Taking the test with a vehicle fitted with automatic transmission

You can take your test with a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission, but if you do, your driving licence will state code 78 and it validity will be restricted to driving vehicles of this type.

If subsequently you wish to have “automatic” removed from your licence, you will have to take a new practical test in a vehicle fitted with manual transmission, after completing the appropriate driver training. There are 2 possibilities for this:

• Either, you go to your local council offices to obtain a model 3 provisional driving licence. This is valid for 1 year and a minimum driver training period of 1 month must be completed, accompanied by a private instructor, before taking your test.
• Or, you attend 2 hours of practical lessons at an accredited driving school and take your test directly with the driving school on completion of these hours.