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Driving is a necessary skill. This skill can open up new avenues to freedom and independence. You might want to learn how to drive, whether you commute to work, pick up your kids from school, or simply because you want to make getting from A to B more easy. Our friendly and experienced driving instructors can help you.
We welcome all levels of learners, from students just 17 who want to start lessons, to those who need our other driving lesson packages.
Both manual and automatic are the types of transmissions or gears found in a car. A manual car requires that you change the gears yourself when necessary. As the name suggests an automatic car automatically changes the gears at the appropriate time.
- What’s The Difference Between Manual And Automatic Cars?
- Which Are More Popular: Automatic or Manual Cars?
- What Are The Advantages Of Taking Driving Lessons In An Automatic Car?
- Are There Downsides to Driving an Automatic Car?
- DVSA Registered Driving Instructors
- Your Very First Driving Lesson In Westfield
- How to Choose A Driving Test Centre
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What’s The Difference Between Manual And Automatic Cars?
Driving a manual car isn’t for everyone, especially if you live in a busy area where shifting gears and controlling the clutch are a daily part of your driving. Perhaps you have previously taken driving lessons in a manual car and found the handling of the gears difficult. A driver may also choose an automatic car because they are unable to change gears as easily due to a disability. If this describes you, you are not alone. Many people find learning to drive and passing their test in an automatic much easier and more enjoyable.
If you are driving an automatic transmission car, it will automatically change the gears for you. You must change the gears yourself if your car is manual transmission.
Manual cars usually have three pedals, the clutch, brake, and accelerator. You also have a gear stick which when used with the clutch allows you to change the gears. You operate the clutch with your left foot, and the other two with your right foot. When you need to change gear, you press down on the clutch. When the clutch is down, you can then move the gearstick to select the required gear. Most manual cars have a clutch pedal, but some cars have a trigger or button on the gearstick.
An automatic car does without a clutch because the gears are changed automatically. As the vehicle speeds up, the gears will automatically change higher and as it slows down the gears will change to a lower gear. In an automatic car it is not necessary to be proficient in coordinating the accelerator, clutch, and gear lever. This makes it much easier to learn how to drive an automatic car over a manual. Instead of a clutch pedal, there’s usually a footrest. Automatic cars don’t have a clutch, so it is much harder to stall them. You will also not accidentally place the car in an incorrect gear, or grind the gears.
Manuals have a different gear stick than Automatics. A manual allows you to choose from 5 forward gears, possibly 6, and one reverse gear. The four main operations of an Automatic’s gear stick are (P), park, (D) drive, (N) neutral, and (R) reverse. There are many variations but these are the main four operations. These operations are fairly self-explanatory with the possible exception of neutral which can be used when you are stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.
A second difference is that a manual car cannot move on the flat unless you use the accelerator. However, an automatic can be put into drive or reverse and it will glide along by itself. The car will move even though it is not going very fast, until you use the accelerator. This is important to remember if you’re used to driving a manual car and plan to switch to an automatic
For more information on our Westfield Automatic Driving Lessons get in touch today
Which Are More Popular: Automatic or Manual Cars?
Manual cars are the most popular in the UK, but the number of automatics being manufactured is increasing. Automatics are generally more expensive to purchase as well as to run and maintain. Automatic cars use more fuel than manual cars and they can be more costly to fix and insure.
What Are The Advantages Of Taking Driving Lessons In An Automatic Car?
Driving an automatic car is not necessarily any easier, it depends on the issues you are having. You won’t notice a difference if you struggling with a common problem such as observation.
If you are having difficulty with clutch control or gear changes, learning to drive an automatic will be a lot easier. It is much easier to learn how to drive in urban areas that are jam-packed with traffic. Because of the nature of urban driving, you will have to change gears often. For both experienced drivers and those just starting to learn how to drive manual cars, this can be frustrating.
The automatic car allows you to take your driving exam without worrying about stalling or having to use clutch control. Because there are no gears so you do not need a clutch in an automatic car, it is much easier to perform manoeuvres like a turn in traffic or a hill start.
