Which are the subjective feelings and objective risks of driving in an automatic mode when holding the steering wheel or not holding it? Two conditions of simulated driving of a partially automated car have been tested (handson and hands-off), in two situations of driving on highways including critical events forcing the driver to take over. The user subjective experiences were compared: the situation awareness, feelings of safety, control, attention, onboard activities, psychological and physical comfort were analyzed on the basis of in-depth interviews right after the activity. For the critical situations designed, the performance results indicate a negative impact of the hands-off condition on the takeover. The hands-off condition is appreciated for its comfort and the multi-activity it allows, but the hands-on condition is objectively and subjectively safer in critical situations.