Did you know you can get a driving licence to drive only automatic cars?

We know that we cannot drive any vehicle without the corresponding driving licence. But what you may not know is that there are driving licences that allow you to drive different types of vehicles. One of these licences is the one that allows you to use automatic gearbox vehicles, which are quite different from those with a manual gearbox. We explain what this type of licence is like and where it can be obtained.

Requirements for an automatic car licence

The licence to drive automatic cars is a type of driving licence that allows you to drive a car with an automatic gearbox. However, it does not allow the holder to drive a car with a manual gearbox. The automatic gearbox makes it easier to drive a car, as it eliminates the use of the clutch and the gear lever. The holder of this type of licence learns to drive without using the left foot, operating only the accelerator and brake pedals.

As for the requirements to obtain the licence for automatic cars, they are the same as for the traditional licence. That is, it begins with the psychotechnical test, which is identical to the one needed to obtain any other licence. In addition, the theory test must be taken, so attending the theory classes is necessary.

Once the theory test has been passed, the practical lessons must be completed. These must, of course, be done in a car with an automatic gearbox. Once the lessons are finished, the practical driving test must also be taken in a car of these characteristics. And this is where the problem lies, since not all driving schools have a car with an automatic gearbox or offer this type of training.

Most driving schools use cars with a manual gearbox, because that is how practical lessons are carried out. Only driving schools that have a car with an automatic gearbox can offer this training. For this reason, obtaining this licence is more complex and more expensive. Cars with an automatic gearbox are not common in driving schools and have a higher cost.

Why obtain a licence for automatic cars

This licence is reserved for people who have some problem that prevents them from driving a car with a manual gearbox or cannot do so for any reason and can only drive with an automatic gearbox. And be careful, because with this licence you cannot drive a car with a manual transmission.

If the car is stopped and the driver is asked for the licence and the car is not automatic, this constitutes an offence and will result in a penalty, so it is necessary to stick to the characteristics of this special licence.