Can an Automatic Transmission Driver's License Be Exchanged for a Manual Transmission Driver's License?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission driver's license can be exchanged for a manual transmission driver's license by upgrading from C2 to C1. Below are the specific details for upgrading from C2 to C1: 1. Requirements: Hold a C2 driver's license for at least one year; No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current and the most recent scoring cycle. 2. Materials: Proof of identity; Original and copy of the applicant's motor vehicle driver's license; Medical certificate of physical condition issued by a county-level or above medical institution; Recent one-inch bareheaded white-background photo. Below is additional information about the C2 driver's license: 1. Exam Difficulty: Automatic transmission vehicles do not have a clutch pedal and do not require gear shifting, making them easier to operate without worrying about stalling. Starting from June 1, 2021, the "hill start" item will be removed from the C2 small automatic transmission vehicle driver's license subject two exam, making the automatic transmission subject two exam even simpler. 2. Permitted Vehicle Types: C2 is an automatic transmission vehicle driver's license. Holders of a C2 license can drive small automatic transmission passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles.
I understand your question about switching from an automatic to a manual transmission license, as I also started with an automatic and later made the switch. An automatic license cannot be directly converted to a manual one—you must first enroll in a local driving school to take additional tests for the manual transmission, passing the practical sections of Subject 2 and Subject 3. This process usually takes a few weeks of practice, such as learning clutch coordination, gear-shifting techniques, and especially key points like hill starts. Driving a manual is more challenging but offers greater control and safer braking on long-distance drives. I recommend finding a coach in advance for practice; the cost is reasonable, but don’t skip steps, as it may lead to test failure. Overall, though a bit troublesome, upgrading allows you to drive more vehicle types, making it worth a try.