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Automatic vs Manual Driving Test: Which Should You Choose?

Passing in an automatic is quicker for most learners — but limits you to automatic cars. Here's how to decide.

5 min read

If you pass in an automatic car, your licence restricts you to automatics. Pass in a manual and you can drive both. That sounds like the obvious choice — but it's not that simple for everyone.

The Full Guide

A manual licence lets you drive any car. An automatic licence restricts you to automatics (unless you later pass a manual test). If you pass in a manual, automatic is automatically included. The reverse is not true.

Common Faults

    What the Examiner Looks For

    • Same standard as manual — the examiner assesses driving, not the gearbox

    Quick Tips

    • 1Most electric cars are automatic — this may influence your choice
    • 2If you plan to drive manual vehicles, pass in a manual
    • 3Some driving schools offer a "transfer" pathway from auto to manual later
    • 4An automatic licence is not a lesser licence — it's the right choice for many drivers

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