What to Learn on the First Day of Driving an Automatic Transmission Car?

[AidenLee]

Automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch, and the key is to familiarize yourself with the gear positions. Here is some relevant information about driver's licenses: 1. Driver's license categories: The motor vehicle driver's license is classified into a hierarchical system, dividing licenses into 15 categories: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P. 2. Points and review: The cumulative points cycle for road traffic safety violations (i.e., the points cycle) is 12 months, with a full score of 12 points, calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license is first issued. Based on the severity of road traffic safety violations, the points for a single violation are categorized into five types: 12 points, 6 points, 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.

[DiBrayden]

On the first day of driving an automatic car, as a beginner, I prioritize safety basics. Before getting in the car, adjust the seat height and position to ensure your feet can comfortably reach the brake and accelerator without excessive knee bending. Next, adjust the interior and exterior rearview mirrors: the interior mirror should show the full view of the rear window, and the side mirrors should be adjusted to see a bit of the car body and distant road conditions. Fasten your seatbelt, start the ignition but don’t rush to move—first, feel the pedals: press the brake with your right foot to familiarize yourself with its resistance and the response to light braking, avoiding sudden stops when starting. Then lightly press the accelerator to sense the car’s movement response. The gear sequence is simple: P is for parking; before moving, shift to N or D, then gently press the accelerator to move slowly. Practice driving at low speeds (under 20 km/h) on the road, testing small steering wheel turns, such as left and right turns in an open area to get a feel for it. When parking, steadily press the brake, then shift back to P and turn off the engine. On the first day, don’t focus on speed—instead, get familiar with the car’s size and control to avoid panic-induced mistakes. Additionally, pay attention to surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, develop the habit of checking mirrors, and enhance safety awareness.

[Weston]

On the first day of practicing with an automatic transmission, I believe the priority is to simplify the operation process. First, sit properly in the driver's seat and adjust everything to a comfortable position before starting the car. Test the brake pedal's feedback by pressing it gently, gradually finding the coordination between pedals. When shifting gears, start from Park (P), and move to Reverse (R) or Drive (D) smoothly to ensure a steady start—avoid stomping on the accelerator to prevent sudden jerks. During road practice, maintain a constant speed, such as in the 20-30 mph range, and try fine-tuning acceleration and deceleration with the gas pedal to get a feel for the car's dynamics. Also, practice small steering techniques, like gently moving your arms during turns instead of forcing the wheel. This pace is safest for the first day—automatic transmissions eliminate clutch management, making it easier, but don’t overlook basic control. After 30 minutes of practice, park and review, repeating the start-stop process multiple times to build muscle memory. Before finishing, double-check the gear position to avoid forgetting it the next time you drive.

[OliveLee]

On my first day driving an automatic transmission car, I focused on building driving confidence. First, I adjusted the seat to the optimal position with my feet comfortably reaching the pedals. I then set the mirrors to clearly see blind spots and avoid rear hazards. After starting the engine, I gently pressed the brake to get familiar with the pedal feel, then tried shifting to D gear to start moving slowly without speeding. On the road, I practiced smooth turns to sense the car's front-end and steering response. Maintaining steady speed and concentrating on road conditions were key, avoiding distractions from other vehicles. A 30-minute practice session was sufficient, with the primary goal being to establish a sense of safety.