Test in Automatic Car?

Girrrrseach

Hi all!

I failed my first driving test back in February in the SGS centre in Finglas. I have just recieved notification that I now have my next test in the SGS centre in Ballymun on the morning of December 10th.

Due to financial pressures I really haven't been able to afford any lessons to brush up on what I got wrong on the first go (mostly clutch control and general nerves) and I really need to get my licence for the job that I am in.

Thats why I was considering the above - doing my test in an automatic car. I know that that restricts the car I can drive in the future, but do you guys consider this a viable option for me? The car my company is providing is an automatic too.

I have never driven an automatic before, and I have good road awareness.... Im just thinking that it might be a little easier for me to pass this time.

Has anybody driven / done test in an auto on here?I am guessing you have to approach the 3 point turn / reverse completely differently with no clutch.

Your thoughts are very much welcome:)

G

Alanstrainor

Seeing that you're experienced with a manual already i'd be inclined to suggest you do the test in a manual. Then you can drive either manual or auto and have an unrestricted license. It is however, up to you. What is it about manuals that troubles you?
I have experience with a couple of automatics, and it is very easy to get used to, and simplifies all manoeuvres. It's like a go kart. One pedal to go, one to brake, with the added benefit of an auto creep feature, where by the car will creep slowly forward when neither the brake or accelerator are applied.
There is nothing different with the manoeuvres, no different approach, just do them without a clutch.

If you desperately need to pass the test, and you honestly don't think you have time/money to fix your issues in a manual, then I see no harm in sitting the automatic test, seeing as you are going to be driving an auto anyway,
I would always recommend a manual test, but you can sit this at a later date when you are more comfortable, if you really think you'll fail, and you can't afford to do so, then go with the auto.

The one thing I wonder though is, do you need to tell them you are driving an auto before you get the test date?

Also, really there should be no difference in reversing/turnabout, you will just "change gears" differently

Alanstrainor

Deleted User wrote: »

The one thing I wonder though is, do you need to tell them you are driving an auto before you get the test date?

No prior notification required. Just turn up on the day with your auto.

I personally wouldn't recommend it as i dont think it would help you out.

Its the actual car on the road they'd be looking at.

Its not really a 'driving' test as such. More a safety test. Just drive as you normally would, but for the duration of the test, be much more alert than normal.


What did they fail you for the last time?

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

I personally wouldn't recommend it as i dont think it would help you out.

Its the actual car on the road they'd be looking at.

Its not really a 'driving' test as such. More a safety test. Just drive as you normally would, but for the duration of the test, be much more alert than normal

nah not true, sure you can't cut out, your hill starts are a breeze, you can't change gears to early, rev too much etc, you don't have to remember to put the car into neutral at traffic lights. you have alot less to do and therefore can concentrate more on the safety side. Seriously, it's so much easier to pass in a auto. My mum didn't even get one single mark on her sheet in the auto test, she definitely would have gotten plenty in a manual, which is why she bought the auto in the first place!

macroman

Of course I'd say go with what you're comfortable with, but TBH I'd suggest you go for the test in a manual, as it won't limit you further on, you'll be free to drive automatic and manual. The only difficult part of driving a manual is clutch control and making sure you're in right gear for situation (i.e. 2nd when turning).

You don't need formal training in a manual (maybe a pre-test though), just someone with patience who can guide you. From experience the only way you'll learn a manual gearbox is by practice.

have to agree with the above, if you have someone who will take you out and has plenty of patience then go for that option, the only problem here is if they have a alot of bad habits which they think are right, and they pass them onto you, so pick your teacher wisely. Also, I'm guessing you probably don't have your own car at the moment (may be wrong) so that would restrict the amount of time you can practice.

I would never normally recommend doing the auto test but your situation is different as you have to pass for work, and they're giving you an automatic.

Best of luck anyways.....

baza123

Alanstrainor wrote: »

No prior notification required. Just turn up on the day with your auto.

i think ya do need ta tell dem , coz on d form it has wat car ya want ta drive

**Timbuk2**

I think she'll have done her test by now...