Can You Drive an Automatic If You Can Drive a Manual?

[DelAvery]

Being able to drive a manual transmission doesn't necessarily mean you can drive an automatic. The driving technique for automatic transmission cars requires first ensuring the gear is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) before starting the car. When starting the car, you must press the brake pedal and avoid pressing the accelerator. After shifting to D (Drive), release the handbrake first, then slowly release the foot brake to allow the car to move forward gradually before finally releasing the brake and gently pressing the accelerator. Manual transmission cars display gears as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, R (Reverse), while automatic transmission cars show P, R, N (Neutral), D, S (Sport), L (Low), and M (Manual). Manual cars require manual gear shifting for starting, accelerating, or decelerating, whereas automatic cars adjust speed based on how deeply the accelerator is pressed—no manual shifting or clutch pedal operation with the left foot is needed.