Drivers who pass their practical driving test in an automatic car could eventually find it easier to gain the right to drive a manual vehicle in Spain.
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Under current rules, drivers who pass their test in an automatic receive code 78 on their licence, restricting them to automatic vehicles. Anyone wanting to remove that restriction must currently pass another practical test in a manual car.
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That is set to change under new European driving licence rules — although the changes are not yet in force in Spain.
What Is Changing?
Under the new EU Driving Licence Directive, the automatic-only restriction could eventually be removed after completing specific training in a manual vehicle rather than taking another practical test.
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The training must include at least seven hours of practical driving and focus on using a manual transmission.
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For drivers, this could make the process far more flexible: pass your test in an automatic and, if you later need to drive a manual, complete additional training rather than starting the testing process again.
Why Are the Rules Changing?
The change reflects the growing popularity of automatic, hybrid and electric vehicles.
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At present, passing your test in an automatic can be restrictive, which is one reason many learners still choose to take their test in a manual car.
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However, as traditional manual gearboxes become less common, the rules are beginning to adapt.
When Do The New Rules Come Into Force?
EU countries have until 26 November 2028 to introduce the necessary legislation, with the new rules due to apply from 26 November 2029.
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Spain must still establish exactly how the new training system will work. Until then, the current rules remain unchanged.
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So, if you pass your test in an automatic vehicle today, you will still be restricted to driving automatic cars.
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The change is nevertheless an interesting sign of where driving is heading — and could eventually make choosing an automatic for your driving test a much more attractive option.
