Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
Mar 2nd 2016, 2:52 pm
#16
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
Hello and apologies, I'm sure this gets asked a lot.
Has anyone taken their US driving test in an automatic car?
My husband is working in the US at the moment and has spoken to his colleagues who say this is possible but I wanted to check here to be sure.
In the UK I only hold an automatic drivers licence and the idea of learning to drive a manual (in 60 days for NC) is a worry, particularly when I rely on my car so much.
Thank you.
Has anyone taken their US driving test in an automatic car?
My husband is working in the US at the moment and has spoken to his colleagues who say this is possible but I wanted to check here to be sure.
In the UK I only hold an automatic drivers licence and the idea of learning to drive a manual (in 60 days for NC) is a worry, particularly when I rely on my car so much.
Thank you.
Mar 2nd 2016, 2:55 pm
#17
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I'm not sure I agree with that at all? Easier to 'drive', yes. Easier to 'control', no. With an automatic I can't engine brake or have any control over my clutch to control the engine in the way I can with a manual.
I'd struggle to complete a turn on a motorway exit without braking in an automatic, whereas in a manual I could easily 'control' myself round it without touching the brakes.
I'd struggle to complete a turn on a motorway exit without braking in an automatic, whereas in a manual I could easily 'control' myself round it without touching the brakes.
Mar 2nd 2016, 3:12 pm
#18
Wolf In Sheeps Clothing
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 947
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I'm not sure I agree with that at all? Easier to 'drive', yes. Easier to 'control', no. With an automatic I can't engine brake or have any control over my clutch to control the engine in the way I can with a manual.
I'd struggle to complete a turn on a motorway exit without braking in an automatic, whereas in a manual I could easily 'control' myself round it without touching the brakes.
I'd struggle to complete a turn on a motorway exit without braking in an automatic, whereas in a manual I could easily 'control' myself round it without touching the brakes.
Mar 2nd 2016, 3:20 pm
#21
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,106
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I believe those ordinances are only in relation to trucks. When those big 18 wheeler rigs use their engine braking systems it is very loud.
Mar 2nd 2016, 4:32 pm
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 2,134
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
Don't start me on the stupid road signs here! If I spent my time reading the signs, I would not be looking at the road at all in many instances. Ohhh.. maybe that's what the locals are doing!
Mar 2nd 2016, 4:52 pm
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Washington State
Posts: 120
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I've told my teenagers that they will only be allowed manual cars (all the time I'm paying anything towards them). Much harder to text and drive...
Mar 2nd 2016, 4:55 pm
#24
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
The problem is finding one here. I was looking for a used Golf for my wife the other day, apart from the complete lack of any decent (German) used family cars available here, they were all automatics! ARGH.
Mar 2nd 2016, 5:02 pm
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Washington State
Posts: 120
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I'm in the Seattle area and there seem to be enough manuals around - at least in the 'teenager POS first car' category (older Hondas, Subarus etc.)
Mar 2nd 2016, 5:05 pm
#26
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I was looking at new Honda Accord inventory a couple of weeks ago, because the Ford Fusion is not available in the US with a manual transmission. I could only find ONE Accord with a manual transmission in dealer inventory in NC. The next closest was in Kentucky!
Mar 2nd 2016, 5:32 pm
#27
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
I've been driving a dual clutch the last few months though, and definitely prefer it to a manual.
Mar 2nd 2016, 5:44 pm
#28
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,106
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
That reminds me. The other day, playing outside with young sir and we saw a Jeep Wrangler struggle into the cul-de-sac. Clearly a mom teaching her kid to drive stick. Then it got to the point of trying a 3 point turn to get out of our street. I tried not to stare I promise or laugh or shake my head. Eventually the mom kicked the kid to the passenger seat and gunned it out of there.
Mar 2nd 2016, 5:53 pm
#29
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
Pretty sure they are. We have the same sign north of the border, at least we do in BC which may have more absurd road signs then I see south of the border on the west coast.
As for manuals, I find them annoying and difficult to drive. I am left handed and its not natural for me to use my right hand, and I had nothinf but difficulty driving a manual.
My wife can drive one though. Our car is auto though. But manuals can be found if the model is made in manual and they are always a but cheaper as well new, no idea about used.
As for manuals, I find them annoying and difficult to drive. I am left handed and its not natural for me to use my right hand, and I had nothinf but difficulty driving a manual.
My wife can drive one though. Our car is auto though. But manuals can be found if the model is made in manual and they are always a but cheaper as well new, no idea about used.
Mar 2nd 2016, 6:00 pm
#30
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Taking your US driving test in an Automatic car?
