Driving an automatic vehicle: what does that change?

It's decided, you change your car! And for the first time ever, you are considering purchasing an automatic vehicle. Birmingham driving lesson But first, you want to know everything about this still-controversial gearbox. How it works? Is it for you? Find out everything you need to know to drive an automatic vehicle.

How to use an automatic transmission?

Vehicles equipped with an automatic gearbox does not have a clutch pedal, gears are shifted automatically

How to use an automatic transmission?

Use only your right foot, as the left no longer needs to press the clutch pedal;

Identify the different positions of the gear lever: P, R, D, or N; Learn to master forward and reverse

What positions are available on an automatic transmission?

The big difference from an automatic transmission is in the gear lever. Instead of the gears present as on a vehicle with a manual gearbox, you find the following positions:

 

Position "P" for "Park”: blocks the wheels of the vehicle when you want to park;

Position "R" for "Reverse”: allows you to engage reverse gear;

Position “D” for “Drive”: this is the driving position in forwarding gear;

 Position “N” for “Neutral”: this is the equivalent of neutral, the wheels are therefore released.

How to change gears with an automatic transmission?

At the wheel of an automatic car, you don't have to change gears, the gear change is done automatically. You simply need to stand in the "D" position to move your vehicle forward.

How to reverse with an automatic car? Automatic driving lessonsWolverhampton

When you want to reverse with an automatic car, all you need to do is shift to the “R” position and press the accelerator pedal to reverse.

Who can drive an automatic car?

Any driver holding a category B driving license can drive a car with manual or automatic transmission. The only restriction is when the driver holds an “automatic gearbox” B license. In this case, the latter can only drive vehicles equipped with: an automatic gearbox (including sequential gearbox); an automatic clutch.

How to maintain an automatic gearbox?

Did you know that taking care of your car is one of the golden rules for driving greener and reducing your fuel consumption?

 

The rule also applies to your automatic car!

To properly maintain an automatic transmission, it is recommended that you follow the instructions in the vehicle maintenance guide. If in doubt, check with your car dealer.

Why choose an automatic transmission?

Yet very popular across the Atlantic, automatic cars have long been sidelined from the French automotive market. Often criticized for their lack of performance: jerks when changing gears, overconsumption, poor acceleration capacity ... they have evolved a lot since. Today they offer comfort and driving pleasure and are convincing a growing number of drivers.

More than technical characteristics, it is mainly your driving habits that will make the difference:

Choose the manual gearbox if you are a fan of gearshifts;

If you are used to driving in town, in traffic jams, prefer an automatic gearbox;

The manual gearbox adapts more to a small budget. Automatic DrivingLessons vehicles are still slightly more expensive;

If you like luxury cars, you just might not have a choice as these models often come with an automatic transmission as standard.

In short, don't hesitate to ask your dealer for advice on finding the type of gearbox that best suits your needs.

What is a semi-automatic transmission?

A BVR is a robotic gearbox that itself performs the engagement, disengagement and gear shifting. When your vehicle is equipped with it, you have the choice of driving in automatic or semi-automatic mode (called sequential).

The sequential operation, often acclaimed in the context of "sporty" driving, allows you to choose to shift your gears yourself using the gear lever or paddles located on the steering wheel.