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...
The risk of accidents - some statistics
No-one wants to think that they will be involved in an accident, but being aware that an accident could happen to you and the statistics is important. Accidents happen to ordinary people, so anyone...
Working out what a road sign means
There are many signs that you will see day in day out as a driver and are obvious to understand. For instance signs that tell you the maximum speed limit on the road you're on. For some reason,...
Oil in your car and oil pressure
Oil is not something that you might think is essential to the operation of a car, but infact it is. Oil acts as a lubricant for the moving parts such as the moving parts of the engine, and it is...
Professional driving instructors
When you learn to drive, you have the choice who teaches you. The majority of people decide to learn through a professional driving instructor and often through a major school of...
What to do at a box junction
The box junction is quite common but despite this there are a whole wide range of ways in which different drivers interpret what they are supposed to do at them so you will see different behaviours...
DSA Driving Theory Test
Do not view the DSA Driving Theory Test as something of an inconvenience. Instead view it as a way to develop useful knowledge that could save your life or that of someone else. If that seems like...
How to book your driving theory test
There is now an online booking system in place that will allow you to book a driving theory test online.
There are also other ways to book a driving theory test: over the phone and you can...
Maintaining your car
It is essential that you look after your car and keep it in good condition. Not only is this paramount for your safety and that of other road users, but also it means that the longevity of your car...
Why new drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident
It is a well known statistic that new drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, and indeed insurance companies definitely know this as you'll see by comparing premiums as a new driver...
Pass Plus Explained
There is an old saying of driving instructors which they state once you've passed your test, and that is that now you really learn to drive. The idea is that you are about to start driving...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