If you have trouble managing the gears in a manual vehicle, you might find that learning to drive an automatic car is easier. This could mean you take fewer lessons to pass your test and receive your driving license.
Are There Downsides to Driving an Automatic Car?
As stated above, automatic cars tend be more expensive than manual cars to purchase, run and maintain. Because of this, automatic driving lessons tend to be more expensive than manual lessons.
A downside to learning to drive an automatic car is that your license does not qualify you to drive a manual car. If you pass your driving test in a manual car, your license will permit you to drive both.
This means that if you are taking your driving test in an automatic car, it may limit your options when renting or buying a car in the future. You will have to take your driving test again if you decide to drive a manual car.
Pass rates for automatic cars are usually lower than those in manual cars. This shouldn’t discourage you, however, as many learners pass their driving test with automatic cars each year.
For more information on our Westfield Automatic Driving Lessons get in touch today
DVSA Registered Driving Instructors
Our Driving Instructors are approved by and registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and provide high-quality driving lessons in Westfield to drivers of all ages, abilities and levels. You will feel confident and calm as you learn how to drive, whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to driving lessons after a break, or a qualified driver who is looking to refresh his skills.
Our driving instructors are available to help you pass the driving test as fast and cheaply as possible, no matter what your reason is for learning to drive. Each driving lesson and course is carefully designed to help you obtain your driving license as soon as possible.
Our driving instructors are qualified and experienced. They will teach you the most safe and efficient driving techniques. They aim to make you a competent and confident driver.
Your Very First Driving Lesson In Westfield
Your instructor will have an introductory conversation to discuss your driving skills and experience. Don’t worry if you have not had driving lessons before as most people haven’t They will then check that your provisional license is valid, check your eyesight and go over the basics of the car that you will be learning in.
Local Westfield driving instructors know the area better than anyone. Your driving lesson will begin on the back roads of Westfield, in a quiet area, away from other road users. This will allow you to increase your confidence and improve your driving skills in a quiet setting. You will learn about the different pedals and how to steer, control your clutch, move off and stop. You will face new challenges as your driving skills improve.
Your instructor will plan each lesson carefully so that you have the opportunity to drive through many junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings in an easy-to-remember setting.
Bad habits are difficult to break, so it’s important that you learn how to drive safely as soon as you start learning to drive. Our driving instructors are trained to help you be safe on the roads and pass your driving test. You will benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience in driving and become a safe, confident driver.
Your driving instructor will provide a written log of your driving progress. Your progress report will detail all topics you need to know to be a safe and confident driver. These include techniques like parallel parking, turning in traffic (3-point turn), reversing around corners and an emergency stop. This will tell you where you are at the moment and what you need to do to improve.
For more information on our Westfield Automatic Driving Lessons get in touch today
How to Choose A Driving Test Centre
Although your choice of test centre will be based on your personal preference, choosing the right test centre can make a big difference in how you perform and whether or not you pass. We recommend that you choose a test centre closest to where you have had your driving lessons. This gives you the advantage to be familiar with the local roads and surroundings when you take your driving test.
For more information on our Westfield Automatic Driving Lessons get in touch today
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What gear do you use when going uphill in an automatic?
Shift to Low Gear This is because you need to have enough pulling or engine power to safely climb an inclined road. What you need to do is shift to a low gear, which is either the D1, D2, or D3 that's found on your car's gear lever. Of note, some automatic cars have it labeled as L, 2, and 3.
What does S mean in automatic cars?
The S mode stands for sport. It provides you a more dynamic driving experience as the S mode varies the sensitivity of your car's throttle response. As a result, you would feel that your car's RPM will climb faster than usual as more fuel is injected into the cylinders as compared to using the D or Drive mode.
Should I put my car in neutral when stopping at a red light automatic?
Leave your car in gear at a red light It's much better to put your car in neutral and apply the handbrake to keep it stationary. When you put your car in neutral, the clutch is spared unnecessary wear and tear.
How do you stop an automatic car if the brakes fail?
If the brakes fail in an automatic car, release the throttle immediately and use the engine braking to slow down the vehicle. When the speed comes down, you can use the parking brake to try to stop the car.
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