How to Drive an Automatic Car

Once reserved for those who couldn't drive a manual (or didn't want to), automatic transmission has become increasingly popular thanks to its relaxing driving experience. The lack of gear changes comes especially in handy if you regularly drive on jam-packed roads. Whether you're a seasoned driver switching to an automatic, or you're getting behind the wheel for the first time, this guide can help you figure out your first steps.

By Gumtree Editorial Team

18 February 2021 7 min read

What you’ll find on the automatic gearstick

Most automatic gearboxes will bear the following letters:

P for ‘Parking’: Use only when completely stopped and you’re getting out of the car. You will also need to apply the handbrake after you select ‘P’, before getting out.
N for ‘Neutral’: Use when you’re just about to turn on the ignition. You can also use it when you’re stopped for a short period of time, along with the handbrake (such as at a traffic light).
R for ‘Reverse’: Does what it says – use when you want to drive backwards.
D for ‘Driving’: Use when you want to move forwards on the road.

Getting comfortable in an automatic car

Before you start the car, follow the appropriate checks to make sure you’re safe on the road:

Check that all your doors are closed properly and locked.
Adjust your driver’s seat to get good visibility and to ensure you’re able to use the pedals comfortably. You should also be able to run your hands around the steering wheel comfortably.
Put on your seatbelt and make sure all occupants in the car are wearing theirs.
Adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors for maximum visibility of the road as well as the corners of your car.

There are only two pedals in a car with an automatic transmission. The one on the left is the brake and the one on the right is the accelerator. Needless to say, the brake slows down the vehicle and the accelerator speeds it up.

To start the car, ensure that the gearbox is at ‘P’ and that the handbrake is engaged. Turn on the ignition. Keep your foot pressed down on the brake for safety. Move the gearstick to ‘D’ or ‘R’ as appropriate and release the handbrake. When you’re ready to drive, release the footbrake gradually. You’ll notice the car starts to ‘creep’ once your foot is completely off the brake pedal. Use the accelerator pedal gently to speed up.

Getting used to the pedals

If you’re learning to drive a car for the first time, it’s a good idea to only use your right foot to operate both the pedals. Firstly, it’s a smart safety precaution for yourself and your car. You’ll never need to use the brake and accelerator at the same time and just using one foot is intuitive. Secondly, if you ever want to upgrade your licence, it’ll be easier to get used to the pedal functions of a manual. When driving a manual, the left foot solely operates the clutch, and the right operate the brake and accelerator.

If you’re switching from a manual to an automatic, tuck your left foot behind your right on the first few drives. This is to ensure that you never confuse your brake pedal for the clutch. Also, note that your left hand mostly only performs the function of turning on the indicators once you’re in ‘Drive’ mode.

Pros and cons of driving an automatic

Pros:

Among the newer generation cars (especially those with start-stop function), automatics are more fuel-efficient than manuals
You don’t need to worry about wearing out the clutch
Many dual-clutch transmission automatic cars are faster
It’s a more relaxed drive – you don’t have to worry about gear changes and using the clutch when you drive automatic.

Cons:

With older cars, driving a manual is more fuel-efficient
Manual cars tend to be cheaper
You have more control over your driving experience
If you have a manual licence, you can drive both manuals and automatics

Hill starts and driving downhill in an automatic

Hill starts can be a bit tricky when driving an automatic car. For maximum safety, follow these steps:

Keep the handbrake on
Select ‘D’ on the gearbox
Gently apply pressure on the accelerator until you feel the car trying to nudge forward or lifting up
Release the handbrake and let the car ‘creep’ forward
Speed up using the accelerator pedal

Some automatic cars provide the option of locking in the transmission to first and second gear. You can use these gears while going down a steep hill so that the car’s speed is automatically set to under 10-20 mph. It also comes in handy when road conditions aren’t ideal. If you’re driving in snow or ice, locking the gear to ‘2’ can help you gain more traction to help you start moving slowly.

What ‘L’, ‘M’, ‘S’ and ‘W’ mean on an automatic gearstick

Some automatic cars will also show the following symbols on their gearstick, depending on the driving modes available:

‘L’ is for ‘Low speed’, which essentially does the same function as locking the gears to ‘1’ or ‘2’, as explained above
‘M’ is ‘Manual’ mode. Here, you will use the paddle shifters or ‘+’ and ‘-‘ functions to shift gears up and down manually
‘S’ stands for ‘Sport’. You will gain smoother and quicker acceleration in this mode, but it comes at the cost of fuel efficiency
‘W’ is for ‘Winter’, which is ideal for gaining traction when you’re starting the car in snowy or icy conditions

Whether you’re a first-time driver or a manual expert, it’s best to practice in your automatic on straight, flat, traffic-free roads. If you’re looking to purchase an automatic car for the first time, take a look at our article on the best automatic cars for sale and reviews to discover the best models out there. You can also explore our listings to find the perfect car for you.

View all Expert Advice