How Many Days of Practice Does It Take for a Beginner to Become Proficient with an Automatic Transmission?

[McIsabella]

Generally, beginners need about 2-3 months of practice, but the exact time varies from person to person, as everyone's learning ability and courage differ. Below is an introduction to driving methods for automatic transmission cars: 1. Starting: The automatic transmission lever should be placed in the P or N position, with the foot on the brake, to start the engine. 2. Driving: Beginners should pay attention not to press the accelerator pedal to shift gears before starting the car, not to release the brake to start, and not to press the accelerator too hard or abruptly during driving. 3. Shifting gears: Do not press the accelerator when shifting gears, and avoid pressing the accelerator pedal too violently after shifting, as this can damage the clutch or brake in the automatic transmission.

[BrielleLynn]

When I first got my driver's license and practiced driving an automatic car, I was quite nervous during the initial days. In the first couple of days, I mainly focused on getting familiar with the pedal operations, practicing starting and stopping in open areas, which probably took three to four hours. By the third or fourth day, I started driving into residential areas or slow lanes, trying out turns and U-turns, and felt that my coordination between my feet and hands improved, becoming less panicky. After about a week, I was basically able to handle daily commutes, such as 10 to 15-minute drives to and from work, without much trouble. However, to truly master skills like parking in reverse or dealing with traffic jams, it took another five or six days of additional practice. The key is the frequency of practice—if you dedicate half an hour to an hour each day to focused practice, you’ll likely gain a lot more confidence after about two weeks. But everyone’s baseline is different, so it’s important to stay relaxed and not rush. Beginners shouldn’t challenge themselves with complex road conditions or highways right from the start—safety comes first. Having a friend accompany you for a few practice sessions can also speed up progress. Automatic cars are easier to handle than manual ones, so overall, don’t worry too much about the time.

[AnnieDella]

From my personal teaching experience, the time it takes for beginners to get comfortable with an automatic transmission varies from person to person. In the initial stage, the focus should be on practicing brake and throttle control. On the first day, choose a flat road for a test drive of 10-20 minutes, gradually increasing the duration. On the second day, incorporate turning practice by driving around the neighborhood. On the third day, try handling simple traffic light intersections, staying calm and composed. Most people can independently commute short distances after 4-5 days of practice, but if you want to master reversing or parallel parking, it's recommended to extend the practice to 7-10 days. It's best to dedicate at least one hour each day, and after about 15 days of cumulative practice, you can generally reach a level suitable for daily driving. Remember, while operating an automatic transmission is simple, familiarizing yourself with traffic rules and anticipation is more important. Beginners shouldn't rush to pursue speed; instead, simulate more unexpected situations like pedestrians crossing. Keep in mind that reviewing mistakes after each practice session can lead to rapid improvement. Stay persistent, and the nervousness will soon fade away.

[Carlos]

When I first started driving, I learned with an automatic transmission. For the first three days, I practiced starting and braking in an empty lot. The next two days, I drove short distances on the road during off-peak hours. On the fifth day, I tried reversing and felt my hand-eye coordination improved. By the end of the week, I could basically handle daily driving. Don't rush, you'll make progress in just a few days. The key for beginners is to maintain a safe distance.