Can a Manual Transmission License Test Be Switched to an Automatic Transmission Test?
2 Answers
Manual transmission can be switched to automatic transmission for the test. Switching from manual to automatic transmission test: If you fail the Subject 2 test, switching to an automatic transmission is allowed as it is considered a downgrade in the driver's license test. The passed Subject 1 results remain valid, but switching to automatic transmission still requires some procedures. Differences between manual and automatic transmission in Subject 2: Manual transmission vehicles have a clutch, so learning to control the clutch is essential during practice. In terms of test items, manual transmission tests include reverse parking, right-angle turns, parallel parking, curve driving, and hill starts. Automatic transmission tests omit the hill start because there is no clutch, making this item less critical. The judgment of side and marking lines can be assessed in the Subject 3 test.
I also went through the manual transmission test and later wanted to switch to automatic, only to find out it wasn't a direct swap. According to regulations, you first need to cancel your manual transmission registration at the DMV and then reapply for an automatic transmission qualification. This means all previously passed subject one results become invalid, and you have to pay the registration fee again. At the time, I thought automatic would be easier, so I didn't hesitate to go through the process. After re-registering, I found that automatic transmission is indeed more hassle-free—no need to worry about the clutch or shifting gears, and the test went much smoother. However, it cost me over two thousand yuan more and delayed me by more than a month. If you've just finished subject one, you can still cut your losses in time. But if you're halfway through subject two, it might be better to grit your teeth and stick with it, since a manual transmission license has a broader range of applications.
