How to Drive an Automatic Car for Beginners?
3 Answers
Place the gear lever in the P or N position and firmly engage the parking brake or press the brake pedal. When starting, first press the brake pedal. Shift to D gear, release the parking brake, and smoothly release the brake pedal. After the car starts moving slowly, gradually press the accelerator pedal.
When I taught my cousin to drive an automatic transmission car before, I mentioned these key points: First, check if the gear is in P before starting the car, and make sure to press the brake pedal firmly before ignition—this is especially crucial. To move forward, pull the gear lever on the right side of the steering wheel down to D. For reverse, come to a complete stop first, then push it up to R. Beginners often forget to shift to N and engage the handbrake during long red lights—this saves fuel and protects the transmission. Just focus on the left pedal for braking and the right for acceleration; at first, lightly tap the accelerator and avoid stomping on it. When parking, wait until the car has completely stopped before shifting to P, and don’t forget to engage the electronic handbrake. Spend some time practicing 90-degree turns in a parking lot to get a feel for the brakes—you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.
The most important thing about driving an automatic transmission is understanding the meanings of those letters. P stands for Park, it's like putting a lock on the wheels. R is for Reverse, used when backing up, but you must come to a complete stop before shifting into it. N is Neutral, I shift to this position when waiting at red lights for more than thirty seconds. D is Drive, the most frequently used gear for normal driving. Remember to press the brake pedal firmly when shifting gears, otherwise the gear lever won't budge. At first, it might feel overwhelming, but focus on three key points: press the brake before starting, shift to N and engage the handbrake at red lights, and always shift to P before turning off the engine. Additionally, when reversing, don't just rely on the screen - always turn your head to check actual blind spots that the rearview camera can't cover.
