Twin-clutch equipped cars do not have a clutch pedal; the clutch is engaged and disengaged automatically. Most twin-clutch transmissions use an automatic-style shift selector with a traditional P-R-N-D or P-R-N-D-S (Sport) shift pattern. In “Drive” or “Sport” mode, the dual-clutch transmission operates like a regular automatic.
In “Drive” mode, the transmission shifts to higher gears early in order to minimise engine noise and maximise fuel economy, while in “Sport” mode, it holds the lower gears longer in order to keep the engine in its powerband. Sport mode also provides more aggressive downshifts with less accelerator pedal pressure, and in some cars, engaging Sport mode causes the car to react more aggressively to the accelerator pedal.

One advantage to both SMTs and dual-clutch transmissions is the ability to perform matched-rev downshifts. When a driver selects a lower gear, both types of transmission disengage the clutch(es) and rev the engine to the exact speed required by the selected gear. Not only does this make for a smoother downshift, but in the case of the twin-clutch transmission, it allows plenty of time for the proper gear to be pre-selected. Most, though not all, dual-clutch transmissions can skip gears when downshifting, such as shifting from 6th gear directly down to 3rd gear, and because of their ability to match revs, they can do so without the lurching or surging that is typical of traditional automatic and manual transmissions.