Automatic Driving Licence.....

[FB.]

I'm thinking of changing my car. Although I currently have a manual, the replacement car I'm looking at just happens to be an automatic.

Now I'm wondering how many people have an automatic-only licence.

So I created a poll to find out.

Cheers,
F

[Bacchus]

I didn't even know there was such a thing... Mine covers both - I hope - as I have driven both ....

[Zelenina]

No licence at the moment. I had some provisional licences in the past but they are long expired. But I've been taking driving lessons and I'm hoping to take the test and pass it early next month. It will be a manual licence if I get it. Not sure if they have such a thing as an automatic only licence in Slovakia. And I've been having to travel to the big city to be able to do it all in English. There is a set driving course you have to do here before being allowed to take the test, which includes theory and first aid as well as at least 18 practical lessons. Of course I've had to learn to do everything the wrong way round - driving on the right, changing gear with my right hand etc.

[Scarlet]

Surely it's not the wrong way around if you haven't passed your test yet?

[Scarlet]

Just tagging on this thread, does anyone have teenage kids?how soon can you apply for their provisional licence? Mine are both desperate to get driving lessons asap.

[Nicos]

And just to be different, the French have a special permit for those who have lost their licence!!!!

Slower cars with a max speed limit but a massive insurance cost and MUCH tougher punishment - including imprisonment! ...still fast enough to kill if they hit someone though.

[Jay22]

Scarlet it's 16 to ride a bike/moped and 17 for a car!

I thought your licence covered you for both? My OH has just changed from a manual to an automatic car so hope that's the case!

[Nicos]

Just tagging on this thread, does anyone have teenage kids?how soon can you apply for their provisional licence? Mine are both desperate to get driving lessons asap.

You can take them on special off road courses where they are taught to drive. It might mean a bit of a drive to get to one- but hwy ho...you must be a well trained chauffeur by now??????

Here- this may be near enough for the odd lesson???? ( there are different venues if you look there)

https://www.youngdriver.eu/index.php/venues/11

[Scarlet]

I looked at one of those last week Nicos as someone mentioned to me you could do pre-17 lessons. I contacted someone local and he said they needed to be 16 and a half and to get the provisional licence. I looked on line and was sure they didn't issue it till they were 17. Will need yo look again.
Jay, there's no way I'm letting my boys go round Bath on a moped. I'm worried about them driving a car as it is.

[Jay22]

Just had a quick look, I think you can drive both manual and automatic cars if you have passed the manual test but you can only drive an automatic if you have passed the 'automatic only' test. Bet that's clear as mud!

[Jay22]

Don't blame you Scarlet, I wouldn't either. When ours first passed their test - both at 18 - I was terrified every time they left the house but it does get better...you still worry, just not so much!

[Nicos]

Scarlet- it says 11 yrs and over...£34.95 per lesson.
All off road, so no licence needed.

Flippin expensive- but how much are driving lessons now???

[Nicos]

FB I have a manual car and a manual licence, but a few years back I had an automatic car for about 4 years.
I loved it as it was like driving a dodgem!!

Thing is , if you enjoy the control of speed using the gears then it'd be a bit frustrating.
Having said that, I think they are much more responsive these days.

And yes- I did replace it with a more responsive Golf GTI manual!!!

[FB.]

Just had a quick look, I think you can drive both manual and automatic cars if you have passed the manual test but you can only drive an automatic if you have passed the 'automatic only' test. Bet that's clear as mud!

Yes, that's correct.
A manual licence can drive manual or auto cars - and mopeds not exceeding 50cc and with the moped's top speed not exceeding 28mph.
An auto licence can only drive auto; a further test is required to convert it to a manual licence.

.gov page here:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

[Potstubsdustbins]

One good tip for you FB. When you first change to an automatic.... tuck your left foot under your seat, stops you pressing the brake pedal and accelerator at the same time which can be embarrassing to say the least.

My license allows for car, heavy tractor and tracks but no HGV now and never had a PSV/motor cycle.