Automatic driving lessons in Intake

Why automatic makes sense in Intake

A lot of Intake driving is slow. Armthorpe Road backs up at busy times with hospital visitors and staff as well as buses. Sandringham Road is lined with shops and parked cars, and two primary schools sit on it: Sandringham Primary School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, so the school run adds extra traffic in the morning and mid afternoon.

In a manual car those conditions mean constant clutch work. In an automatic you control the car with the accelerator and brake alone, which frees up your attention for mirrors and pedestrians. It also helps you spot the bus pulling out ahead.

Creep and brake control in an automatic gearbox

The first thing to learn in an automatic is creep. With the car in drive and your foot off the brake, it will move forward slowly on its own. On a quiet crescent such as Atholl Crescent your instructor will show you how to use that gentle movement for pulling away and edging out at junctions.

• Keep your right foot covering the brake when you are moving slowly.
• Use only your right foot for both pedals, and keep your left foot flat on the floor.
• Select park and apply the parking brake before you take your foot off the brake to get out.
• Use the parking brake when you are stopped for more than a moment, for example in a queue at the Leger Way roundabout.

Smooth braking is the skill people underestimate. Stopping gently behind a bus on Shaftesbury Avenue, without a jolt, takes a little practice. The trick is to ease off the pedal slightly just before the car comes to rest.

The automatic-only licence

If you pass your test in an automatic car, your licence covers automatics only. You would need to pass another test to drive a manual. For many people in Intake that is no problem, especially as more new cars are automatic or electric, but it is worth thinking about before you start.

Because there are no gears to learn, many learners need fewer hours in an automatic. Our guide to choosing a manual or automatic licence covers the pros and cons in more detail.

From Armthorpe Road to faster roads

Once creep and braking are second nature, lessons move out onto Armthorpe Road and then the A18. Automatic cars make it easier to concentrate on observation and lane discipline on the faster stretches, because you are not also thinking about which gear you need.

You will still learn to plan ahead: easing off early for the roundabout where Armthorpe Road meets Leger Way, and accelerating firmly but smoothly to join traffic. Towards the end of your course we drive the roads around Thorne Road and Sandall Park, which are the kind of roads you will meet near the test centre.

Automatic instructors and next steps

Alma has instructors who teach in automatic cars, including Diana, who is known for fitting lessons around busy family timetables, and Alecsandru, a former college teacher. You can ask for a female instructor or a male instructor when you book.

Find out more on the main automatic driving lessons page, see automatic driving lessons in Cantley if you live further south, or return to the Intake driving lessons page. Learners with a disability may also want to read about Motability lessons in Intake.

Automatic driving lessons in Intake: your questions

Are automatic lessons in Intake harder to book?

Automatic lessons are popular, so it helps to call early with the days and times that suit you. We will tell you honestly when we can start. You can call 07402 034084 or send a WhatsApp message to check current availability.

Can I switch from manual to automatic part way through?

Yes. Many learners switch after finding clutch control difficult. The road skills you have already learned on Intake's streets carry over, so you are not starting again. Your instructor will spend a little time on creep and braking, then pick up where you left off.

Will I take my test in the same automatic car?

You can take your test in the dual controlled automatic car you learned in, which means you know exactly how it behaves at the junctions and roundabouts you have practised. Your instructor can also sit in the back during the test if you ask.

Is the theory test different for automatic drivers?

No. The theory test is the same whichever car you learn in, with 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception part. You need to pass it before you can book your practical test. Our theory test guide has revision tips.