Can You Shift from N to D Without Pressing the Brake?
2 Answers
While driving, you can shift from N to D without pressing the brake. Here are more details: 1. Other scenarios of shifting directly from N to D. Whether it's an automatic or manual transmission, the actual operation of shifting to neutral is the same. When starting at a green light, you can also shift from N to D without pressing the brake. 2. Reasons for shaking when shifting from N to D. The shaking when shifting from N to D is caused by clutch engagement. Sometimes, pressing the brake reduces shaking because the car's transmission has a Neutral Idle function, where the clutch engages very lightly. 3. Gears that require pressing the brake for shifting. For safety, shifting between P, R, and D requires pressing the brake, but switching between other gears does not mandate pressing the brake.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I believe shifting from N to D without braking is generally feasible but carries safety risks. My Volkswagen allows direct operation—just flick the gear lever and the car starts creeping forward. If you shift without braking at a red light or on a slope, the vehicle might suddenly move a few centimeters, especially in heavy traffic where rear-ending becomes possible. I once had a close call. Developing the habit of braking prevents such accidents, particularly for novice drivers—it ensures smoother operation. Most automatic transmissions are designed to support this shift, but safety comes first. Skipping small steps in daily driving isn’t worth the risk; prioritizing safety is key. Remember, shifting from N to D takes just a moment, but negligence can lead to disaster.
