Advice on driivng automatic for first time please

[ifonly4]

I'm driving an automatic for first time today after driving a manual for 40+ years. Can I just check my understanding is correct please?

Foot on brake and press ignition. Do I need to be in neutral or is drive ok at that point?

D is obviously drive, R is reverse, P goes on alongside handbrake when stopping and leaving car. Would I use P at any other time?

If engine cuts out when I stop briefly, do I need to change out of drive?

If I'm stop/start on say motorway in say a traffic jam and put handbrake on, do I need to put into neutral or is drive ok so I can just pull away?

I bought my first automatic a week ago & love it. After 35 years of having gears I haven't gone for the clutch once , I think because the car changes gear before you feel you need to if that makes sense.

My biggest issue is trying to take the keys out when I stop & park as there isn't an ignition

Wait till you try cruise control.

I don't even have keys, the fob opens the car when I get close and locks it again as I leave.

Get someone to go with you to a large traffic free area for a start and you will find you quickly gain confidence and wonder why you drove a manual. Good luck.

As others have said, you only need one foot!
I pop mine into neutral if I'm in a lengthy stationary queue, but keep my foot on footbrake.. this saves wear on your gearbox...as does putting it in neutral, then handbrake, then P in that order, when you end your journey.
You can stay in D when your engine cuts out but keep your footbrake engaged.
I would never ever have a manual again. In fact I always book automatics when I need a hire car.
You'll soon get used to it.

😳 I don’t know - despite reading all the helpful advice, it still seems a bit complicated to me to adjust to an automatic.

it is probably best for me to stick with what I know…

Sit on your left leg .

Do not start the engine in drive or neutral!

Always Park. Foot on footbrake, press start, then shift to drive or reverse.

So many of us talk about the problem with clutch foot hitting the brake after the switch.
I don't understand why car manufacturers use larger brake pedals in automatics

Try not to overthink it - it’s like a big go kart. One pedal for go the other for stop. Keep your left foot on the floor you don’t need it. Nothing easier.

Top tip. When you park put the car in neutral, put the handbrake on, then put it into P. That way your car isn't leaning on the gear box.

Fairly sure this is very outdated advice. Unless you’re driving a very old automatic.

Just be careful braking - you'll forget and depress it like the clutch pedal !!