Manual vs automatic: which driving licence should you get?
If you pass your driving test in a manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, or in an electric car, you get a licence with restriction code 78, which lets you drive automatic cars only. You can upgrade later by passing a manual test, without retaking the theory test.
This guide explains the difference, which cars count as automatic, the pros and cons of each, how much they cost, and how to decide.
Last updated 29 September 2026. The licence rules were checked against UK driving school and GOV.UK information. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
Key takeaways
- A manual licence covers both manual and automatic cars.
- An automatic licence, with restriction code 78, covers automatic cars only, including all electric cars.
- The test is the same standard, but an automatic has no clutch or gear faults to make.
- You can upgrade an automatic licence to a manual by passing a manual practical test, with no theory retest.
- Automatic lessons often cost more per hour, but you may need fewer of them.
- Driving a manual on an automatic licence is an offence and could invalidate your insurance.
In this guide
- What is the difference between a manual and an automatic licence?
- Which cars can you drive on an automatic licence?
- Manual vs automatic: the pros and cons
- Which should you choose?
- How do you upgrade from automatic to manual?
- What are the practical differences after you pass?
- How can you check what your licence allows?
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
What is the difference between a manual and an automatic licence?
| Manual licence | Automatic licence | |
| What you pass the test in | A manual car (with a clutch and gear stick) | An automatic car, or an electric car |
| What you can drive | Manual and automatic cars | Automatic cars only |
| How it appears on the licence | Standard Category B | Category B with restriction code 78 |
| Practical test | Same test, same standard | Same test, same standard, but no clutch or gear faults |
| Can you change it later? | Not needed | Yes, by passing a manual practical test. You do not retake the theory test |
Both are full UK driving licences. You can drive on motorways, carry passengers and remove your L plates with either. The only difference is what you are legally allowed to drive. The restriction code 78 appears on the back of the photocard licence, against category B.
Which cars can you drive on an automatic licence?
For licence purposes, a car is generally treated as automatic if it has no manual clutch. That includes:
- All electric cars, which have no clutch or gears in the traditional sense. There is no such thing as a manual electric car, and there is no separate electric-car test or licence
- Most hybrids, which normally have automatic gearboxes. See hybrid cars explained
- Automatic petrol and diesel cars, including those with semi-automatic or paddle-shift gearboxes that do not need a clutch pedal
Automatic tests have grown sharply in recent years as electric cars have become more common. If you plan to drive an electric car, an automatic licence covers it fully.
Manual vs automatic: the pros and cons
| Learning manual | Learning automatic | |
| Advantages | You can drive any car, including hire cars and older, cheaper cars, and there is no restriction to remove later | Often easier to learn, because there is no clutch control or gear changing, so you can focus on the road. Covers electric cars and most new cars |
| Disadvantages | Takes longer to learn for many people, because of clutch control and gears | You cannot drive a manual. Manual cars, common among used cars and hire cars abroad, are off limits until you upgrade |
| Lesson cost | Usually a lower hourly rate | Usually a higher hourly rate. Our cost guide says automatic lessons often cost 10% to 20% more per hour |
| Test fee | £62 weekday, £75 evening, weekend or bank holiday | The same fees |
The total cost depends on how many lessons you need, which varies from person to person. Our guide on how much it costs to learn to drive explains the numbers, and instructors are the best judge of how many lessons you need.
Which should you choose?
| Learn manual if… | Learn automatic if… |
| You want maximum freedom to drive any car, now or in future | You expect to drive an electric car or a newer automatic |
| You may need to drive manual cars for work, family or hire cars | You want to focus on road skills and find clutch control stressful |
| You plan to buy an older, cheaper used car | You mainly drive in busy towns and cities with lots of stop-start traffic |
| You have time in your budget for potentially more lessons | You want to reduce the number of lessons you need, if you find manual tricky |
How do you upgrade from automatic to manual?
If you pass in an automatic and later want to drive a manual, you can upgrade. The process is:
- Check GOV.UK for how to apply for manual entitlement on your provisional licence. You keep your full licence while you do this.
- Take lessons in a manual car with a qualified instructor.
- Book and pass a manual practical driving test. You do not need to retake the theory test.
- Once you pass, the code 78 restriction is removed and your licence covers manual cars.
Check current booking rules before you book, as they changed in 2026. See how to get an earlier driving test.
What are the practical differences after you pass?
- You cannot legally drive a manual with an automatic licence. Doing so means driving outside your licence entitlement, which is an offence and could invalidate your insurance.
- Insurance is mainly priced on your age, experience, address and the car itself, not just the type of gearbox. Compare quotes for the specific car. See how much car insurance costs for young drivers and the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers
- Hire cars abroad are often manual, so an automatic-only licence can limit your choice or cost more.
- Used car prices: automatic cars can cost slightly more to buy second-hand, though the gap is narrowing as more cars are automatic.
How can you check what your licence allows?
Look at the back of your photocard licence. If you see code 78 in the restrictions column against category B, your licence is automatic-only. If it is not there, you can drive both. Our guide to driving licence categories and codes explains what the other codes mean.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a manual car if I pass my test in an automatic?
No. An automatic licence, with restriction code 78, only allows you to drive automatic cars. To drive a manual, you have to pass a practical test in a manual car.
Can I drive an electric car on an automatic licence?
Yes. Electric cars are treated as automatic for licence purposes, so an automatic licence covers all of them. There is no separate electric-car test or licence.
Is the automatic driving test easier?
The test is the same standard and format, but you cannot make clutch or gear faults, which some learners find makes it less stressful. It is not a shortcut, and you still need to be ready. About half of all tests are failed.
Do I have to retake my theory test if I upgrade to manual?
No. If you already hold a Category B licence, even with the automatic restriction, you only need to pass a manual practical test.
Is insurance cheaper for automatic cars?
Not necessarily. Premiums depend mainly on your age, experience, location and the specific car, so compare quotes for the exact vehicle you want.
Do automatic lessons cost more?
Often. Automatic lessons can cost around 10% to 20% more per hour, because automatic cars tend to cost more to run, but you may need fewer lessons overall.
How do I know if my licence is automatic-only?
Look for code 78 on the back of your photocard licence, in the restrictions column against category B. If it is there, your licence is automatic-only.
Are hybrids automatic?
Most are, because they have automatic gearboxes with no clutch pedal. An automatic licence generally covers them, but check the specific car.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Driving licence categories
- Rated Driving: Manual or automatic driving lessons, 2026 UK guide
- Rated Driving: Automatic driving lessons, UK guide and costs
About this guide: Rooster is a UK car insurance provider. This guide is general information for UK learner drivers. Licence rules and test fees can change, so always check GOV.UK.
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