Why are more and more people opting for an automatic driving licence?

The short answer: more and more people are opting for an automatic driving licence because almost all new cars are electric and therefore no longer have a clutch. An automatic is easier to learn to drive, safer in heavy traffic and better for the environment.
At Xpress driver training we find that students succeed faster and enjoy driving an automatic more.

What is the difference between an automatic and a shift car?

The main difference is in the use of the clutch and gear lever.
In an automatic, the car shifts up and down by itself - so you don't have to clutch.
This makes driving calmer and easier, especially in city traffic or traffic jams.

With a shift car, you have to change gears yourself, which requires more concentration.
More and more students are therefore opting for the simplicity of automatic driving lessons.
👉 Want to know what that means? Check out our automatic driving licence page.

Why has an automatic driving licence become so popular?

The growth is mainly due to electric cars.
Almost all electric models are automatic - there ís no longer a gearbox.
In addition, more and more people are driving in cities where driving with one pedal (gas) is much more comfortable.
It is also a lot nicer for people with stress or fear of failure: fewer actions means more focus on the traffic.

Is the automatic driving licence easier to get?

Yes. Because you have to do less while driving, you can learn faster.
You don't have to think about clutching, shifting or turning off without letting off.
As a result, the focus is on traffic insight rather than on technology.

At Xpress driver training, we see that, on average, automatic learners be ready for the exam faster than in switch driving lessons.
That means: fewer lessons, less stress and often lower overall costs.

Can you drive a shift car with an automatic licence?

No, not without an additional exam.
An automatic driving licence (code 78) restricts you to automatic cars.
If you still want to drive a manual car later, you can a short refresher course and additional examination do.
That route is usually shorter, because you already master the traffic - you just need to learn to change gears.

When does an automatic driving licence suit you best?

An automatic driving licence is ideal if:

• you prefer to drive quietly and comfortably;
• you experience tension when multitasking;
• you plan to drive electric;
• Whether you want to get your driving licence quickly without too much technicalities.

In short, the automatic driving licence suits the driver of the future.

What does the practical exam look like?

The exam for automatic and gearshift is identical in content.
The only difference is that with an automatic no technical errors can make with switching.
So your exam focuses entirely on viewing behaviour, traffic insight and safety.
According to the CBR, automatic learners are slightly more likely to succeed on their first attempt - mainly due to the lower stress factor.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does an automatic driving course at Xpress driving school cost?
The current rates can be found on our website at automatic driving licence. We work with tailor-made packages, so you only pay for what you really need.

2. Can I switch from automatic to shift later?
Yes, you can do that through a supplementary exam. You don't have to start all over again.

3. Is an automatic driving licence as valid as a gearshift licence?
Yes, the validity is exactly the same. Only the vehicle type differs.

At Xpress driver training we help you get to your automatic driving licence step by step.
Want to experience relaxed automatic driving for yourself? Feel free to schedule a trial lesson - we'd love to help you get started.