Is the Brake on the Left or Right for Automatic Transmission?

[DamianMarie]

In an automatic transmission vehicle, the brake is on the left and the accelerator is on the right, both controlled by the right foot. During normal driving, the left foot should rest naturally in the space on the left side, while the right foot controls both the accelerator and brake. However, there is one situation where both feet may be needed: when starting on a steep slope, the left foot can be used to control the brake to prevent the car from rolling backward. Automatic transmission vehicles do not require manual gear shifting by the driver; the car automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, listed from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L.

[McMaximus]

When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about the brake position in an automatic transmission car. I remember during my first test drive, the instructor directly told me, 'Don't worry about your left foot since there's no clutch. The brake is steadily waiting for you on the left, and the throttle is right next to it on the right.' It's safest to operate both the brake and throttle with your right foot, while keeping your left foot resting aside. This helps avoid misoperation during sudden braking. At first, I was quite nervous when driving and even worried about mixing them up. It took me about half a year to get used to it, but now I can switch between them effortlessly. Ultimately, car manufacturers design it this way for safety—keeping your left foot idle makes it harder to mess up. For beginners, I suggest practicing slowly in an empty space a few times to develop good habits. Once you're on the road, it'll be much easier. Back when I was learning, I stumbled a few times, but thanks to this layout, nothing serious happened.

[OAlexandra]

Having driven for over a decade with daily long-distance trips, I can't stress enough about memorizing the automatic transmission pedal positions: left for brake, right for accelerator. This is absolutely non-negotiable. Let your right foot do all the work - keep the left one completely out of it. Mixing them up could mean anything from a scary jolt to rear-ending or worse. I've seen news reports of panicked drivers accidentally hitting the gas with their right foot while trying to brake with the left, sending cars straight into ditches. Safety first - I regularly check my pedals' responsiveness and floor mat positioning to ensure no obstructions. Cultivate good habits: brake gradually rather than stomping, which saves fuel and protects your vehicle. Driving smoothly means peace of mind for your family.

[SanKai]

For beginners driving an automatic car, the brake is on the left side, and the accelerator pedal is on the right. It took me some time to get used to it when I was learning to drive. The instructor repeatedly reminded me to only use my right foot to operate and not move my left foot. I was quite nervous when I first started driving, afraid of mixing up the positions, but I got the hang of it after a few days of practice. Now, driving comes naturally to me—left foot for braking to slow down and right foot for accelerating.