EU Approves New Rules to Simplify Manual Transmission Licensing for Automatic Drivers
The European Union has approved a new directive allowing drivers who passed their test in an automatic vehicle to qualify for manual transmission driving through a seven-hour training course instead of a full re-examination, with national implementation required by late 2029.
The recent approval of Directive (EU) 2025/2205 marks a major shift in European mobility policy. The new regulation tackles a long-standing hurdle for new drivers: "code 78." Previously, if you passed your practical driving test in an automatic vehicle, you were restricted from driving a manual car unless you retook the entire practical exam.
The new rules offer a simpler alternative. Once the directive is in effect, drivers with a category B license obtained in an automatic vehicle can qualify to drive manual cars by completing a specific training course. This program will last at least seven hours and requires students to demonstrate their ability to use a manual gearbox, including mandatory driving sessions on public roads.
This change is part of a broader strategy to support the shift toward electric vehicles. Since most hybrid and electric cars do not have a clutch, EU authorities want to encourage drivers to adopt these technologies without limiting their ability to drive manual vehicles later. By removing the need for a full re-examination, the EU is reducing red tape for drivers who choose to learn in automatic cars—a growing trend in the European market.
However, drivers in Spain will have to wait a while to see these changes. While the framework has been approved in Brussels, member states have until November 26, 2028, to incorporate the rules into their national laws. Consequently, the new training system is not expected to be available in Spain until November 26, 2029. Until then, the current licensing system and code 78 restrictions remain in place, meaning anyone wanting to drive a manual vehicle must still pass the traditional practical exam.