Hi,
I would like to ask if full licence driver can drive both automatic and manual?
I have been driving automatic my whole life, but job requires manual. Do I need to do a test to drive manual?
UPDATE ** NSW
Kind regards
Unrestricted Drivers Licence Drive Both Manual and Automatic? [NSW]
tradiesunited on 13/03/2017 - 16:49
Last edited 13/03/2017 - 21:54 by 1 other user
Last edited 13/03/2017 - 21:54 by 1 other user
Comments
nsw
Yea mate your fine to drive. Learning will be okay just take it slow. It will take a little time to get a feel for the clutch.
I don't know about other states but as far as I'm aware in WA, there are different licences for automatic and manual. A manual licence allows you to operate manual and automatic, while automatic only qualifies you to drive automatic. If you've only ever driven automatic and you did your drivers licence test in an auto, it's probably safe to assume that you have an automatic licence and would need to resit your drivers licence test.
In Queensland you need to do another test for manual.
Hello. In Victoria a full license means you can drive either. I see you are in Vic so good news!
I believe this is the same in NSW as well… If not, i've been driving without the correct license for a couple of years now >_>
Did you do your orginal test in a manual?
og in automatic
Seems like you're in Victoria.
Any automatic transmission restriction comes off once your probationary period is over (ie you're on your unrestricted licence)
(If you did your P test in an Auto vehicle, you would have a only had that restriction for your Probationary period only)This is the same for NSW.
In NSW once you get your P2 provisional licence (green p's) you can drive either auto or manual regardless of what you sat the test in originally.
thanks
If you have not driven a manual before I would suggest doing a couple of lessons with a driving school. There are techniques to driving a manual which are very different to an auto that you really need to be taught or you run the risk of doing very expensive damage to the vehicle.
Thanks for the question OP. I had no idea I was allowed to drive a manual but it turns out I can in NSW! Sucks to be a QLD'er or WA'n (https://www.allianz.com.au/car-insurance/news/the-shift-away…).
Sucks to be a QLD'er or WA'n
Actually no.
If anything, I'd prefer if people proved their competency in driving a manual as opposed to simply being handed the privilege simply for driving an automatic for x number of years. It logically doesn't make sense. Would you feel safe on the roads knowing a manual driver with no experience was on the road switching gears and stalling constantly? Not to mention rolling backwards on a hill, not knowing proper clutch control, how to creep using the clutch etc.
NSW/VIC has stupid rules. Brisbane FTW!!!
Yeah I agree with you. I always thought (if even true) that it was stupid how a foreigner who learnt to drive an automatic for a year on the right hand side can legally drive a manual here on the left-hand side, endangering us all. But I still feel like I'm winning. I wonder if I'm allowed to drive a manual in QLD?
There is a mind-boggling high number of dangerous drivers on the road, from people SMSing behind the wheel, people changing lanes without looking or indicating, people pulling out in front of oncoming traffic, people drunk/drugged and hoons. Somebody missing a gear or stalling at a traffic light should be the least of your worries haha.
You'd be surprised how much easier learning to drive manual is once you've already learnt how to act on the road. A lot of energy for L platers actually goes into being road aware. I guess it's assumed by this stage that a big enough part of the learning process has already taken place.
@OP regardless of licensing restrictions or privileges, Can you actually competently drive a manual?
That is have you driven manuals before or do you need lessons and experience to learn manual shifts clutching etc ?
yeah will get lessons, just need to know if i need a licence
The cheapest option (this IS ozbargain after all!) is to hire a manual car for a day or two with a friend and learn in a well-lit carpark at night.
Yep, this is what I did. Hired a manual car and practised around the uni carpark when uni holidays were on.
The funny thing is, if the person behind the counter says "we've decided to give you a free upgrade to an auto vehicle". Happened to me the first time! haha
I assumed that an automatic licence remains an automatic licence, big dummy that I am, operating on logic. It seems that I'm wrong. Why would driving an automatic for a year or two make you competent to drive a manual?
Just asking…….why did you not ask the Licensing Dept by phone or if you couldn't wait , why did you not open the Transport Website, and get the exact correct answer in a few minutes?
I know many people learn many things about many subjects here with these kind of questions, but when it comes to serious legal issues eg an accident on an incorrect license…..surely speaking to the appropriate Dept is paramount.
the website doesn't state clearly
I read it all, and re-did the test just for fun and memories from back to 1978 when I did my Licence in Wagga Wagga.
It states very clearly the C Class is for ALL cars plus plus, and further reading does not list any other codes or restrictions relating to Automatic or Manual Transmission vehicles. So to answer your question, no. You are licenced - ok.
Again, given your question is legal based, with possible serious ramifications, and I know there are many very switched on people more educated than both of us in here, it would still be prudent to call the Authority in the first instance. There is so much opinion and incorrect information online……surely this makes sense to you…all of us.
Just for others thinking of coming to Qld, I also did the Qld test just to clean out the cobwebs, and it is clearly stated differences re the License Codes/Restrictions between Auto & manual vehicles.
So, good luck with the job.
Hey mate i am sure it varies state by state. So what state are you in?