Can I directly obtain an automatic transmission driver's license?
3 Answers
You can directly obtain an automatic transmission driver's license, which is the C2 driver's license. The C2 driver's license only permits driving automatic transmission passenger cars and does not allow driving manual transmission vehicles. Automatic transmission vehicles do not have a clutch, making them easier to control and significantly different from manual transmission vehicles. Holders of a C2 license cannot drive manual transmission vehicles, while holders of a C1 license can drive automatic transmission vehicles. Therefore, the C1 license is downward compatible with the C2 license, and the C2 can be considered a subset of the C1. C2 is the automatic transmission driver's license, and C1 is the manual transmission driver's license. Comparatively, the C2 test is simpler and easier to pass because many people struggle with mastering the clutch, often leading to failure in the test. However, the cost of the C2 test is higher. Obtaining an automatic transmission driver's license, like a manual transmission one, requires passing four subjects: the subject on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge; the subject on field driving skills; the subject on road driving skills and safe civilized driving knowledge. The content of Subject 2 includes: parallel parking, reversing into a garage, right-angle turns, and curve driving. Starting from May 2021, the slope parking and starting project was removed from Subject 2 for small automatic transmission vehicle tests.
You can definitely get an automatic transmission driver's license directly, which is the C2 license. I used to hesitate too, but later found it really convenient! Training is much easier—no clutch to press or gears to shift, especially in traffic jams where your left foot is completely free. The test only includes reversing into a garage, parallel parking, and other tasks from Subject 2, and you don’t have to worry about stalling on a hill start. However, after getting the license, you can only drive automatic transmission cars. If you drive a friend’s manual transmission car, it counts as unlicensed driving. The driving instructor said that now 70% of students choose automatic transmission, and the training period can be shortened by half a month compared to manual transmission. But the tuition fee is about 500-600 RMB more expensive, mainly because automatic transmission training cars wear out faster.
When I was getting my driver's license, I specifically compared C1 and C2. The biggest advantage of automatic transmission is its simple operation - beginners don't need to simultaneously manage the clutch and accelerator. The subject two test items were reduced from five to four, with the hill start procedure eliminated from the slope parking test. The training time is indeed shorter, usually completed in 3-4 days, while manual transmission requires about 5-8 days of practice. However, note that switching to manual transmission vehicles later would require retaking the test. Also, there are modification restrictions - some owners who installed ADAS devices reported DMV refusal for license renewal, so it's better to clarify this in advance.
