Is an automatic driver's license more expensive than a manual one?
3 Answers
An automatic driver's license is more expensive than a manual one. Introduction to automatic transmission cars: Automatic transmission, as the name suggests, does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Introduction to manual transmission cars: Cars that use a manual shift mechanical transmission (also known as manual transmission, MT) to adjust speed. This means the driver must manually move the gear lever to change the gear engagement position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed changes. The gear lever can only be moved when the clutch is depressed.
When I was getting my driver's license, I found that manual transmission was significantly more expensive than automatic. Driving schools charge differently, with manual transmission usually costing 1,000 to 2,000 yuan more because operating the clutch requires more training time, causes faster wear on the training vehicles, and involves more complex course setups. I took 25 lessons for manual transmission at 80 yuan per lesson, totaling 2,000 yuan, while my friend only needed 15 lessons for automatic, saving 800 yuan. The exam fees were about the same, but the failure rate for manual transmission is higher—I had to take the test twice, paying an extra 300 yuan in retake fees. If you're just driving to commute, choosing automatic transmission saves money and hassle, especially in city traffic where you don't need to shift gears, making it much easier. Some driving schools even offer basic and premium packages, with the manual transmission option always being more expensive overall.
Based on years of experience assisting at driving schools, obtaining a manual transmission driver's license is indeed more expensive than an automatic one. The reason is simple: manual transmissions are more complex to operate, and beginners are prone to stalling or wearing out the clutch, leading to extended training periods. More training hours mean higher costs—automatic transmission students can pass in 10-12 hours, while manual transmission students often require 15-20 hours. Tuition is typically 500-1000 RMB higher, with some driving schools factoring in risk fees, such as parts replacement or additional instructor costs. Additionally, manual transmission pass rates are lower during exams, meaning more retakes, indirectly driving up costs. With automatic transmissions becoming more popular and equipment updates being cheaper, driving schools are more inclined to offer discounted packages to attract students. Overall, unless you're particularly passionate about driving or honing your skills, automatic transmissions offer better value for money and save you the hassle of later maintenance.
