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...
Tips on driving in half light
Most drivers prefer driving in the day in good light in optimum road conditions, because these are the best conditions in which to see exactly what is going on in the road.
However there are...
What causes accidents: junctions
An alarmingly high proportion of accidents happen in and around junctions.
This is because of the combination of busy roads, traffic that can be nose to tail and people crossing all sorts of...
How to deal with bus lanes
If you see a bus lane then you will see a range of different attitudes from drivers. Mainly there will be frustration that they are stuck in a huge queue and there is a perfectly good lane that is...
The ABC of dealing with casualties
The ABC refers to how to treat casualties if you are involved in an accident but not injured, or indeed if you are at the scene where an accident occurs.
The A refers to the word airway. This...
Mock Driving Theory
On our Mock Driving Theory page you can practice no fewer than fifteen different mock tests.
Each of them...
Motorway Driving Tips
Driving on a motorway for the first time can be both exciting and a little daunting - exciting as it is something new whilst daunting as you won't have experienced driving on a motorway before...
Skidding: what to do if you skid
No-one wants to skid, because skidding is a hazard that can lead to potential damage for you and other road users; in other words it is a dangerous situation to be in.
However sometimes it...
Car Driving Theory Topics
When studying for the car theory test it is important to understand the types of topics that will be covered.
The theory test is there to satisfy European Community regulations and so the...
Why is there a Hazard Perception Test
The statistics have long shown that the newer the driver, the more likely they are to be involved in accidents on the roads. This is probably because they are inexperienced as drivers, although...
Various road markings you might find
Many drivers who are good at interpreting and understanding what a large range of road signs mean are not so good when it comes to road markings.
Some drivers appear to not even really be...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
