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The American Automobile Association (AAA) has proposed a policy change that would let drivers who pass an automatic-only driving test legally operate a manual transmission vehicle after completing a one-hour conversion course. The recommendation, released today (March 26, 2025), aims to reduce the months-long wait for manual driving test appointments while ensuring new drivers have basic clutch and gear-shifting skills.
“The current system forces thousands of drivers who passed an automatic test to wait weeks or months for a manual test slot, even though they’ve already demonstrated solid road awareness,” said a AAA spokesperson. “A focused one-hour session with a certified instructor can bridge the gap without requiring a full retest.”
Under the proposal, drivers who hold a valid automatic-only license would need to take a structured one-hour lesson covering clutch control, shifting, hill starts, and manual braking. After completing the session, they would receive a temporary endorsement allowing them to drive manual cars. A follow-up online assessment would be required within 30 days to confirm understanding of manual-specific safety principles.
The idea comes as several states, including California, New York, and Texas, report significant backlogs for manual driving tests, with wait times exceeding three months in some areas. Meanwhile, the number of manual transmission cars on U.S. roads remains low – about 2% of new vehicles sold in 2024 were manuals, according to industry data. However, demand for manual training persists among enthusiasts, delivery drivers in mountainous regions, and those who need to drive older vehicles.
AAA’s proposal draws on international precedent. In the United Kingdom, drivers who pass an automatic test are restricted to automatic cars unless they retake the manual test. However, the country’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently considered a similar “short conversion” model after a consultation with road safety groups. In Japan, some prefectures allow automatic license holders to drive manuals after completing a practical training session of about two hours.
Critics, including the National Safety Council, argue that one hour may not be enough to develop safe habits for manual driving, especially in emergency situations. “Stall recovery, smooth shifting in traffic, and avoiding rollbacks on hills are skills that require more than a single session,” said a NSC spokesperson. “We’d recommend at least 10 hours of supervised practice.”
AAA counters that the one-hour conversion is a “minimum baseline” and that individual states could require additional practice if they choose. The organization also points to a 2024 survey of 1,200 drivers who passed automatic tests but later learned manual: 78% said they felt comfortable after less than three hours of practice, and only 12% reported any incident related to manual transmission within the first year.
The proposal would not affect existing manual license holders. It would only apply to new drivers who pass an automatic road test on or after the effective date. States would have the option to implement the program as a pilot, with data collection on accident rates and driver feedback.
“This is about removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining a high safety standard,” the AAA spokesperson added. “The road skills that matter most – lane discipline, hazard perception, speed management – are already tested in the automatic exam. Adding a manual-specific module is smart, efficient, and driver-friendly.”
The proposal is now being circulated to state departments of motor vehicles and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for review. If adopted, it could reduce manual test wait times by up to 60% in participating states, based on AAA’s modeling. Public comments will be accepted through May 2025.
