How Should Your Feet Be Positioned When Driving an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Carole]

Left foot on the left side, use the right foot to control the accelerator and brake. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car: 1. Never use the left foot for braking and the right foot for acceleration, as this can easily lead to control errors and danger in emergency situations or when overly nervous. 2. Automatic transmission cars only have a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal, controlled by the right foot. The left foot is idle and does not participate in driving; it can naturally rest on the vehicle floor or the left-side footrest. 3. Before starting the car, ensure the gear lever is in P or N. When starting, always remember to brake, control the handbrake and accelerator with both hands, shift to D gear, release the handbrake while slowly lifting the brake, then lightly press the accelerator to let the car start gently. Avoid stomping on the accelerator, as this can damage the vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Note: Do not release the brake pedal when shifting gears.

[PhoebeAnn]

I often drive long distances and pay great attention to the position of my feet. In an automatic transmission car, there are only two pedals: the accelerator and the brake. I always use my right foot to control these two, while my left foot remains stationary on the floor in the resting area. My right heel stays fixed on the floor, and I move my forefoot back and forth—lightly pressing the accelerator to speed up and steadily pressing the brake to slow down. Don’t follow some people who place their left foot on the brake; in an emergency, this can lead to accidental pressing and dangerous mistakes. Maintaining this posture keeps me stable while driving, preventing foot or leg fatigue, especially in stop-and-go traffic where the movement feels natural. I also pay attention to my seating position, adjusting the seat so my knees are slightly bent, which helps avoid back pain even after hours of driving. Developing these good habits has also improved my reaction time—last time it rained, I had no issues braking.

[AbigailAnn]

As a daily commuter, my foot placement in an automatic car is quite simple: my left foot rests completely on the floor's dead pedal area without touching anything, while my right foot handles all operations. When pressing the accelerator to speed up, gently apply pressure with the ball of your foot while keeping the heel steady. For braking, shift your foot over and press firmly. This posture is very comfortable, especially for long drives—the left foot stays completely relaxed, and the right foot won't cramp from fatigue. I often advise friends not to adopt bad habits like unnecessary left foot movement or hovering feet, which can lead to leg numbness or delayed reactions. Keeping the heel anchored also prevents foot slippage during sudden braking. Additionally, adjusting the seat height for a natural foot bend helps avoid back pain during extended drives. With a few days of practice, muscle memory will develop, making driving both safer and more enjoyable.

[VonAdelyn]

I just learned to drive not long ago, and I was quite confused about the foot placement in an automatic transmission car at first. The instructor taught me: use the right foot to control the accelerator and brake, while the left foot rests on the left floor and never touches the pedals. Press the accelerator gently to speed up, and when switching to the brake, keep the heel still and only move the ball of the foot, avoiding excessive force. Don’t pick up bad habits, like using both feet, which can lead to confusion and accidents. Keeping it simple like this, even driving in urban areas doesn’t feel tiring. Remember to keep your heel fixed on the floor, and you’ll naturally adapt once the car starts moving.