1. How to drive an automatic All opinions are those of the presenter!

2. Covering… Basics What to use when Tricky situations Questions – but discuss throughout

3. Basics Always P,R,N,D Generally, either 3/2/1/L Or Sport / Semi-manual

4. Basics +-

5. You do not have to select gears +-

6. Basics You do not have to select gears You cannot select gears +-

7. Basics You do not have to select gears You cannot select gears +- Do not let anyone tell you that driving an automatic is easy

8. Basics D is the default You expect to be in D (or its derivatives) all the time You never use the handbrake with D – Except “Stop” junctions Generally, do not come out of D at junctions (or anywhere else) X 

9. Basics N is for nineteen second stops Use N with the handbrake if you expect to be stopped for 19 secs Generally, only lights and queues 

10. Basics N is for nineteen second stops 19 seconds comes from 15 seconds of waiting and a couple of seconds for D-to-P and P-to-D. You may have a different time. Use N with the handbrake if you expect to be stopped for 19 secs Generally, only lights and queues 

11. Basics What about stops of less than 19 seconds? You are not going to come out of D D and footbrake Usually D and handbrake Depends on car and conditions (hills etc) Worth doing if it works More fuel (Manual drivers like the sound of this because it mirrors what they do. But they have the clutch pedal down. Automatics are different.)

12. Basics P is for parking Only when you are stopping and getting out Never stop and P at a junction Use with handbrake and ignition-off Remember that you will flash your reversing lights and confuse the guy behind 

13. Basics P is for parking N is for nineteen second stops D is the default

14. What to use when Traffic lights Other junctions

15. Traffic lights Less than 19 seconds More than 19 seconds

16. Traffic lights Less than 19 seconds More than 19 seconds

17. Traffic lights Less than 19 seconds More than 19 seconds Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake Go into N and use handbrake

18. Traffic lights Less than 19 seconds More than 19 seconds Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake But constantly re-assess the junction Go into N and use handbrake Watch opposing lights for the change

19. Other junctions Stay in “D for default” and hold the car on the footbrake BUT use handbrake as well at “Stop” junctions

20. Tricky situations What are they?

21. Tricky situations Hills (downward) 30 mph Busy towns Stationary traffic Twisty country roads

22. Hills (downward) One of the trickiest to judge Depends on steepness, speed limit, town/country, how long, other hazards…

23. Hills (downward) One of the trickiest to judge Depends on steepness, speed limit, town/country, how long, other hazards… BMW will change down one – probably not enough Expect to use manual mode or 3/2 Be prepared to get more assertive with the selector Not doing this could fail you the test

24. 30 mph Depends on the car Automatics may be hard to keep at a steady speed Try Sports mode if you have it May need to be in Low or 3 30

25. 30 mph Depends on the car Automatics may be hard to keep at a steady speed Try Sports mode if you have it May need to be in Low or 3 Consider using Cruise Control if you have it 30

26. Busy towns Consider Sports/Low/3

27. Stationary traffic 19 sec rule applies Probably drop to N The person behind may get annoyed with your brake light On the other hand, he may be annoyed with it going on and off

28. Twisty country roads Consider Sports/Low/3 Consider using semi-manual (preferred if you have it)

29. Remember Examiner expects you to know all about your gearbox and how to drive it He expects to see you making the best use of the gearbox in all situations – just leaving it in D will probably get you a failure Make active use of all gearbox features to demonstrate that you are an advanced driver

30. Questions

31. 70 vs. 80 on Motorways 70 is: –Slower –More difficult (have to weave in and out more) –Feels wrong

32. My journey to the office Shepshed to Heathrow (130 miles) At 70: 1 hr 52 min At 80: 1 hr 38 min 14 min saving

33. My journey to the office Shepshed to Heathrow (130 miles) At 70: 1 hr 52 min At 80: 1 hr 38 min 14 min saving (13%) Actual time 2-4 hours Average is 3 Actual time 2-4 hours Average is 3

34. 70 vs. 80 on Motorways 70 is: –Slower –More difficult (have to weave in and out more) –Feels wrong Is it? Try it Not when you are used to it Advanced observation and anticipation 70 is: –Safer –More relaxing –Legal