automatic car

[ams2]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to this forum and am keen to train for the advanced driving test via a local group. I am about to purchase the IAM skills for life package but i own an automatic car and am unsure if i can use this for the training and the test?

Any advice would be really helpful

Many thanks

ams

[jcochrane]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to this forum and am keen to train for the advanced driving test via a local group. I am about to purchase the IAM skills for life package but i own an automatic car and am unsure if i can use this for the training and the test?

Any advice would be really helpful

Many thanks

ams

In a word...yes.

[ams2]

Brilliant,

Thanks for getting back to me!!

ams

[Stephen]

What area do you live in.

[martine]

Just for completness for anyone else reading this thread: IAM and ROSPA tests can be taken in any roadworthy car or bike that can maintain 70mph. Cars must have seatbelts and I think, head restraints.

Oh and welcome ams2 - any more questions?

[ams2]

Thanks again everyone,

I'm in the Herts area.

Have sent off for the AMI skills for life package today so am looking forward to receiving that.

Regards

ams

[ExadiNigel]

Before you commit any money it may be worth contacting your local IAM group and your local RoSPA group and arrange to go along to their next meeting. Often one of the groups will be stronger than the other and there may be other differences which may make you prefer one over the other, though much of the membership will be members of both.

Whichever one you choose, good luck and I hope you enjoy the forum.

[kfae8959]

Hello and welcome!

I'm in south-east Herts and would be delighted to meet up or chat if you like. I'm new to my current area, but I've been in the county for a short while.

David

[Astraist]

I believe that all advanced driving courses are intended to teach the driver, not the car, so there should be no problem with an automatic, particularly with an on-road system like IAM which focuses on planning and anticipation.

[Angus]

However, the examiner will expect you to understand the gearbox, and be able to demonstrate (if necessary) kick down/lock up of gears, or manual over-ride if available.

Just puting it in drive and leaving it there will be frowned upon

[ams2]

Thanks David, do you belong to a local group then??

ams

[chriskay]

However, the examiner will expect you to understand the gearbox, and be able to demonstrate (if necessary) kick down/lock up of gears, or manual over-ride if available.

Just puting it in drive and leaving it there will be frowned upon

I agree; however, in my opinion, kickdown is a very coarse tool (at least in my old style box with only 4 forward speeds) & its use would usually indicate a lack of forward planning.

[Mr Cholmondeley-Warner]

We must compare automatics sometime - mine only has 3 speeds

[chriskay]

We must compare automatics sometime - mine only has 3 speeds

LOL. The last 3 speed car I owned was a manual; Citroen Light Fifteen, circa 1955.
I'd love to drive your 3 speed auto sometime.

[waremark]

We must compare automatics sometime - mine only has 3 speeds

I presume that manual 928's had 5 speeds. Was there a significant performance penalty for the autos?

My autos have 7 speeds, but I am failing to keep up with the Jones's. The latest Lexus's and BMW's have 8 speeds, and the journos think the new 8 speed ZF box in the BMW's is great. More ratios seems to be the route to maximising performance and economy.