Can You Drive a Manual Transmission Car After Learning Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
Learning automatic transmission does not qualify you to drive a manual transmission car. The permitted vehicle types for a small automatic transmission vehicle license (C2) do not include C1 (small vehicles, which cover both automatic and manual transmissions). Here are the introductions to automatic and manual transmissions: 1. Automatic transmission car: An automatic transmission car does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. 2. Manual transmission car: A manual transmission car uses a manual shift mechanical transmission (also known as manual gearbox, MT) to adjust the vehicle speed.
When I got my driver's license, I chose an automatic transmission because it was easier and more convenient to learn. However, I later ran into trouble when I wanted to drive my friend's manual transmission car. I discovered that driver's licenses have classifications—an automatic transmission license usually only permits driving automatic cars, while a manual transmission requires an additional test. In most countries, such as the UK or some states in the US, learning on an automatic and then driving a manual is illegal. If caught by the police, you could face fines or penalty points. The reason is simple: manual transmission operation is completely different, requiring coordination of the clutch and gear shifting. Without proper experience, stalling on the road could lead to accidents. If you really want to drive a manual, my advice is to honestly take additional manual transmission courses at a driving school—it's both safe and legal. Don’t take the risk of trying it unprepared.