There are three levels of difficulty to choose from: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Beginner level will provide you with computer-assisted shifting, and no penalty should you venture off the road.
Intermediate level will provide you with computer-assisted shifting, and a penalty (the activity you are in will stop) for venturing off the road.
At the Advanced level, you will be required to shift (pressing the E and R keys), and there is a penalty (the activity you are in will stop) for venturing off the road.