Waiting in an Automatic - Avoid Damage and What to do on your Driving Test

When driving an automatic, different driving instructors have different opinions on whether you should use the handbrake and stay in drive, neutral or park when waiting in traffic. But what do you need to do to pass the driving test in Great Britain and what can damage your transmission.

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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in Great Britain, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.

Laws and driving rules may be different in your country. The makers of this video cannot be held liable for any consequences caused by any information that is in any way inaccurate, misleading or missing. The makers of this video are not liable for any person's driving other than their own, it is the responsibility of the person driving a vehicle to ensure they drive safely and within the law. The makers of this video are also not liable for any person failing a driving test as a result of the information provided in the video.

00:00 Different opinions
00:20 Drive, Neutral or Park
01:54 Different automatics
04:25 Don't do this
07:21 Neutral
10:12 Park
10:58 Parking Pawl
13:46 Handbrake (parking brake)

[quinnobi]

In the US, where most cars are automatics, as you're probably aware, what they teach in driving school is pretty simple. If you're driving, the transmission stays in drive. That includes waiting at lights and in traffic. Park is to be used when you park, which is pretty self-explanatory, and neutral is just there in case your car breaks down. Now, there aren't very many single-clutch robotized manual transmission cars over here, so the advice about shifting to neutral isn't really mentioned. For dual-clutch transmissions, they automatically shift into neutral after a period of waiting so it is unnecessary to shift into neutral when waiting. The only time it's generally recommended to shift into park while waiting is if you know it's going to be a long weight, say waiting at a railroad crossing for a 5 mile long freight train to pass.

[janhamstra]

I am a Dutch instructor for over 35 years and this is the first time i hear a clear and well motivated statement about this topic. Thanks a lot!!

[SheargalFarkey]

Got my first automatic a few months ago and this video has answered all my questions, in an intelligent and clear way. Thank you!!!

[aisukage]

Great video as usual. I passed last November and your videos helped me pass. Even now I still watch because not only is it entertaining to watch, I still feel like I can never learn enough when it comes to driving and being safe on the road. Thank you for your videos.

[disgustingweeb]

i have still about a year untill i can take my driving test, but thanks to your videos the time i already spend driving makes me feel more confident that i can pass it easily, and im getting close to my mom's driving level even tho she had her licence for about 15 years now, so thank you Richard, I'm sure I will check your videos when taking my course to impress my instructors

[HelloYesThisIsDog]

Almost like you read my mind!! I had this exact question in my head earlier today as I’m going to Canada in a few days and was wondering what I needed to do with the hire car regarding park and neutral.
Your explanations are so clear and I love the various camera angles. Thank you!

[phillwainewright]

I've recently bought an automatic (CVT) after over 40 years of driving manual transmissions.
This video is extremely useful. Thanks.

[barsorrro]

Thank you, Richard! This has been very informative and superbly clear.
I consider myself a car buff (... I used to be more, nowadays probably not on that scale but still ...) and I wasn't aware of all those mechanical details. Thanks again!

[davidworth]

Just passed my test this morning. Just wanted to say a massive thank you. You’re videos were incredible helpful. Cheers buddy.

[johncunningham]

I am a Retired, yes Old Guy, Heavy Articulated Vehicle Driver . THIS was an Excellent Breakdown of the differences in Transmission types .
And I 100% agree with you . Having proper control of the Vehicle is all that actually matters .

[stevenolan]

Great explanations of very difficult concepts to get over - particularly like the bit on relieving pressure from the parking pawl - I didn't think anyone else ever thought of this. Cheers!

[mcunningham]

Great video... Picking up my first ever automatic car this week after 23years of only driving manual. Your videos help alot !

[NathanTiffanyBroome]

I passed my test today first time and I just wanted to say thank you for all your videos!! I’ve been watching them for weeks and you’ve really helped me get out of my own head and be a better and safer driver. I wouldn’t have passed without them!

[Georgialp]

Very informative, I have a semi automatic with easy gears Reverse, neutral and drive. Super easy helped massively doing my lessons and test in it and still have the car now. Thank you for this video

[atlas]

Thanks for the video! about 8 months driving but I still check out your videos!

[Mirpurmad]

exceptional commentary. your passion and love for the driving shows.
its a pleasure watching your videos.
everyday is a school day and with you its so much to learn despite being an experienced driver.

[Murofly]

Thank you soooo much Richard for the amazing and expertly communicated driving videos! I passed my test today and your channel has been so helpful, couldn't have done it without you! Very happy and thanks :)

[zipstone]

Just passed my test w/ 3 minors, your videos helped a ton. thank you so much :)

[owenhughes]

This randomly popped up in my recommended vids and this is a great explanation of these different gearbox types. I'm going to bookmark this for explaining this to people.

[Jenny.C]

Thank you! Recently bought an automatic (been driving manual for over 20 years). This really helped me understand more about the car