Can an Automatic Transmission License Be Upgraded to a Manual Transmission License?

2 Answers
DeFrank
07/24/25 6:32pm
An automatic transmission license can be upgraded to a manual transmission license. However, an automatic transmission license (C2) does not automatically upgrade to a manual transmission license (C1). To upgrade from a C2 to a C1 license, the holder must apply for an additional license. The applicant must re-enroll and pass the C1 license examination to obtain the upgrade. The formal term for this process is "additional licensing," and the procedure is the same as applying for an initial driver's license—simply register at a driving school. The only difference is that the applicant must present their current driver's license during the application process, and after passing Subject 4, the original license must be surrendered. Conditions for upgrading from C2 to C1: 1. Pass a medical examination meeting the requirements for the driver's license test. 2. Hold the C2 license for at least one year, meaning the probationary period must be completed. 3. No record of accumulating 12 penalty points (full demerit points) in the current scoring cycle. If all three conditions are met, the applicant can reapply for the C1 license. After passing Subjects 2 and 3, they can exchange their C2 license for a C1 license. Required documents: - Proof of identity. - Original and photocopy of the applicant's current driver's license. - Medical certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution. - Recent one-inch bareheaded white-background photo. Differences between manual and automatic transmission licenses: 1. Permitted vehicle types differ. The manual transmission license (C1) allows driving "small cars," while the automatic transmission license (C2) permits "small automatic transmission cars." 2. License codes differ. The manual transmission license code is "C1," while the automatic transmission license code is "C2." 3. Vehicles allowed differ. The manual transmission license permits: "small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light and micro specialized operation vehicles." The automatic transmission license permits: "small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles and light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles." Other permitted vehicle types differ. The manual transmission license (C1) also allows driving: "small automatic transmission cars (code C2), low-speed cargo vehicles (code C3), and three-wheeled vehicles (code C4)."
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LolaLee
08/11/25 10:18am
I had a similar experience last year. A relative of mine got an automatic transmission driver's license and drove the family's automatic car for over half a year, finding it quite convenient. But later, he developed a liking for the control feel of manual transmission cars and went to ask the vehicle management office if he could upgrade his license. He was told it wasn't a simple matter of swapping licenses—he had to retake the test to get a manual transmission license. He enrolled in a driving school to learn manual transmission, starting with pressing the clutch and timing gear shifts, which was quite challenging because manual transmission requires coordinated balance between hands and feet. After practicing for a few weeks, he took the theoretical part of the test and then the road test. The examiner had him perform a hill start test, where he almost stalled but managed to pass. Now, he's very proud of being able to drive a manual transmission car. If you also want to upgrade to manual, I suggest preparing time and patience and directly enrolling in a driving school to take the C1 test—it's the only reliable path. With enough practice, you won't fail.
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