Simviation Forums

Can a vehicle equipped with a paddle shifter still be driven in fully automatic mode, that is, without using the paddle shifter?

Most of the time yes. You'll need to post what cars your looking at though.
to be honest dont expect much from a paddle shift gearbox in anything lower than a bmw/merc level car. I've tried a couple, and they were dreadful. Also ask what type of gearbox they are using, if its a CVT the paddles are purely there for the driver to play with, they do very little.
I also found you have little control over the actual change times, and with your family affordable gearboxes, it can take a good second or two from you pulling the paddle to it actually thinking, yes I will change gear lol.

Thanks, Craig, that's very helpful.

Honda's usually in this country have a fully auto option with their paddle shifts. you also get the rally style push pull gear stick change.

Most have a switch that changes it between automatic and select shift.