I have automatic driving licence for 8 years i want to take the test in manual

bhops

So i passed my test around 8 years ago in automatic  and have basically driven for all of the 8 years maybe 6 years if i want to take lessons in manual car so i can take the test in manual how hard will it be for me anyone has done this?

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual

Jenni_D

You should already have traversed the "You've passed your test, now the learning starts" phase, and be familiar with general driving. So the main challenge will be in now having to use your left foot ... if you can get the hang of using a clutch and manual gear changes then passing a further test (to add that licence classification) shouldn't be as big a challenge as first passing your test.

Biggus_Dickus

@bhops

I don’t know anyone who has done it but I’d imagine it’ll be a bit of a culture shock when you first start to get to grips with clutch-control and that StoneAge ‘stir your porridge’ gearstick thingy.

As a driver with 8 years experience you’ll hopefully find the transition fairly straightforward and a few lessons will also iron out any bad habits you may have developed since passing your ‘automatic’ test.

Not sure whether you need to pass the ‘Theory’ test before you take the ‘practical’ driving test but if you fail either it has no effect on your ‘automatic’ driving licence, apparently.

Please update your thread if you do go ahead;...I’d be very interested to hear your progress as my son’s Mrs has been thinking the same thing for a while.

 

 

 

Jenni_D

The link from @sheramber states that you don't need to take a theory test.

The other key point is that you cannot make an online test booking - it has to be done by phone with the DVSA.

DVSA driving test booking support
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

AdrianC

bhops said:

So i passed my test around 8 years ago in automatic  and have basically driven for all of the 8 years maybe 6 years if i want to take lessons in manual car so i can take the test in manual how hard will it be for me anyone has done this?

How hard will YOU find it?

I have no idea.

Did you take your test in an auto because you couldn't wrap your head around manual, or because it simply happened that way?

coffeehound

I suppose an autobox driver who has got into the habit of left-foot braking will likely have a harder job converting to manual 

Jenni_D

coffeehound said:

I suppose an autobox driver who has got into the habit of left-foot braking will likely have a harder job converting to manual 

I did wonder about that ... LF braking for a manual driver is not intuitive as we're used to controlled lifting but full pressing. I once tried LF braking - on a quiet road - and would have launched myself through the windscreen were it not for my seatbelt! 😂

coffeehound

^ heh, yeah it's amazing how much 'foot-feel' driving requires

MovingForwards

^^ yeah, I tried the left foot brake trick, just to see what would happen. My car didn't have servo assisted brakes; it was 'interesting' and the car stopped quick 🤣

OP, take a couple of lessons and see how you get on. Remember if you do pass your manual test and decide it's not for you, any courtesy car offered will probably be a manual. There's no requirement for your insurer / TP insurer to offer you an auto when you've got a manual licence.

Biggus_Dickus

coffeehound said:

I suppose an autobox driver who has got into the habit of left-foot braking will likely have a harder job converting to manual 

Conversely, involuntary left-foot braking can be quite hazardous for the unwary ‘manual’ motorist who drives an ‘automatic’ for the first time.

I was advised to tuck my left foot underneath my right leg until I got used to not having a clutch pedal,...still caught me out once or twice though.

Slamming on the brakes thinking it’s the clutch pedal isn’t fun,...especially on a motorway.