Using the foot controls in an automatic
When driving an automatic car, there is one less pedal to think about: there is no clutch pedal so the ABC of accelerator, brake, clutch becomes instead simply accelerator and brake.
That's two pedals and you have two feet. So you should use one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake, right? Well, actually wrong, most would certainly recommend using the right foot to operate both of the pedals, even if this seems odd.
For those who play the piano or a keyboard instrument, if you have to play the same note repeatedly it is recommended that you actually switch fingers where possible when playing the same note. When driving an automatic, it is suggested to use the one foot in most situations.
The reason for this is that it helps with anticipation, alertness and awareness when driving: you have to move your foot from one pedal to the other, and of course it also stops you from performing both operations at the same time, e.g. both braking and accelerating, which clearly is not a good idea and is not good for the long term health of your car either.
The only exception generally given is when driving conditions are such that you are moving slowly, and repeatedly slowing down and speeding up: think queueing in traffic at rush hour and you've got the general idea of when it is fine to have one pedal on each to save having to continually swap, but otherwise it is best to using the same foot to operate the two pedals on the automatic car, accelerator and brake.
Related Articles...
Online Driving Theory
Why use an online driving theory website when there are also some books in publication that will help you study for your theory test? Well, there are several advantages to online driving theory,...
Tips on passing your theory test
It is up to each individual who takes a theory test to do the necessary work and preparation to put themselves in the best position to pass the test.
Rather than attempting to 'cram' the night...
What to do in an accident situation
If you do have an accident, then you must stop. Whilst you may read about people driving away from the scene of an accident, you should always stop and face up to any responsibilities involving...
Driving Theory
Practice makes perfect. It is a known fact that if you practice a particular skill, you get better at it. This is true of mental skills such as performing mental arithmetic: the more you try to do...
What to do if you breakdown at a level crossing
Driving is potentially dangerous, but it is important not to worry about things that could happen when driving but at the same time you should know what to do in the unlikely event that something...
Dealing with nerves
Learning to drive can make people nervous, and even if you are a confident
driver then you may get nervous before the driving test itself. If this
happens to you, then don't worry. It is only...
Cost of a driving theory test
If you are learning to drive a car in the UK, then there is not just the practical test to think about.
You must also pass a theory test in order to be able to take the driving practical test...
The automatic car explained
In most cases, you will learn to drive with a car that has gears in the United Kingdom.
However there are people who prefer to learn in an automatic car, and there are various driving schools...
Road conditions: driving in rain
Driving in rain is something that you can be sure you will experience regularly once you are an actual driver, although depending where you live and the time of year you learnt, you might have...
Things to look for when checking tyre condition
The tyres are extremely important elements of the car, yet many people do not think much about them when checking that their vehicle is roadworthy.
However, in addition to checking the amount...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
