Future driving license and EVs

Benny2020

Isn't it the case now that only drivers taking the test in a manual car get a full license and those taking their test in an automatic get a restricted license meaning they cannot drive manuals?
So do people take tests in EVs right now and what are the license implications?

Emmia

A Google search indicates that someone passed their test in 2012 in an electric vehicle. EV tests will only give an automatic licence though.

Grumpy_chap

I have thought a similar question having observed the high number of driving school cars that are hybrid Toyota.

DB1904

Benny2020 said:

Isn't it the case now that only drivers taking the test in a manual car get a full license and those taking their test in an automatic get a restricted license meaning they cannot drive manuals?
So do people take tests in EVs right now and what are the license implications?

No, you pass your test you get a full licence whatever the transmission. It is either full manual or automatic. 

Benny2020

No i just looked, automatic test is a restricted license, it counts as a provisional for manuals and you can drive a manual car on an automatic license only if your passenger has a full manual license.

400ixl

Hybrid Toyotas can and most likely are manuals for driving schools.

Nothing stops a Hybrid or full EV being a manual, although far less common in a full EV. There will no doubt come a time where more people will just take the auto test and forgo the ability to drive a manual as they are unlikely to drive one, or the rules will change where a test in either allows you to drive either.

Grumpy_chap

400ixl said:

Hybrid Toyotas can and most likely are manuals for driving schools.

You may be correct.
All the Toyota hybrids I have seen as driving school cars have been Yaris or Auris models and I know, from when we got our 2014 Auris, those were only available as auto at that time.  I can't imagine that Toyota offer a special gear box just for driving schools as the demand would be too low.  It is possible that the hybrids are now available with a manual option, though that seems to be the minority.

DB1904

Benny2020 said:

No i just looked, automatic test is a restricted license, it counts as a provisional for manuals and you can drive a manual car on an automatic license only if your passenger has a full manual license.

Wrong again, your accompanying driver must have a full licence be over 21 and have held it for three years. Not a passenger with a manual licence.

Pass your test in an auto you still get a full licence. 

Benny2020

From the government .gov website
"

Manual and automatic cars

You can take the test in a:

• manual car - these have 3 pedals
• automatic or semi-automatic car - these have 2 pedals

If you take your test in a semi-automatic car you’ll only be able to drive automatic and semi-automatic cars once you’ve passed your test."

Benny2020

"You can take the driving test in an automatic car. However, when you pass your test, your driving licence will only entitle you to drive an Automatic. If you require to drive a manual car, you will need to take a manual test."

Benny2020

"You can have automatic driving lessons and take your driving test in an automatic vehicle, but you can only drive automatic cars with your license"