How to drive an automatic car in the UK: a step-by-step guide for beginners

If you’re learning in an automatic, you’ve already made one part of driving easier, no clutch, no gear changes, no stalling because you lifted your foot too fast.

But beginners still make the same avoidable mistakes, like using the left foot on the brake, selecting the wrong gear, or not understanding why the car moves when you haven’t touched the accelerator.

This guide walks you through exactly how to start, move off, drive, stop, and park an automatic car safely in the UK, in a way that actually makes sense.

1) How automatic cars work (in plain English)

Automatic cars change gear for you. You control speed with the accelerator and brake, and the car decides which gear ratio it needs.

That’s why you only have two pedals:

• Brake (left pedal)
• Accelerator (right pedal)

Your left foot does nothing. It stays on the footrest. If you try to use your left foot on the brake out of habit, you’ll slam the brakes on and scare yourself, and whoever is in the passenger seat.

The gear selector: P, R, N, D

Most automatics have these four main options:

• P (Park): Locks the transmission so the car can’t roll. Used when parked.
• R (Reverse): For moving backwards.
• N (Neutral): Not in gear. Used if you’re stopped for a short time, but most of the time you’ll just stay in D with the brake held.
• D (Drive): For moving forwards. The car handles the gear changes.

Some cars also have:

• S (Sport): Holds gears longer for quicker response.
• L / B / 1 / 2 (Low or engine braking modes): Useful for steep hills or slow control.

If you don’t know what your extra letters mean, check the manual, or ask your instructor. Guessing is how people end up rolling too fast downhill.

2) Before you move: the quick setup that stops mistakes

Do this every single time, even if it feels boring:

• Adjust your seat so you can fully press the brake without stretching
• Set your mirrors properly
• Fasten your seatbelt
• Make sure you know where the handbrake is (it might be a button)
• Check the gear selector is in P
• Keep your right foot on the brake before you start the engine

That last one matters. Most automatics won’t let you shift out of P unless you’re pressing the brake.

3) How to start an automatic car (step by step)

1. Right foot on the brake and keep it there
2. Start the engine (key or start button)
3. Check it’s safe around you (mirrors, blind spot if needed)
4. With your foot still on the brake, select:
   • D to go forward
   • R to reverse
5. Release the handbrake
6. Keep the brake held until you’re ready to move

Simple rule: brake held, gear selected, handbrake off, then move.

4) Moving off and driving (what “creep” is and how to control it)

When you move into D or R and lift off the brake, most automatics will start to move slowly on their own. That’s called creep.

It’s normal, and it’s useful for slow manoeuvres like parking. It’s also why you should never lift off the brake until you’re ready.

How to move off smoothly

1. Ease off the brake slowly, let the car creep
2. If you need more speed, gently press the accelerator
3. Keep both hands on the wheel and focus on steering and positioning
4. Let the car change gears, you don’t need to do anything

A big beginner tip

Don’t “stab” the accelerator. Automatic cars respond quickly, especially small petrol cars and many hybrids. Smooth pressure is your friend.

5) How to slow down and stop in an automatic

Slowing down is simple:

• Ease off the accelerator
• Brake gently and progressively

The car will automatically change down as you slow.

Coming to a normal stop (traffic lights, junctions)

• Brake to a complete stop
• Keep your foot on the brake
• Stay in D unless you’re going to be waiting a long time

You don’t need to shift to neutral at every red light. Most learners do it because they’re copying manual habits.

6) How to park an automatic car properly (this is where people mess up)

Parking is not just “stick it in P”. Do it in the right order.

Parking steps

1. Brake until the car is fully stopped
2. Keep your foot on the brake
3. Select P (Park)
4. Apply the handbrake / parking brake
5. Turn the engine off

If you’re on a hill, the handbrake matters even more.

If your car has an electronic parking brake that applies automatically, still learn where it is and how it works. Tech fails, habits shouldn’t.

7) Common mistakes beginners make in automatics (and how to avoid them)

Using the left foot to brake

This causes harsh braking and panic. Keep your left foot on the footrest, always.

Shifting gear while the car is still rolling

Come to a complete stop before switching between D and R.

Not understanding creep

Creep is normal. Control it with the brake for slow movement, not with random accelerator taps.

Forgetting the handbrake when parked

P helps lock the transmission, but the handbrake is still part of safe parking in the UK.

Thinking “automatic means easy so I don’t need lessons”

Automatic is simpler, not effortless. Junction judgement, roundabouts, positioning, and speed control still decide whether you pass.

8) Manual vs automatic in the UK: licence rules you need to know

If you pass your driving test in an automatic, your licence will only allow you to drive automatic cars.

You cannot legally drive a manual car on an automatic-only licence.

If you pass in a manual, you can drive both manual and automatic.

So if you think you might want a manual later, keep that in mind before committing.

FAQs

Do I use one foot or two in an automatic?

One foot. Right foot only for both accelerator and brake. Left foot stays on the footrest.

Why does an automatic car move when I lift the brake?

That’s creep. The car starts moving slowly in D or R when the brake is released.

Should I use neutral at traffic lights?

Usually no. Stay in D with the brake held. Use neutral if you’re stopped for longer, but most of the time it’s unnecessary.

Is it easier to pass in an automatic?

It can feel easier because there’s no clutch control or gear changes, but you still need good observation, planning, and control. Those are what pass and fail tests.

Is it cheaper to learn in an automatic?

Sometimes you might need fewer lessons, but automatic lessons can cost more per hour, and automatic cars can be pricier to buy and insure. It depends on your area and your situation.

Learn automatic driving with PassWithWaleed

If you’re learning in an automatic because you want a calmer way to get on the road, or you just don’t want the stress of clutch control, it’s a smart choice.

PassWithWaleed focuses on building proper habits early, so you don’t just “drive”, you drive safely, confidently, and test-ready.

If you want automatic lessons, get in touch and we’ll talk through your goals, your experience level, and the best plan to get you passed.