Can I switch from manual to automatic transmission for the driver's license test?
2 Answers
It is possible to switch from manual to automatic transmission for the driver's license test. The written test (Subject 1), driving skills test (Subject 2), road test (Subject 3), and safety knowledge test (Subject 4) are identical for both manual and automatic transmission licenses. The only difference lies in the vehicles used during the driving skills test (Subject 2) and road test (Subject 3), where one uses an automatic transmission vehicle and the other a manual transmission vehicle. A manual transmission license allows the holder to drive the following vehicles: small and mini passenger cars with manual transmission, small and mini passenger cars with automatic transmission, small and mini cargo vehicles with manual transmission, and small and mini passenger cars with automatic transmission. When using a motor vehicle driver's license, it is essential to adhere to the permitted vehicle types. Driving a vehicle that does not match the license type is considered a traffic violation.
When it comes to learning to drive, I'm the type who likes to study the rules, so if you're considering switching from manual to automatic transmission during your driving test, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Most places have regulations stating: if you pass the manual transmission driving test, you can drive automatic transmission vehicles; but an automatic transmission license only permits driving automatic vehicles—operating a manual would be a violation. This stems from operational differences: manual transmission requires hand-foot coordination for clutch and gear shifting, demanding higher skills; switching mid-course usually means reapplying for automatic transmission lessons, starting from scratch, which takes more time and additional tuition fees. Personally, I recommend opting for automatic transmission learning: firstly, most cars today are automatic, including electric vehicles, making daily life more convenient; secondly, it's much easier to learn, avoiding the embarrassment of stalling for beginners. The key is to decide based on your local traffic policies and not delay your progress by hesitating too long. In short, obtaining a C2 automatic license is actually more practical and less strenuous.
