GREAT!! - I believe you need to relearn driving - till then return your license please. The choke knob has been a part of cold starts since the beginning. Im talking about the 1930's, even earlier.
Its there to assist in cold start at full position, fast idle in half position till your engine warms up itself to fire smoothly. In modern day cars with carburettor the choke is automatic and thermally controlled. Your car still has the manual choke so you have no other choice than to use the lever.