Is It Normal to Drive Manual but Not Automatic?
2 Answers
It is normal to drive manual but not automatic. Detailed explanation of other gears in automatic transmission: P Gear: Parking gear, which uses a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing it from moving. When the car stays in a fixed position for a long time, you must pull the handbrake and shift the gear lever to P before parking. Note that P gear should only be used when the vehicle is completely stopped; otherwise, it may damage the transmission. R Gear: Reverse gear. Since automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch like manual cars, you must control the accelerator pedal carefully. To shift into R gear, you need to press the safety button on the shift lever. Similarly, if the vehicle is not completely stopped, you cannot shift into R gear, as it may damage the transmission. N Gear: Neutral gear, used for short stops or waiting at traffic lights. However, to prevent the car from rolling, you must step on the brake after shifting into neutral. For longer stops, you can shift into neutral and pull the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest.
Having driven manual transmission for over a decade, I felt extremely awkward when first trying an automatic—my foot kept searching for the clutch pedal and ended up pressing the wrong spot, leaving the car motionless. But the strangeness faded quickly because automatics are so simple; they’re a relief in traffic or at stoplights, requiring only your right foot to manage the accelerator and brake. I know many drivers transition like I did—it’s just normal muscle memory at play. Don’t worry about the embarrassment; you’ll get the hang of it within minutes. Automatics make daily driving easier, especially on highways or during city commutes, with far less mental effort. The adjustment period is natural and proves you’re an experienced driver—adapting to new things just needs a little time.
