First time Driving - Should I choose automatic?

[Selina]

Thinking of hiring a car for our trip this time - we usually take cabs everywhere. As I have never driven a left hand drive before - do you think I would be better with an automatic (though haven't driven one of those either!)? We hope to be staying on-site, but if not probably at the Radisson or one of the new ones a few mins from the parks. Any help much appreciated.

 

[UKDEB]

Selina,

I think you'll find that almost all hire cars in the US are automatic. Dh always does the driving and he gets on fine.

 

[bubblefactory]

Hi Selina,

It is very rare to get a manual rental car in the USA - amost all cars are auto. Driving in the US is pretty easy.

Alec

 

[Selina]

Thanks. That solves my problem. Automatic it will be then. Anything I should know about their automatic cars...I presume you just drive in the same way, except the gears automatically change for you.

 

[manderine]

Thats right but ask for a full demonstration. I've driven on the last three trips and still ask for a demonsatrion each time just for a refresher.

 

[matty624]

Originally posted by manderine
Thats right but ask for a full demonstration. I've driven on the last three trips and still ask for a demonsatrion each time just for a refresher.

I wouldn't have thought a demo was really neccesary. The only thing you really need to know is that in order to change from Park to drive, you usually need to put your foot (only use your right one!) on the brake. The other thing to know is that you won't need to use the handbrake, just remember to put the car in park when you park up (park has the same effect as the handbrake, i.e. it's not going anywhere)
Ian

 

[edie w]

Selina - don't be afraid to ask for a demo. They are all slightly different - sometimes the gear stick is in the centre like a gear lever and sometimes it's an extra bit sticking out of the steering column like the indicators. A bit like a Citroen Dyan (should you ever have had the pleasure!) only easier.

You don't change gear when driving, but you do need to change between Drive, Park and Reverse.

Also they have a parking brake. Sometimes you put this on and off with a foot lever (somewhere on the left), and sometimes you put it on by foot and take it off with a hand lever.

If you can't work out how to put on the headlights, that's because they are automatic. Not all are, but some just don't have controls for the lights. Weird!

Hope I haven't scared you - it really is very simple. Just keep your left leg well out of the way!!

 

[giggler]

Here's a tip i was given the first time i rented in the U.S

Relax that left foot Baby.

We only use the right out here.

After a couple of days you wonder what all the worrying was about.


giggles

 

[Selina]

Thanks for all your help. I didn't know about the drive park reverse bit and differences with handbrakes and lights.

Just one more question - I am going for a trial run in Spain next month. Hiring a car when we go to Universal Mediterranean. The car comes free for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to the onsite hotel El Paso at Universal, so it seemed a shame to pass up on it, though haven't driven in Spain before (actually have been to Portugal, but this is our first trip to Spain!). Will that one be automatic or will I have choice do you know? If automatic - what differences will there be to the U.S. ones or will it virtually be the same? Only ever driven my own car abroad before - so complete novice driving in a left hand drive etc!!