How to drive an automatic

All opinions are those of the presenter!

Covering…

• Basics

• What to use when

• Tricky situations

• Questions – but discuss throughout

BasicsAlways P,R,N,D

Generally, either 3/2/1/L

Or Sport / Semi-manual

Basics+ -

Basics

• You do not have to select gears

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Basics

• You do not have to select gears

• You cannot select gears

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Basics

• You do not have to select gears

• You cannot select gears

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Do not let anyone tell you that driving an automatic is easy

Basics• D is the default

You expect to be in D (or its derivatives) all the time

You never use the handbrake with D – Except “Stop” junctions

Generally, do not come out of D at junctions (or anywhere else)

X

Basics• N is for nineteen second stops

Use N with the handbrake if you expect to be stopped for 19 secs

Generally, only lights and queues

Basics• N is for nineteen second stops

19 seconds comes from 15 seconds of waiting and a couple of seconds for D-to-P and P-to-D. You may have a different time.

Use N with the handbrake if you expect to be stopped for 19 secs

Generally, only lights and queues

Basics• What about stops of less than 19 seconds?• You are not going to come out of D

• D and footbrake• Usually

• D and handbrake• Depends on car and conditions (hills etc)• Worth doing if it works• More fuel• (Manual drivers like the sound of this because it mirrors

what they do. But they have the clutch pedal down. Automatics are different.)

Basics• P is for parking

Only when you are stopping and getting out

Never stop and P at a junction

Use with handbrake and ignition-off

Remember that you will flash your reversing lights and confuse the guy behind

Basics

• P is for parking

• N is for nineteen second stops

• D is the default

What to use when

• Traffic lights

• Other junctions

Traffic lights

• Less than 19 seconds

• More than 19 seconds

Traffic lights

• Less than 19 seconds

• More than 19 seconds

Traffic lights

• Less than 19 seconds

• More than 19 seconds

Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake

Go into N and use handbrake

Traffic lights

• Less than 19 seconds

• More than 19 seconds

Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake

But constantly re-assess the junction

Go into N and use handbrake

Watch opposing lights for the change

Other junctions

Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake BUT use handbrake as well at “Stop” junctions

Tricky situations

• What are they?

Tricky situations

• Hills (downward)

• 30 mph

• Busy towns

• Stationary traffic

• Twisty country roads

Hills (downward)• One of the trickiest to judge• Depends on steepness, speed limit, town/country,

how long, other hazards…

Hills (downward)• One of the trickiest to judge• Depends on steepness, speed limit, town/country,

how long, other hazards…

• BMW will change down one – probably not enough• Expect to use manual mode or 3/2• Be prepared to get more assertive with the selector• Not doing this could fail you the test

30 mph

• Depends on the car• Automatics may be hard to keep at a steady

speed• Try Sports mode if you have it• May need to be in Low or 3

30

30 mph

• Depends on the car• Automatics may be hard to keep at a steady

speed• Try Sports mode if you have it• May need to be in Low or 3

Consider using Cruise Control if you have it

30

Busy towns

• Consider Sports/Low/3

Stationary traffic

• 19 sec rule applies• Probably drop to N• The person behind may get annoyed with your

brake light• On the other hand, he may be annoyed with it

going on and off

Twisty country roads

• Consider Sports/Low/3• Consider using semi-manual (preferred if you have it)

Remember

• Examiner expects you to know all about your gearbox and how to drive it

• He expects to see you making the best use of the gearbox in all situations – just leaving it in D will probably get you a failure

• Make active use of all gearbox features to demonstrate that you are an advanced driver

Questions

70 vs. 80 on Motorways

• 70 is:– Slower– More difficult (have to weave in and out more)– Feels wrong

My journey to the office

Shepshed to Heathrow (130 miles)

At 70:

1 hr 52 min

At 80:

1 hr 38 min

14 min saving

My journey to the office

Shepshed to Heathrow (130 miles)

At 70:

1 hr 52 min

At 80:

1 hr 38 min

14 min saving (13%)

Actual time 2-4 hoursAverage is 3

Actual time 2-4 hoursAverage is 3

70 vs. 80 on Motorways

• 70 is:– Slower– More difficult (have to weave in and out more)– Feels wrong

Is it? Try it

Not when you are used to it

Advanced observation and anticipation

• 70 is:– Safer– More relaxing– Legal