Can I switch from manual to automatic transmission after passing the written test for a manual license?
2 Answers
Generally, it is not allowed. If you have registered for a manual transmission driver's license test, you can negotiate with the driving school to change the relevant procedures and pay the additional fees to switch to an automatic transmission driver's license test before taking the written test. After passing the written test, a learning driving certificate will be issued, and it is usually not possible to change the license type. You may try to negotiate with the driving school. Below is some relevant information about the written test: Test question bank: Since July 2015, the Ministry of Public Security has updated the written test question bank to 1229 questions, with the general question bank remaining unchanged. The test question bank is a unified national version, and there is no such thing as local questions. Notes: Candidates who pass the test should sign under the guidance of the staff at the exit of the test center before leaving.
As someone who frequently handles driver's license matters, I can confirm that after passing the manual transmission subject one test, you can absolutely switch to automatic transmission for the remaining tests. The subject one exam covers theoretical knowledge and is standardized nationwide, with no distinction between manual or automatic transmission types. The passing score is generally valid for several years. If you want to switch to automatic transmission, simply enroll in automatic transmission subject two and three training at your driving school. Automatic transmission is easier to operate as it lacks a clutch pedal, making it suitable for beginners or those who find manual transmission challenging. However, this means you'll need to relearn driving skills, invest additional training time, and pay a few hundred yuan extra. Upon passing the automatic transmission test, you'll obtain a C2 license, which only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles. If you wish to drive manual transmission vehicles later, you'll have to retake manual transmission subject two and three exams. I recommend making this decision based on your personal needs, as switching can help you obtain your license faster.
