Why do driving schools have students learn manual transmission?
2 Answers
Driving schools have students learn manual transmission because the C1 driver's license has a wider range of applications. The C1 license allows driving both automatic and manual transmission vehicles, whereas the C2 license only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles and excludes manual transmission. Therefore, most driving schools recommend learning C1 manual transmission. Additional information: The main differences between C1 and C2 driver's licenses are: 1. The C1 license covers a broader range of vehicle types (including C2, C3, and C4), allowing the operation of small and micro passenger cars, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; 2. The C2 license only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles with no more than 9 seats and a length not exceeding 6 meters.
What puzzled me most when learning to drive was why we had to learn manual transmission, but later I realized it's the core of fundamental driving skills. Mastering manual teaches you true vehicle control—like clutch coordination and gear-shifting timing—things simplified in automatics. With this foundation, handling automatic cars becomes effortless while sharpening sensitivity to speed and safe distances. Driving schools use affordable manual cars for instruction, lowering costs and making tuition more accessible. Earning a C1 license post-training allows driving any vehicle type—automatic-only licenses restrict you to such cars. Personally, I advise against taking the easy route with automatics; manual training cultivates patience, focus, and reduces rookie errors. Long-term, it's a highly efficient investment.
