The first thing you notice when getting into a car with automatic transmission is that it has no clutch. Hence the term 'automatic' - the car changes gear automatically without your direct intervention.

Most automatic transmission has something called a 'torque converter'. this is complicated thing that you don't need to know about - it transmits engine power to the gearbox and on to the driving wheels.

Most automatics still have gears, typically 3 or 4; some modern cars have different settings, operated by engine management wizardry, which let you choose different driving modes depending on the traffic conditions and your mood (for example, you might have a 'sport' setting).

Whatever system the car is fitted with, all the driver has to do is stay awake, steer, brake and accelerate.

Why choose an 'Automatic'

One reason might be that you can afford one!

In most of Europe, the norm is to drive a car with manual transmission - the automatic is still the odd one out.

Automatic transmission takes much of the physical work out of driving and leaves you with both hands on the wheel for more of the time. This should make you safer, especially if you do lots of long journeys or short trips in busy stop-start traffic.

Automatics used to be less reliable, but the technology is now well established and although you may use a little more fuel, the fact that many drivers find that driving an automatic is less stressful makes this a small price to pay.