Automatic License Laws

shana13

Hello all,

I have an auto only license.
My car is a semi-auto, until now I've only been driving it on the main auto control. I was just wondering if legally I would be allowed to drive using the 'semi- auto' part, i.e. going up and down the gears myself, there's no clutch.

I'm mainly considering it as I'm having issues adjusting to my new car, its jerky when going up and down the gears in auto and its like bunny hopping, thought it might be a smoother ride if I went up and down the gears myself!

Thanks in advance for your help

Spicy_McHaggis

Yes you'll be fine.

If your weren't allowed to use the semi auto box you would be committing an offence by driving it whether you used it or not.

enfield_freddy

when "mr plod" overtakes , keep both hands on the wheel.


its an interesting question , dunno what the answer is , apart from I think the law referred to a clutch pedal.

EssexExile

I found this on the RAC website:

SEMI-AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS
With these the driver has to select the gear required by movement of the gear lever as with a manually controlled gearbox, but there is no clutch pedal. For driving test and licensing purposes these vehicles are regarded as automatics.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Sounds like you have an automatic manual, horrible things no use to man nor beast.

You might get a slightly better ride, at the very least you are forcing it to select the gear you want instead of the usual hesitant mess the computer makes of junctions and hills, but don't expect a massive difference by driving it in manual, the autoclutch operation is still the same.

Hintza

Sounds like you are in the USA?

worried_jim

Hintza wrote: »

Sounds like you are in the USA?

I am guessing Northamptonshire.

Gloomendoom

shana13 wrote: »

Hello all,

I have an auto only license.
My car is a semi-auto,

If it can change gear by itself, it's an automatic.

A semi-auto needs some input from the driver to change gear.

Gloomendoom

Hintza wrote: »

Sounds like you are in the USA?

More likely the OP just can't spell licence.

Car_54

Gloomendoom wrote: »

If it can change gear by itself, it's an automatic.

A semi-auto needs some input from the driver to change gear.

Maybe so, but it's still regarded as automatic for licence purposes. The defining factor is the absence of a driver-operated clutch.

pullenuk

Yup. Fully legal to drive. Before 1994 I believe it wasn't.

Basically if the car had a clutch petal you are not allowed to drive it apart from under L plates with someone supervising (basically learning again!). The automatic license is also a manual provisional license.

My corsa is semi auto. Drives fine baring in mind it's a cheap car and only got a little engine. My honda is a full automatic.

You will find a lot of automatics now have manual control. For example the DSG gearboxs in VW, Seat and Audi. BMW have their version too. DSG is actually faster than an manual gearbox!