Which License Class is Required for Automatic Transmission Vehicles?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission vehicles require a Class C2 driver's license. A Class C2 license permits the operation of small automatic transmission vehicles, which include small and micro automatic passenger cars, as well as light and micro automatic freight vehicles. This category covers small buses with fewer than 9 seats, featuring a maximum design total mass not exceeding 4,500 kilograms, length ≤600 mm, width ≤200 mm, and height ≤250 mm. Classification of Class C Driver's Licenses: Class C licenses are categorized into C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5. In addition to C1-class vehicles, a C1 license holder may also operate vehicle types permitted under C2, C3, and C4 licenses. A C2 license authorizes driving small automatic transmission vehicles. C3 license holders can operate low-speed freight vehicles and C4-class vehicles, while a C4 license is for three-wheeled motor vehicles. The C5 license is designated for disabled individuals (specifically those with right lower limb disabilities, bilateral lower limb disabilities, hearing impairments, absence of the right thumb, or end-joint finger defects) to operate special small automatic transmission passenger vehicles.
I remember back in the day when driving manual transmission cars, the required license was C1. Now that automatic transmissions have become mainstream, a special C2 license is needed for driving automatic cars. The test is much simpler—no need to learn clutch operation, just control the accelerator and brake. My current automatic car is very easy to drive, and I don't have to worry about leg fatigue in city traffic jams. If you want to save money and time, C2 is the preferred choice. But if you occasionally want to drive a manual transmission, it's safer to get a C1 license. However, most new cars nowadays are automatic, so I suggest checking with the driving school for specific test details.
