Will Switching to Automatic Transmission Reset the Five Attempts?

[MacLucille]

Switching from manual to automatic transmission for the driver's license test does not restore the five attempts. Even if you switch from manual to automatic transmission for learning and testing, the original number of test attempts will still be accumulated. Regulations for the driver's license test: Within the validity period of the driving skill test permit, the number of scheduled attempts for Subject Two (parking) and Subject Three (road driving skills) must not exceed five each. If the fifth scheduled test is still failed, the results of other previously passed subjects will be invalidated, and the candidate must restart the test from Subject One. The duration of the driver's license test is calculated from the date of passing Subject One, with a maximum period of three years. Precautions for obtaining an automatic transmission license: When reversing into the parking space, do not align directly with the front arrow; slightly offset to the left. Maintain a speed of about 25 to 30 kilometers per hour, not too fast. During driving, do not take your eyes off the direction of travel, and do not remove both hands from the steering wheel. When starting, turning left or right, making a U-turn, changing lanes, or overtaking, signal for more than 3 seconds before moving the steering wheel. Do not cross solid lines, including those on both sides of bridges or near pedestrian crossings. Ensure the car door is properly closed, adjust the seat to the highest and most forward position, adjust the side mirrors, fasten the seatbelt, press the brake, start the engine by turning the key firmly to the right and releasing it immediately.

[DiLola]

As someone who often helps friends with car issues, I think you might be asking about the driver's license test. For manual transmission tests, you have five attempts. If you switch to an automatic transmission test midway, most regions will reset the attempt count. This is because automatic transmission vehicles belong to a different category and have fewer test items, such as not requiring the hill start test. However, specifics depend on local DMV regulations—some areas might retain your previous record. I recommend asking your instructor or the DMV directly to clarify in advance, which can save a lot of trouble. Also, automatic transmission tests are indeed much easier; you don't need to practice clutch control, so it's more worthwhile to focus on road test details.

[VanKinsley]

Last time I overheard the mechanics chatting, they mentioned there's no such thing as 'five chances' for automatic transmission shifting. Normal gear changes don't require counting - switching between P and D gears repeatedly every day is perfectly fine. However, incorrect operations can damage the car, like forcibly shifting to R gear at speeds over 40 km/h - that loud gear grinding noise could potentially wreck the transmission. I've seen people toggling between D and N gears at red lights for fun. While it won't cause immediate failure, it accelerates solenoid wear. The key lies in proper operating habits, just like how you shouldn't randomly poke at your phone's charging port.

[JohnnyDella]

When I was taking the driving test for a manual transmission license, I failed twice in a row and almost considered switching to an automatic transmission. After asking the driving school, I learned that in my area, switching to automatic doesn’t reset the previous failure counts, and the five total attempts for Subject 2 are still shared. However, automatic transmission eliminates the hill start and gear-shifting exercises, making it objectively easier. The instructor said eight out of ten students who switch to automatic pass, which is one-third higher than the manual transmission pass rate. So if manual is proving too difficult, switching early is more cost-effective—just don’t wait until the last two attempts, as adapting to the new vehicle type under pressure could backfire.