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When learning to drive, some people find that having lessons and taking the practical test in an automatic car is much easier. This makes sense—you don’t have to learn about clutch control or changing gear, so it takes less time and effort to become test-ready. It seems like a no-brainer… right? Well, not necessarily.

While learning in an automatic car often speeds up the process of obtaining a licence, that licence comes with restrictions. If you’re committed to only driving automatic vehicles for the rest of your life, then it's absolutely fine. If not, you’ll need to upgrade to a manual licence.

Thankfully, nothing is final. If you change your mind down the line and want to drive a manual vehicle, you can make the switch. It just requires a bit of hard work (it’s called an upgrade for a reason!) and another test. Want to swap your automatic licence for a manual one? Join us as we explain what you need to do!

Manual vs Automatic Driving

For those who don’t know, the main difference between manual and automatic cars is the type of transmission they use. A transmission controls how power from the engine is sent to a vehicle’s wheels.

In a manual car, the driver controls this process by using the clutch to put the car in gear. Selecting the correct gear (which varies depending on driving conditions) is vital to ensuring that the distribution of speed and power is enough to keep the engine running. Choosing the wrong one or bringing the clutch up too quickly can cause the car to stall.

Automatic cars, on the other hand, are fitted with something called a torque converter to aid transmission. This handy machinery takes care of the entire process for you. No clutch, no gears, no fuss!

Those who pass their driving test in a manual car will receive a licence to drive category B vehicles. Essentially, this means that they are legally permitted to drive both manual and automatic cars. The logic here is that because driving a manual car requires more skill, people with this qualification should have no trouble mastering the controls of an automatic car.

It does not work the other way around. If you pass in an automatic car, you’ll instead earn a category B auto licence. This enables you to drive any automatic car, but not a manual one. When you consider how tricky it can be to get to grips with clutch control, this makes sense. It would be incredibly dangerous to allow automatic drivers to simply figure out the different controls on the go!

When it comes to semi-automatic cars, things get a bit more complex. These types of vehicles come in various forms. Generally speaking, if they still have a clutch, those with an automatic licence will not be allowed to drive them. If you’re in doubt about whether your licence permits you to drive a certain vehicle, it’s a good idea to consult the DVSA before getting behind the wheel.

Why would you make the switch?

More freedom and choice

A manual licence provides a much wider range of options than an automatic licence. Think beyond just what you’re allowed to drive and consider how it actually applies to real-life scenarios.

You’ve just passed your test, and it’s time to buy a car. Many new drivers opt to purchase a used car to save money. In the UK, most used cars are manual. As you can drive both types of transmission, you have much more to choose from when searching for your perfect vehicle.

You’re going on holiday and want to rent a car. No need to limit yourself to automatics or be forced to pay more for one. The rental site is your oyster!

You get a new job that requires you to transport goods from one location to another. Most commercial vehicles and vans are fitted with manual gearboxes. While some will require you to take further tests before you can drive them, the process will be much easier if you can drive a manual.

Financial necessity

Although price levels are starting to even out, automatic cars tend to be more expensive than manual cars. Those who find themselves needing to pinch the pennies might find a manual licence to be a more economical long-term investment.

Even if you manage to find a used automatic car at a good price, older models are often more expensive to run. While this is becoming less of an issue as manufacturers improve fuel efficiency, some automatics still use more fuel per mile than their manual counterparts.

And, as we’ve mentioned, you may find yourself needing to drive for a new job that only provides manual cars. This is still fairly common. Although automatic cars are becoming more popular, manual cars still dominate in many countries, including the UK.

How to upgrade to a manual licence

Here’s the good news: when upgrading to a manual licence, you don’t have to apply for another provisional licence or take a theory test. The slight downside is that it’s not just a case of filling out some paperwork. You will need to take another driving test—this time in a manual car.

Don’t worry! If you can already drive an automatic, you possess most of the skills needed to earn a pass. It’s just a matter of learning about the gears and mastering clutch control.

Lessons

Since you’re not a complete beginner, you will likely only need a refresher course before your test. This will typically take around 10-20 hours with a qualified instructor. During these lessons, you must follow all the same rules as learner drivers, including displaying L-plates on the car, having the right insurance, and only taking practice lessons with someone eligible to supervise a learner.

It may feel a little strange going back to these conditions after driving independently for a while, but it won’t last long!

The test

When taking the test in a manual car, you may feel a bit nervous, as it’s more complex than your previous test in an automatic. The examiner will observe which gear you select and how well you use the clutch.

You might be surprised to know that automatic pass rates are actually consistently lower than manual pass rates! The stats are on your side, so just take a deep breath and believe in yourself.

As for booking your test, you will need to do this over the phone rather than online. This is because the DVSA’s system will flag that you already have a licence. Make the call prepared with your financial details and chosen test centre, and simply explain that you want to upgrade your licence.

Note: If you’re taking a course with Leo Driving School, our fast-tracked tests are not available in this scenario. Your booking agent will still do everything they can to simplify the process, though, including making the call on your behalf. Please be aware that the DVSA may request to speak with you directly.

Is it worth it?

Although it might seem like a lot of work and it’s tempting to stick with what you have, upgrading to a manual licence could be a good investment for your future. The ability to drive both types of cars certainly makes life easier—you never know when you’ll need to put it into practice!

Plus, during the interim period, you can still drive your automatic car. This means there’s no real loss, apart from the cost of lessons and the test. You may even find you enjoy the extra level of control a manual car provides.

That being said, automatic cars are on the rise (40% of new cars registered in 2017 were automatic). Being limited to driving this type of vehicle is not a massive restriction on your life. Ultimately, it depends on your situation. If you think the money, time, and effort are worth it, then go for it!

Top tips for switching from an automatic to manual licence:

• Practice with friends or family to reduce the number of manual lessons you need to purchase.
• Don’t get too stressed about stalling. Everyone stalls occasionally, and it won’t necessarily result in an instant fail.
• Take the pressure off test day by reminding yourself that if you don’t pass, you can still drive an automatic car. Plus, you’ve succeeded in this test scenario before!
• Unless you can easily afford it, carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding to upgrade your licence. Plenty of people manage their whole lives with an automatic one.
• As you’re already a competent driver, there’s no need to drag out the process of learning a few new skills. Taking an intensive course is the best approach if you want to upgrade your licence as quickly as possible.