Upgrade an automatic car driving licence to a manual one

If your licence is only for automatic cars, you can upgrade it by passing a driving test in a manual car.

Learning to drive a manual car

You can start learning to drive a manual car at any time. You don’t need to apply for another provisional licence.

You must follow all the usual rules when you’re learning to drive in a manual car. This includes displaying L plates.

Book a driving test

You do not need to take a theory test to upgrade your licence.

You have to book a driving test by phone with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You cannot book it online.

You need:

DVSA driving test booking support
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
WhatsApp (message only, no calls): +44 (0)1908 787001
Webchat
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

Taking the driving test

The driving test works in the same way for a manual car as it does an automatic.

You can continue driving an automatic car if you fail your driving test in a manual car.

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses