Short answer is yes you can.
I think you don't need 8-direction or bullet behavior on the cars.
Try to break down exactly what you want happening to the cars. When you tap, it is going to move right or left a set amount. First start with the movement action, then add the rotation action after.
It may help to add an Instance Variable for your car to record if the car is currently moving, and if it is moving left or right.
I've put together a quick example for you, try your best to figure out how it works, and then add the angle change of the car object. It might help to read about expressions - https://www.scirra.com/manual/78/expressions.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ttnepv7yyc3yl ... .capx?dl=0
Good luck with your game! There will be a lot of things to learn about programming but it will get easier with practice.