Thread by @Iyanuloluwa100

People think automatic cars are “too easy” to drive, but the truth is if you’ve never touched one before, the gears, pedals, and movements can feel confusing.

Here’s the simplest guide to driving an automatic car, written like I’m sitting in the passenger seat beside you 🧵

The first thing you’ll notice when you sit in an automatic is that there are only two pedals. No clutch anywhere.

Your right foot is in charge of both the accelerator and the brake, while your left foot just rests and does absolutely nothing.

This feels strange at first, but it makes driving way easier.

Now look at the gear shifter, you’ll see letters instead of numbers
P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, and D for Drive.

Some cars might have extra options like S for Sport or L for Low gear, but don’t worry about those you’ll spend 99% of your time using just P, R, and D.

To start the car, press the brake pedal and hold it down.

Most automatics won’t even let you turn the engine on unless your foot is on the brake, so it’s the very first habit you’ll build.

Once the car is running, it’s time to pick your direction.

Shift into D if you want to move forward, or R if you’re reversing out of a spot.

Always keep your foot firmly on the brake while doing this, because the car will move as soon as you let go.

Here’s something that surprises new drivers: as soon as you release the brake slowly, the car starts moving on its own without you even touching the accelerator.

This gentle roll is called “creep,” and it’s completely normal it’s also useful in traffic jams where you don’t want to keep pressing the gas.

When you’re ready to actually drive, press the accelerator gently with your right foot.

The car takes care of shifting gears for you in the background. No clutch, no stalling, no panic just smooth movement.

Stopping is the easiest part. You don’t have to think about gears or engine speed.

Just press the brake pedal and the car will slow down and stop. That’s it.

Parking is a little more structured though.

When you’re fully stopped, first move the shifter into P, then pull up the handbrake if the car has one (especially on slopes), and finally turn off the ignition.

Do those three steps and your car is properly parked.

And that’s all it takes to drive an automatic.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why people say it’s less stressful than manual.

Bookmark this thread for your first ride, or send it to someone who’s about to try an automatic for the first time