive.
• Most automatics only let you start the engine in P or N, with your foot on the brake.
• An automatic creeps forward in D or R without the accelerator, so keep your foot ready on the brake.
• Use your right foot only. Your left foot rests on the footrest.
• NSW: if you pass your test in an automatic, you can only drive automatics on your P1 licence unless supervised in a manual by a full licence holder. The restriction no longer applies on P2.
• Victoria restricts P1 and P2 drivers who passed in an automatic to automatics. WA has a separate C-A (automatic) licence authorisation.

Selecting gears safely

1. Press and hold the brake pedal with your right foot.
2. Start the engine with the selector in P.
3. Keep braking and move the selector to D or R. Check the display shows the gear you chose.
4. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal if needed, release the park brake.
5. Ease off the brake, then gently press the accelerator.
6. When you park, stop fully, keep braking, apply the park brake and select P before switching off.

Low-speed control and the creep

In car parks and slow traffic, the creep is often enough to move. Control it with gentle pressure on the brake rather than the accelerator. When you stop on a hill, hold the car on the footbrake or park brake rather than balancing it on the accelerator, which overheats the gearbox and can lead to rolling back.

Automatic or manual: which to learn?

An automatic is quicker to learn and suits most modern cars. A manual gives you more choice of vehicle later, for example for some jobs or older family cars. If you pass in an automatic, check how your state lets you upgrade to manual, because it varies by state.

Common mistakes

• Using the left foot for the brake. In an emergency you might press both pedals.
• Moving the selector without your foot on the brake.
• Selecting R or D while the car is still moving the other way.
• Leaving the car in D with the engine running and getting out.

Test yourself: Driving an automatic

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

Go deeper

• Automatic Licence Conditions in Each Australian State
• Auto to Manual Licence in Victoria
• Learning to Drive an Automatic Car