Ch. 5 · Driving Method

If an automatic transmission vehicle stalls inside a railroad crossing or intersection, it is possible to move the vehicle by operating the starter motor, just as with a manual transmission vehicle.

[True / False · Hard]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

This statement is incorrect. With a manual transmission vehicle, you can move the vehicle using the starter motor without disengaging the clutch, but this method cannot be used with an automatic transmission vehicle. This is because, due to the structure of automatic transmission vehicles, drive from the starter motor is not transmitted. This difference is clearly stated in Chapter 5, Section 9 of the Rules of the Road (Driving Automatic Transmission Vehicles, etc.).

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 14: Driving an automatic-transmission vehicle

Hikari
Hikari
If my automatic car stalls in a crossing, I can just crank the starter to inch forward like a manual, right?
Misaki
Misaki
No, that's false. Manual cars can move on the starter because the clutch stays engaged, but automatics don't transmit that drive—it simply won't work.
Hikari
Hikari
Wait, so I'd be completely stuck?
Misaki
Misaki
You'd need to shift to neutral and push, or get help. Never count on the starter trick in an automatic.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第９節 オートマチック車などの運転) · 教則 第５章 第９節 オートマチック車などの運転

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.