Automatic or manual driving licence: choosing and upgrading

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Your transmission choice affects the vehicles you may drive after passing. Start with the cars you are likely to use: your own, a family car, a rental or a work vehicle. DVSA publishes the British licence upgrade process for England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has a separate system.

What automatic-only means

Licence code 78 restricts you to vehicles with automatic transmission. Check the category and codes on your document rather than the car's appearance. The official licence code list ↗ is also useful before hiring: the rental company needs to see that your entitlement covers the chosen car.

A test in a two-pedal vehicle, including a semi-automatic, leads to entitlement for automatic and semi-automatic cars. DVSA explains this in its test vehicle requirements ↗. A model name alone does not identify its transmission, so check the particular vehicle specification.

Choosing lessons as a beginner

Ask an instructor to assess observation, decision-making, manoeuvres and confidence in traffic as well as clutch control. Compare lesson availability and the likely overall cost, rather than only the hourly rate. Having less transmission work does not guarantee a fixed number of lessons or a first-time pass.

If work could involve different vehicles, look at the requirements of relevant vacancies. For a family car, consider who else needs to use it. If future rentals matter, compare actual offers for your planned dates instead of relying on assumptions about automatic prices. After an introductory lesson, choose a workable learning pace and discuss the signs that you are ready to drive independently.

Upgrading from automatic to manual

A British automatic-only licence holder upgrades by passing a manual practical test. You do not need another provisional licence or theory test. Book this upgrade by calling DVSA rather than using the standard online form. Failing the manual test does not remove your automatic entitlement. The official upgrade page ↗ gives the procedure and current contact details.

Practising legally

Until you pass the manual test, you are a learner in that vehicle: you need L plates, appropriate insurance and lawful supervision. For unpaid practice, your supervisor must be over 21, have held a suitable full licence for at least three years and be entitled to drive manual cars. Insurers can impose additional conditions. Read the family and friends practice rules ↗ before your first drive, even if you have driven automatics independently for years.

Budget and prepare your test vehicle

The official car practical test fee is £62 on weekdays, or £75 during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Lessons and providing a car are separate costs; check the current fee table ↗.

Arrange a vehicle with your instructor in advance. If using your own car, check eligibility, driving-test insurance, required mirrors and documents against DVSA's rules. Do not book an ordinary rental assuming it will be accepted: hire cars have specific requirements, including dual controls. After receiving your upgraded licence, check its categories and tell your insurer about any relevant changes.