Automatic/Semi-automatic?

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Sun 1 Jan 2006 16:30
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Beabea
Hi All

Does anyone know how the DVLA categorises the semi-automatic vehicles now being sold? I'm thinking specifically of the Toyota Yaris MMT but there seem to be lots of new super minis where they dont offer a fully automatic version. Why do I need to know? I have an Automatic license. Its a long story but I cant face the trauma of retaking my driving test so please dont suggest it :)

I'm not sure which of the new cars I'm legally allowed to drive. I know that I physically 'could' drive one by keeping it in automatic mode all the time, but if it's categorised by the DVLA as a manual then legally I'd need L plates and a qualified driver with me at all times... Searching the DVLA site hasn't given me the information, can anyone offer a definitive answer?

Many Thanks
Bea
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 16:35
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Ruperts Trooper
Automatic or manual control of the gear selected is irrelevant.

The absence of a clutch pedal defines an automatic as far as DVLA are concerned.
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 16:36
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - mss1tw
Thinking about it, you can change gears manually in a traditional auto as well.
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 16:38
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Dynamic Dave
DVD answered a very similar question to this that I once asked:-

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=19678
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=19678&...e
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 16:56
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - blue_haddock
Toyota MMT equipped cars are ok to be driven by people with only an auto driving license.
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 19:12
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - RobC
Hi Beabea,

I also come under the catergory of only driving auto's on my license.
What I find frustrating with car makers is that when they replace a model (like the Yaris) they drop the popular conventional auto version & replace it with a semi-auto.
I like the new Yaris a lot & would put it on my shortlist, but I don't rate the semi-auto.
The crazy thing is, on the American market, you can buy the new Yaris with a 1.5 engine + 4 speed auto.
If Toyota can do it for the American market, why not for Europe?
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 20:08
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Cardew
What I find frustrating with car makers is that when they
replace a model (like the Yaris) they drop the popular conventional
auto version & replace it with a semi-auto.
I like the new Yaris a lot & would put it
on my shortlist, but I don't rate the semi-auto.
The crazy thing is, on the American market, you can buy
the new Yaris with a 1.5 engine + 4 speed auto.
If Toyota can do it for the American market, why not
for Europe?


Rob,
Totally agree about the semi-auto Yaris. SWBBO has a conventional auto Yaris and won't get the new model for the same reason.

Interested about the Yaris on the USA market(I assume American means USA?) They were not sold in the USA and looking at the Toyota website for 2006 it is not shown. Where did you get that info please.

C
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 20:52
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - henry k
>>.....looking at the Toyota website for 2006 it is not shown. Where did you get that info please.
>>

For Yaris read Echo.

www.epinions.com/auto_Make-2003_Toyota_ECHO/displa...s


But USA Today calling it a Yaris for 2006
www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2005-1...m

www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/yaris.html

cars.about.com/od/2001/fr/05_echo_tst.htm
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 22:22
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Cardew
Thanks,

The Echo is Toyota's current sub-compact. However it is only available as a saloon and considerably longer than the Yaris(some 21") with only the 1.5 108bhp engine.

I hadn't seen that report on the Yaris being introduced next March/April - at least this will have a hatchback(liftback) version.
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 22:55
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - henry k
But from what I see the Yaris as we know it is available in Canada.

www.hackwriters.com/choosingecho.htm
or
www.answers.com/topic/toyota-vitz
or
ruk.ca/article/1295

Interesting marketing?
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Sun 1 Jan 2006 19:57
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - mare
As above and discussed recently, for DVLA purposes:

3 pedals = manual

2 pedals = automatic
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Mon 2 Jan 2006 17:47
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - Tomo
I wonder what would be the position with a preselector box, where you have no clutch as such but a third pedal to engage the gear previously selected by the little lever on the quadrant
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Mon 2 Jan 2006 20:58
Automatic/Semi-automatic? - wjh
The M3 SMG apparently can't be driven on an auto licence say my family.
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