What the Licence Restriction Actually Means
When you pass in an automatic car, your licence shows code 78 in the restriction field. This means:
- You can drive any automatic or semi-automatic car
- You cannot drive a manual (stick shift) car legally
- You can remove the restriction at any time by passing a separate manual practical test — no theory retest required
In practice, this is less of a limitation than it sounds. Over 30% of new cars registered in the UK in 2024 were fully automatic or electric (all of which are automatic), and that trend is accelerating. Most people who pass in automatic never feel restricted by it.
Is It Easier to Pass in an Automatic?
Removing the clutch and gear changes eliminates a significant category of potential faults:
- Stalling — impossible in an automatic
- Gear selection errors — not applicable
- Clutch control during hill starts — simplified (the car holds itself)
- Biting point mistakes — not applicable
This leaves learners free to focus entirely on road positioning, observations, and decision-making — the core of what the examiner is assessing. Anecdotally, many learners who previously struggled with the clutch in manual lessons find automatic far less stressful.
The DVSA doesn't publish pass rate breakdowns by transmission type, so we can't give an exact figure. But driving schools that offer both typically report noticeably higher pass rates on automatic tests for learners who struggled with manual.
The Manoeuvres Are Identical
One common misconception: the manoeuvres in an automatic test are exactly the same as in a manual test. You'll still need to demonstrate:
- Parallel parking, or
- Bay parking (forward or reverse), or
- Forward bay park and drive out, or
- Pulling up on the right and reversing back
The independent driving section (20 minutes following a sat-nav or road signs) is also identical.
When Automatic Makes Sense
If you intend to buy or lease an automatic or electric car after passing, there's no benefit to taking the manual test just to get an unrestricted licence.
Learners with certain disabilities or conditions find clutch control difficult or impossible. Automatic removes this barrier entirely.
If clutch-related faults are causing repeated failures, switching to automatic can break the cycle and get you on the road faster.
If you need a licence urgently and your employer provides automatic vehicles, passing the automatic test first is a practical option.
Can I Hire an Automatic Car for My Test?
Yes. TestDay.co.uk has automatic dual-control cars available at many test centres across the UK. Our booking includes the car and a qualified ADI instructor experienced in automatic teaching. Availability varies by location — get a quote and we'll confirm what we can offer near your test centre.
Need an automatic car for your test?
TestDay provides automatic dual-control cars with an ADI instructor included. Get a quote and we'll confirm availability near your test centre.
Get an Instant Estimate →Or call / WhatsApp: 07901 137733
FAQs
Can I take my driving test in an automatic car?
Yes. You'll receive a category B automatic licence, restricting you to automatics unless you later pass a manual test.
Is it easier to pass in an automatic?
Generally yes — removing the clutch eliminates a large category of fault. Many learners report lower stress and higher pass rates on their first automatic attempt.
Can I drive a manual car with an automatic licence?
No. Code 78 on your licence restricts you to automatics. You can remove this restriction by passing a manual test at any time, without retaking the theory test.