In a conventional automatic vehicle, use your right foot for both the accelerator and brake pedal. Keep your left foot resting on the footrest rather than using it for braking. This helps prevent sudden, overly hard braking caused by the left foot’s stronger clutch-driving habit. Using one foot for both pedals also reduces the risk of pressing the accelerator and brake together. Move your right foot deliberately between pedals and keep the heel positioned so you can pivot smoothly. For learners transitioning from manual vehicles, this adjustment can feel unusual at first because the left foot is used to operating the clutch. Practise in a safe, low-pressure environment until braking becomes smooth and natural. The goal is stable, predictable control —an essential part of safe driving and K53 readiness.
Source: City of Cape Town: K53 practical driving-test overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foot should brake in an automatic car?
Use your right foot for both braking and accelerating.
Where should my left foot go in an automatic?
Rest it on the designated footrest, away from the brake pedal.
Why is left-foot braking risky for beginners?
Learners used to a clutch may press too hard with the left foot, causing abrupt braking.
Does this rule apply to all automatic cars?
It applies to conventional automatic driving. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s controls and your instructor’s guidance.