How to Drive an Automatic Car? In 7 Simple Steps!

The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA.

While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as all-electric cars come with auto gearboxes.

If you’re wondering how to drive an automatic car, you’re in the right place. This blog post will guide you through the process, following the same steps used to drive a manual car to make the transition smooth and familiar.

What is an Automatic Transmission?

An automatic transmission automatically changes gears for you as you drive. It is the opposite of a manual transmission, where the driver manually shifts gears using a clutch and shifter.

An automatic transmission uses a system of gears (mostly planetary) or pulleys, clutches, torque converter, and hydraulic fluid. It’s controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that determines the optimal gear based on factors like vehicle speed, engine load, and throttle position.

Here are the three most common types of automatic transmission:

• Hydraulic Automatic Transmission: It uses a torque converter to connect the engine to the transmission, transferring power through pressurised fluid to planetary gear sets.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): It uses a system of two pulleys with variable widths and a belt to provide infinite gear ratios. One pulley takes the input from the engine and the other transfers the power onto the wheels.
• Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT): It uses two separate clutches, one for odd-numbered gears and the other for even-numbered gears and electronic sensors. One clutch preselects the next gear while the second one is engaged.

Some people also consider semi-automatic cars to be a type, but it is essentially a manual transmission with sensors used for gear shifting. So, it isn’t really a type of automatic transmission.

7 Simple Steps to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car (+ How is it Different from a Manual Car?)

Here’s how you can drive an automatic car in 7 simple steps: 

1. Starting an Automatic Car

Spot a Difference: Starting an automatic car is similar to starting a manual car, but you don’t need to depress the clutch before starting the engine. Instead, you press the brake pedal.

An automatic car uses a gear shifter instead of a traditional gearstick. It is marked with P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), L or 2 (Low settings for steep inclines), and S (Sports mode). Some automatic cars also offer a manual mode with plus (+) and minus (-) signs for gear selection.

Another difference is that there are mostly two pedals in an automatic car: a brake and a throttle. The third pedal isn’t a clutch. It’s a quick brake similar to a parking brake in a manual car.

The Process:

• Ensure the car is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged.
• Before starting, check that the gear selector is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
• Depress the brake pedal and turn the key to the ignition position or press the start button.

2. Moving Off an Automatic Car

Spot a difference: Unlike a manual car, there’s no need to coordinate the clutch and accelerator to move the car. The automatic transmission does that for you.

The Process:

• Select the “Drive” (D) gear using the gear selector.
• Disengage the parking or quick brake.
• Gently release the foot brake. The car will begin to move forward slowly.
• Gradually apply pressure to the accelerator to increase speed.

3. Driving an Automatic Car on Level Road

Spot a Difference: Driving an automatic on a level surface is exactly similar to driving a manual car. The main difference is the absence of gear shifting.

The Process:

• Use the accelerator pedal to keep a consistent speed. The automatic transmission will adjust the gear ratios as you accelerate or decelerate.

4. Driving an Automatic Car Uphill

Spot a Difference: You don’t need to manually lower the gears while driving an automatic car uphill, but you might want to change the gear setting to Low (L).

The Process:

• The car will automatically downshift to provide additional power.
• If the car struggles to maintain speed, reduce it slightly and gradually increase it again.
• Select the low (L) or 2 setting on the gear selector if the incline is too steep.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed if you have to stop while going uphill.

5. Stopping an Automatic Car

Spot a Difference: You don’t need to press the clutch pedal while stopping an automatic car.

The Process:

• Release the accelerator pedal to begin slowing down.
• Apply gradual pressure to the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop.

6. Reversing an Automatic Car

Spot a Difference: Similar to reversing a manual car, but without the need to coordinate clutch and accelerator.

The Process:

• Shift the gear selector to Reverse (R). But before shifting, ensure the car is completely stopped to avoid damaging the transmission.
• Release the brake pedal slowly, and the car will begin to move backwards.
• Use the accelerator lightly to control your speed while reversing.

7. Parking and Turning Off an Automatic Car

Spot a difference: The main difference is selecting the “Park” (P) gear instead of the first gear in a manual car.

The Process:

• Drive into a suitable parking space and depress the brake pedal.
• Ensure the vehicle is stationary before preparing to park.
• Engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle, especially on inclines.
• Shift the gear selector to “Park” to lock the transmission and prevent the car from rolling.
• Turn the key or press the start button to turn off the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of driving an automatic car?

An automatic car simplifies the driving experience by eliminating the need for manual gear shifting and clutch operation, making driving easier for beginners and those with physical limitations. Plus, automatic cars excel in traffic, reducing stress and fatigue. They also enhance driving safety. With less focus on gear shifting, drivers can concentrate more on road conditions.

2. Can you drive an automatic car with a manual car driving licence in the UK?

Yes, a manual driving licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars in the UK. However, if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, you can only drive automatic vehicles. You would need to retake your driving test in a manual vehicle to drive a manual car.

3. Are automatic cars less fuel-efficient than manual cars?

No, automatic cars are not necessarily less fuel-efficient than manual cars anymore. While in the past, manual cars had better fuel economy, modern auto transmissions have caught up and, in some cases, even surpassed manuals. Technological advancements, such as the development of more efficient gears and torque converters, have led to this.

Wrapping Up: How to Drive an Automatic Car?

So, there you have it: how to drive an automatic car in 7 easy steps. In conclusion, driving an automatic car is a convenient and stress-free experience, especially for those new to driving.

While it differs slightly from manual driving, the basic principles remain the same. You can confidently navigate the roads in your new automatic vehicle by following these simple steps.

But remember, practice makes perfect. The more you drive an automatic car, the more comfortable you will become with its operation.