Selespeed - Advice please

[vladd]

Can an Alfa Selespeed be driven by someone who has only passed their test in an automatic? I assume the Selespeed can be driven if fully auto mode as well as in manual mode using the paddles.

[_dobbo_]

vladd said:

Can an Alfa Selespeed be driven by someone who has only passed their test in an automatic? I assume the Selespeed can be driven if fully auto mode as well as in manual mode using the paddles.

As I understand it there is no clutch - therefor it's an auto. Regardless of whether the paddles are used or not.

[grif500]

_dobbo_ said:

vladd said:

Can an Alfa Selespeed be driven by someone who has only passed their test in an automatic? I assume the Selespeed can be driven if fully auto mode as well as in manual mode using the paddles.

As I understand it there is no clutch - therefor it's an auto. Regardless of whether the paddles are used or not.

Not sure about this, I always thought it was a normal manual gearbox and clutch, but with actuators that change gear for you??

Could be wrong though

[phil1979]

I could be wrong, but I imagine the whole thought process of 'having to change a gear with your hand' is still present in a selespeed, therefore you'd have to have a full licence to operate.

You may actually need to pass another advanced test for the selespeed, so that you can work out, at speed, why your car won't go in to 4th....

[abarthchris]

i think the selespeed is classed as an automated manual or similar and not a full on auto.

mind you, it is auto as when you want to change gear it doesnt, and when you dont it does....

[L100NYY]

If a car has no clutch pedal then it can be drievn on an auto licence regardless of how you actually change gear.#

For example, the Fiat Seicento Citymatic which jas a normal 5 speed 'manual' gearbox but no clutch is actually classed as an auto!

[LuS1fer]

The test is principally one of two pedals. The differentiation sought is a simple one of clutch control, hill starts etc which an automatic will do for you. After all, a stock old school automatic can be manually shifted through the gears so that's no guide.

The relevant definition is contained in the MV(Driving Licence) regulations where "vehicle with automatic transmission" means a vehicle in which EITHER

(a) the driver is not provided with any means whereby he may varry the gear ratio between the engine and the roadwheels independently of the accelerator and the brakes

OR

(b) he is provided with such means but they do not include a clutch pedal or lever which he may operate manually

Any other vehicle is a manual.

The Selespeed seeems to fall within (b) above.

Edited by LuS1fer on Tuesday 15th August 13:23

[vladd]

Thanks LuS1fer, that seems to sort it out.

I looked at your profile and though the colour of your 'stang was Satan silver, not satin silver. Would have been most appropriate. Apolgies if that's been noted before.

Edited by vladd on Tuesday 15th August 13:35

[LuS1fer]

vladd said:

Thanks LuS1fer, that seems to sort it out.

I looked at your profile and though the colour of your 'stang was Satan silver, not satin silver. Would have been most appropriate. Apolgies if that's been noted before.

Edited by vladd on Tuesday 15th August 13:35

Thanks. I like that and will change it accordingly. I don't pay commission though. LOL.

[ehyouwhat]

As has already been mentioned, the Selespeed can be driven on an automatic license because it can be operated in auto mode, i.e. without a clutch pedal and without driver input.

My girlfriend used to drive an MGF Steptronic that worked in the same principle, and as she is licensed only to drive autos we made sure she was entitled to do so.

[vladd]

ehyouwhat said:

As has already been mentioned, the Selespeed can be driven on an automatic license because it can be operated in auto mode, i.e. without a clutch pedal and without driver input.

My girlfriend used to drive an MGF Steptronic that worked in the same principle, and as she is licensed only to drive autos we made sure she was entitled to do so.

Cheers.