Do I Need to Retake the Driving Test When Switching from Manual to Automatic Transmission?

[McIsabelle]

Switching from manual to automatic transmission requires retaking the driving test. Below are the working principles of manual and automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Speed and Torque Variation: The pump wheel and turbine form a working pair, with liquid serving as the medium for transmitting kinetic energy. The pump wheel drives the turbine to rotate via the liquid. By adding a guide wheel between the pump wheel and turbine, a speed difference is achieved through reaction force, enabling speed and torque variation. 2. Automatic Speed and Torque Variation: In automatic transmission vehicles, the torque converter's range for automatic speed and torque variation is insufficient. Hence, multiple planetary gear sets are connected in series behind the turbine to improve efficiency. The hydraulic control system automatically operates the planetary gears in response to engine changes, achieving automatic speed and torque variation. The auxiliary mechanism for automatic shifting cannot meet all driving needs, such as parking or reversing, so intervention devices are included: a manual lever marked with P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). Additional positions like "2" and "1" are available in the Drive mode for starting or climbing slopes. 3. AT Transmission: The transmission range is divided into several gear ratio segments, with stepless variation within each defined segment. AT is an automatic transmission that lies between stepped and continuously variable types. AT does not use a clutch for shifting, has fewer but more significant gear changes, ensures smooth connection, and is easy to operate.

[HazelMarie]

I specifically looked into this before because I was used to driving manual and wanted to switch to automatic. According to regulations, a C1 license allows you to drive automatic transmission vehicles directly without needing to retake the test, so you can drive with peace of mind. However, if someone only has a C2 license and wants to drive manual transmission vehicles, they'll need to retake the second and third driving tests. That's why I recommend getting a C1 license when learning to drive—it only costs a few hundred yuan more but allows you to drive both manual and automatic, giving you more freedom when changing cars later. Many friends opt for the automatic-only license for convenience, only to find themselves in a tough spot when they need to drive a manual transmission truck for work, having to spend extra money and time retaking the test. What a waste!