How long does it take to switch from manual to automatic transmission for the exam?

[VanLeo]

You can take the exam three working days after switching from manual to automatic transmission. Manual Transmission: A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox, requires the driver to manually shift gears by moving the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, thereby altering the gear ratio to achieve speed changes. Automatic Transmission: An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. An automatic transmission car primarily uses Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears to meet general driving needs. For special driving conditions, other functional gears may be required.

[SanRobert]

When I was learning to drive, I experienced switching from manual to automatic transmission. My instructor said that with a solid foundation, passing the automatic test would be much faster. At first, I kept stalling the manual car and only dared to take the test after practicing for a month (about 20 hours). But after switching to automatic, clutch issues disappeared, allowing me to focus on steering and braking—I passed after just a week of review. The key is that exam timing varies by person. If you already have manual experience, the automatic test may only require a few hours of simulated practice. The main goal is to familiarize yourself with the shifting logic of an automatic transmission and avoid letting your foot instinctively press the clutch. Driving is much more convenient now, especially in city traffic. Remember to practice reverse parking multiple times before the test to ensure a higher pass rate.

[McEthan]

As a seasoned driver with twenty years of experience driving manual transmission cars, I later helped my son practice with an automatic transmission and truly felt the significant difference. The challenging part of the manual transmission test lies in gear-shifting coordination, and it might take two or three attempts to pass. After switching to automatic transmission, the test content is simplified, focusing mainly on starting, driving, and parking. With experience, a couple of days of intensive review, spending five or six hours, should be enough preparation. Don’t assume automatic transmission is easy and let your guard down—backing up still requires steadiness. The testing institution will check your driving habits to ensure you don’t make manual transmission mistakes, like forgetting to engage the handbrake. Personally, I believe it can be done within a week, but you should choose a free period to focus on practice.

[DiAlyssa]

As a student with limited time for driving lessons, I initially spent 15 hours learning manual transmission before passing the test. Later, for convenience, I switched to automatic transmission. I found the exam preparation much faster—just three hours of remedial lessons over five days, and I got the hang of it effortlessly. Without the hassle of a clutch, the examiner focused more on basic safety, like speed control and checking mirrors. It's best to simulate a few highway sections before the test to avoid nervous mistakes. Looking back, the transition was incredibly smooth, and the time saved allowed for more sleep. My advice is to complete the test early and avoid dragging it out to prevent forgetting key knowledge points.