All You Need to Know About Automatic and Manual Driving Licences in NSW

If you're learning to drive down under in New South Wales, you might be wondering if you can hit the clutch in a manual car with an automatic licence, or if you can supervise a learner taking on the challenge of a stick shift. And let's not forget about upgrading your licence from automatic to manual, and whether the auto driving test is a breeze compared to its manual counterpart. Fear not, mates, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll dish out the answers to these burning questions and give you the lowdown on the licence requirements in NSW.

Can I drive a manual car with an automatic licence in NSW?

The answer is NO. If you obtained your driver's licence in NSW by passing a driving test in an automatic car, your licence will be endorsed with an "automatic transmission only" condition. This means that you are not legally allowed to drive a manual car until you pass a driving test in a manual car and have your licence updated. Whether caught driving a manual car with an automatic-only licence, you could face penalties, such as fines and demerit points, or even lose your licence.

Can an automatic driver supervise a manual learner?

Yes, an automatic driver with a full licence can supervise a manual learner as long as they have held a full licence for at least one year and the vehicle is fitted with dual controls. Dual controls allow the supervising driver to operate the clutch and brake pedals on the side of the vehicle. Also, the learner must display L plates on the front and back of the car. However, the supervising driver must have the appropriate licence class for the type of vehicle being driven. Therefore, the supervising driver must have a manual licence if the learner is driving a manual car.

How to get a manual licence from an automatic one in NSW?

You cannot possibly get a manual licence from an automatic one in NSW. If you want to obtain a manual licence, you'll need to take a manual driving test. To do so, you will need to pass a driving test in a manual car. The driving test assesses your ability to operate the manual transmission and your overall driving skills. You will also need to study the Road Users Handbook and pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) if you have not already done so. The DKT is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices. Before taking the test, you may wish to take some driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor to help you prepare. Many driving schools are available on the site but, remember to pick the best.

Is the automatic driving test easier?

Many people believe that the automatic driving test is easier than the manual driving test, as there is no need to learn how to operate a clutch and gear stick. However, the difficulty of the test depends on the individual's driving skills and experience, as well as the specific requirements of the test. It's important to note that passing the automatic driving test does not entitle you to drive a manual car.

What does an automatic driving licence look like in NSW?

An automatic driving licence in NSW looks the same as a manual driving licence. The licence includes your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and licence expiry date, as well as any other endorsements or restrictions that apply. The only difference is that an automatic-only licence will have an endorsement that specifies "automatic transmission only". This means that the driver is not permitted to drive a manual car until they have passed a driving test in a manual car and had their licence updated.

Ultimately, if you want to drive a manual car in NSW, you will need to obtain a manual driver's licence by passing a driving test in a manual car. While an automatic driver can supervise a manual learner, they cannot legally drive a manual car without the appropriate licence. Knowing the rules and requirements for driving in NSW is important to ensure you stay safe and comply with the law. So, beware to take the manual and automatic licence in the right format of NSW guidelines.