is there any diference in the driving test of an automatic to manual

[CAITLINSUSAN]

i have learnt in a manual and tried 2 tests in the past but failed on the day. lack of money has meant i had to keep taking breaks from driving, and this coupled with arthritus in my left hip has meant i've now decided to use an automatic. i can drive the automatic perfectly well, and am prepared to take my test but as i have not used an instructor in an automatic i want to know if there is anything i need to know for the test. cant really afford lessons at mo and trying to find an automatic instructor in my area is difficult. i dont want to go for my test and fail for something silly like not manually doing the gears. i only ever drive in 4th and dont know if this is acceptable on the test. anyone any ideas? anyone taken a test in an automatic recently? all advice appreciated.

[Bathsheba]

Not quite sure what you mean by only drive in 4th. Don't you drive in "drive"? I drive an auto although I passed my test in a manual + I love it.Doesn't answer your question, though- sorry!

[Toureman]

Both tests are the same but there are slight differences with hill starts and driving down a steep hill.

On hill starts you do not need the handbrake as much, put your foot on the foot brake then when you want to move switch your foot to the accelarater, the car will not roll back if you do it quickly but smoothly.

When going down a very steep hill you should manually change to the appropiate lower gear so you are not using the footbrakeall the time.

As long as you drive safely and in control you will pass.

[colin6789]

Remember that if you take a test in a automatic car you can only drive an automatic, the position regarding some new semi-automatics is not certain.