Driving with both feet was normal back in the day before most vehicle manufacturers opted for automatic transmissions.
If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, you understand that you can use one foot on either the brake pedal or the accelerator and the other for the clutch. Such a setup is great and improves road safety because it prevents you from accidentally pressing the gas and brake pedals.
Driving an automatic vehicle that has two pedals on both feet is not illegal in most states. However, it isn’t as safe as you’d think. If you’re a new driver, it’s best to ensure that you drive with one foot for both the accelerator and brake. Additionally, you might not be allowed to complete your driving test if you drive with both feet.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of driving with both feet and what the law says about it:
What Are the Legal Considerations for Driving With Both Feet?
Both-feet driving for automatic transmission vehicles is not ideal and is highly discouraged for safety reasons.
Vehicle manufacturers design cars with a dead pedal to provide the driver with a resting pedal, therefore, creating more stability when accelerating and braking.
However, no law on the books says you can’t drive with both feet; it mostly boils down to comfort. Furthermore, while safety concerns are associated with both-feet driving, no states have laws to stop drivers.
Why Is Driving With Both Feet a Terrible Idea?
Here are some reasons why driving an automatic car with both feet is a terrible idea:
You Might Hit the Wrong Pedal
You can get in serious trouble if you accidentally hit the gas pedal when you meant to hit the brake. In addition, having both your feet on the pedals can increase confusion in an emergency and cause a front or rear-end collision that will be your fault.
It’s easier to control the pedal you’re pushing if you’re using just one foot.
It Can Cause Exhaustion
Using both feet when driving can cause the leg on the brake to tire quickly. Your leg won’t get tired nearly as quickly when you have one foot that’s mostly pushing on the gas pedal.
It Can Potentially Wear Out Your Brake Pads
Driving with your foot hovering over the brake can get tiring quickly; therefore, most drivers often rest their foot on the brake pedal, creating slight resistance and constant pressure on the brakes. Unfortunately, when this happens repeatedly, your brake pads can wear out quickly.
It Is Extremely Uncomfortable
Automatic cars are designed for single-foot driving. Therefore, you might find it extremely uncomfortable to drive with both feet for a long time.
You Could Fail Your Driver’s Test
While no law explicitly states that you can’t drive with both feet, you technically shouldn’t fail your driver’s test for doing so. However, that doesn’t mean that your tester will be happy though. On the contrary, they will be watching keenly, knowing that driving with both feet can lead to more errors, and they might fail you because you’re practicing unsafe driving.
When Does It Make Sense to Drive With Both Feet?
Driving with both feet only makes sense in the following circumstances:
When Driving a Car a Manual Transmission
Manual transmission cars are becoming less popular; however, they are the only cars you need two feet to drive.
Your right foot controls the brake and gas pedal, while the left one will be on the clutch pedal.
If You’re Driving a Race Car
Many race car drivers use two feet when racing because they’re going at such elevated speeds. Using one foot for the brake and one for the gas allows for more control. Additionally, race car drivers aren’t too concerned about wearing out their brake pads like a regular driver with a commuter car would be.
If You’re 100% Comfortable When Driving
If you find that driving with two feet improves your performance and you’re comfortable with it, then you should continue doing so. However, it’s best to recognize that there’s some risk.
Unless you’re driving a manual car, it’s not advisable to drive with both feet as this might cause many hazards to yourself and other drivers and create more wear and tear on your car.
Driving with one foot is highly recommended unless you prefer driving with both feet or if you’ve mastered the art of using both feet when driving.