More and more people are opting for their automatic driving licence fetch. And that is not surprising. Modern cars are often automatically shifted, electric or hybrid - and thus completely clutchless. No hassle of shifting gears, no engine stalling at traffic lights... just drive.
At Xpress Driver Training we noticed in recent years: driving an automatic is on the rise. Many students find it more relaxed, convenient and often safer. In this article, we explain what to expect from lessons in an automatic, how exactly it works and whether it really is as easy as everyone says.
Why choose an automatic driving licence?
An automatic drives so much more quietly. You don't have to think about the right gear - the car does the work for you. This makes it easier to concentrate on the traffic, which is especially nice when you are just starting lessons.
At Xpress, we often hear:
“I thought it would be boring, but it's actually super chill.”
This is precisely why more and more novice drivers are deliberately choosing to be automatic driving licence.
The advantages of driving an automatic
- No clutch → so never stall again
- Less stress at traffic lights and in traffic jams
- You learn faster because you pay more attention to traffic
- Perfect for electric driving (all electric cars are automatic)
- Ideal if you have difficulty coordinating between clutch and throttle
And yes, at Xpress you can also just in an electric school car classes - quiet, smooth and nice and modern.
How does driving an automatic actually work?
An automatic has no clutch pedal. So you only use your right foot, for both throttle and brake.
The gear lever is simply constructed with a few fixed positions:
- P (Park) - park
- R (Reverse) - backwards
- N (Neutral) - neutral
- D (Drive) - drive
Sometimes you also see S (Sport) or L (Low). The car only starts when you press the brake and put the gear lever in D put. If you release the brake, the car automatically crawls forward a bit. Within a few minutes, it all feels natural - as if you've never done anything else.
Automatic driving in practice
In town:
Traffic jam? No problem. You don't have to clutch or shift gears, so you drive much more quietly. The car crawls forward by itself; just the occasional brake.
On the highway:
Wonderfully relaxed. The automatic keeps the revs steady, shifting up and down smoothly when needed.
In mountains or hilly areas:
Many vending machines have a manual mode or a mountain position. This allows you to keep more control over the gears, for example when descending.
Frequently asked questions about the automatic driving licence
Can I drive a shift car with an automatic licence?
No. On your driving licence then comes code 78, which means you can only drive an automatic. Do you still want to drive a manual car later? Then you only need to retake the practical exam - no more theory.
Are lessons easier in an automatic?
Yes, absolutely. You have to do fewer actions at once, so you learn to cope with traffic faster. Many students also succeed earlier because they get less distracted.
Is an automatic more economical than a shift car?
It varies by model, but modern automatics (certainly hybrid or electric) are often even more economical.
Can I also drive an automatic on holiday, e.g. abroad?
Sure! Driving an automatic is the same everywhere - only shifting gears you never have to learn.
The future is automatic
More and more new cars are automatic. Electric and hybrid models in particular no longer have a gearbox. That means it automatic driving licence is actually the driver training of the future. And let's face it: why bother with pairing when it can be easier?
Start your automatic driving course today
Are you ready to start your driving licence, but don't want the stress of shifting gears? Then choose automatic driving lessons at Xpress Driving School. You learn to drive in modern teaching cars with experienced instructors who know exactly how to get you ready for the practical exam quickly and confidently.
View the automatic driving licence costs and schedule your first trial lesson right away.
Also read the article Why lessons in a switch car will soon be more difficult
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