Taking test in automatic car - can you drive semi-automatics

Robisere

George_Michael wrote: »

Why no mention of using the rear view mirror? (provided there is one fitted).
Reversing sensors are there to aid reversing and like anything electrical or mechanical, they can fail and without using your rear view mirror, there could easily be someone or something close to the rear of the vehicle and in the blind spot from the door mirrors.

Of course there is one fitted and of course I use it, but I use my door mirrors to line up when reversing. They are electrical and I can lower them to line up with parking space lines, or lines in the surface such as the paving bricks in my space at home. This also gives me a view of such things like low curbs or other low obstructions behind me. (Which negates the 'blind spots' you speak of) You must have missed some of the vehicles I have driven: I have reversed a loaded aircraft transporter into gaps just wide enough to take it. All of that matches the parking sensor, which I have been able to judge to a "T" but do not rely on completely.



IMO you are being a little pedantic.

Robisere

neilmcl wrote: »

Not quite the point I was making. I specifically mentioned manoeuvres where you have to make a number of quick, successive gear changes between forward and reverse. In my experience, even with the latest and better autos such as the excellent BMW 8 speed ZF box, it's infinitely quicker and easier to do this manually than it is with an auto and with a lot more finesse and control.

I don't agree. I always have to wait for manual box drivers to pull away from junctions and traffic lights. Does not bother me at all, but it is a fact. What finesse and control? My little Hyundai goes smoothly and easily between gears, including from and to reverse. A specious argument.

Gloomendoom

Pulling away from junctions is quicker in an auto but I can see where a manual might have the edge in a straight out slow speed manoeuvring competition. Some autoboxes (and selectors) are better than others though.

neilmcl

Robisere wrote: »

I don't agree. I always have to wait for manual box drivers to pull away from junctions and traffic lights. Does not bother me at all, but it is a fact. What finesse and control? My little Hyundai goes smoothly and easily between gears, including from and to reverse. A specious argument.

Again, totally missed (or chose to ignore) the point.

Robisere

neilmcl wrote: »

Again, totally missed (or chose to ignore) the point.

What point would that be, please?

James2k

Robisere wrote: »

What point would that be, please?

hes apparently happy that 500 point turns are much easier in a manual than an auto.

more fool him i say. #autolife

gpc273

Did anyone actually answer your question about the test and licence, before they all started an in-depth argument over types of auto???

If she passes a test in an automatic she will be restricted to auto vehicles only, it doesn't matter what type of auto gearbox is fitted.
Pass her test in a manual and she will be able to drive manual and auto.

James2k

gpc273 wrote: »

Did anyone actually answer your question about the test and licence, before they all started an in-depth argument over types of auto???

If she passes a test in an automatic she will be restricted to auto vehicles only, it doesn't matter what type of auto gearbox is fitted.
Pass her test in a manual and she will be able to drive manual and auto.

er yeah it was answered on the first page.


Hereby you are