Manual Transmission

How to Drive an Automatic Car

Step by step guide

Once only popular with elderly drivers and those unable to drive a manual car, automatic cars are now commonplace.

Not only are they easier (and more relaxing) to drive than a manual, in some cases they can be better on fuel and can cost less to maintain.

If you haven’t driven an automatic car before, however, it can be all too easy to get behind the wheel and be totally perplexed by the lack of a clutch pedal and the array of options provided by the shifter.

Before you Start

Typically, manual cars will have three pedals: clutch, brake and accelerator (in that order, left to right).
The brake and accelerator pedals are pretty simple – press the brake to slow down (the firmer you press it, the quicker you’ll lose speed), while using the accelerator increases the engine’s revs and causes you to speed up (the firmer you press it, the quicker you will speed up).
The clutch pedal is the one that makes driving a manual car more difficult than an auto.
Without going into too much detail, the clutch is essentially two metal plates that connect the engine to the drive wheels.
So by pressing down on the clutch pedal, you’re disconnecting the engine from the wheels.

How to Drive a Manual Car

Step 1

Get in the car and put on your seatbelt

Step 2

Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts

Step 3

Put the clutch pedal down with your left foot (this the pedal on the left)

Step 4

Move the gear stick into first gear

Step 5

Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator (pedal on the right) gentle to increase the engine’s revs very slightly

Step 6

Slowly lift the clutch pedal using your left foot until it starts to vibrate gently

Step 7

This vibration is known as the car’s “bite point” this is where the clutch plates start to come together.

Step 8

Release the handbrake and the car should start to move slowly

Step 9

Increase the revs while slowly raising your foot off the clutch unit you are moving forward with only the use of the accelerator pedal

Remember – if you’re too quick lifting your foot off the clutch, or don’t give it enough revs, the car will stall: that’s where the engine cuts out and the red lights glow on the dashboard.
If you stall, apply the brakes, turn the engine off, return the gear stick to neutral and begin the process again.

Manual Transmission