Page 1 of Driving Test in an automatic?

Anyone taken the driving test in an automatic? My sis is looking to take her test soon, and I don`t want to give her bad advice. When I passed my test it was manual or nothing!

I think I found the answer to my question, which was do you use the handbrake when at traffic lights, etc. You definitely put it on anytime you are going to be stationary for a short period, yes?

And is there anything else I should pass on?


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It`s pretty much the same as a manual, but it`s all about pedal control. Think to bear in mind is, if she passes the test in an Auto, she`ll never be able to drive a manual unless she takes a manual test

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Writer`s Release

Second that Rob, try and convince to go manual -  also most people i have sat behind in an auto seem to forget that you should forget you have a left foot, (i`m sure the driving instructor has made a point of that) in an auto its pretty superfluous, right foot does brake and gas - dont use the left for the brake and right for the gas, it usually results in the brake lights being on for most of your journey and those behind havnt a clue what your doing  - and dont leave the vehicle in drive when stationary, (at traffic lights etc) drop it into N and handbrake on.


Grumpy

I assume she has been learning in an auto therefore switching to a manual would need a few more lessons and another car/driver before taking a test

Examiners are looking for a safe, smooth and comfortable drive. Grumpy, you failed your test, it`s handbrake on and into neutral  sounds petty but it`s the difference between a pass and fail!

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This item was edited on Wednesday, 30th May 2012, 10:57

It`s the other way around, she`s been learning in a manual but its taking too long (she`s pregnant) and wants to pass her test before she gets too big to do it.

I don`t think not being able to drive a manual will be much of an issue.

The driving instructor is now my dad and me, so I don`t want to teach her any bad habits. Alas whilst I was taught by a traffic cop, I was taught in a manual a long time ago, so I have no idea what you are tested on in an auto. Obviously manual is handbrake on, gears to neutral, but wasn`t sure if automatic was the same.

Thanks for all the advice!


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Quote:
Rob Shepherd says...
I don`t think not being able to drive a manual will be much of an issue.
You should aways learn in one as you have more of an option when it comes to cars

Quote:
you failed your test, it`s handbrake on and into neutral
lol i wasnt being that specific about the order but take your point 


Grumpy

Re the handbrake thing: the only time you really have to use your handbrake is parking, hill starts (obviously pretty tricky to do without handbrake) and at stop signs, where failure to use handbrake is an instant fail. My guess is that it`s the same with automatic, which means the only time it`s really necessary is at stop signs. You could always advise to be better safe than sorry though.

Just found this on yahoo answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Hi - I teach automatic. The general rule is - if a `stop` turns to a `wait`, use your handbrake.

So how long is a wait? Well, I`d say if it is obvious you are, for example, going to be waiting at traffic lights for a considerable time, use your handbrake. If the stop is only going to be 30 seconds or so, don`t bother.

For what it`s worth, I`ve been teaching automatic for many years and I have never had a pupil fail for inappropriate use of the handbrake - and I`m quite sure many of them went around the test without using it at all! So.... don`t get hung up about it. The only thing to be sure of is to use your handbrake when you are changing from drive to reverse or vica versa - except during the parallel park, of course - but I expect your instructor has taught you all that!

Good luck :-)

Source(s):Driving Instructor

This item was edited on Wednesday, 30th May 2012, 12:55

When I was learning to drive my instructor told me to apply the handbrake at STOP signed junctions to avoid the possibility of rolling forward

This item was edited on Wednesday, 30th May 2012, 13:34