Why lessons in a switch car will soon be more difficult

If you are about to start driving lessons, you are faced with a choice that is becoming increasingly important: will you go for lessons in an automatic or still in a manual car? That question used to be simple - almost everyone learnt to change gear - these days it is not so obvious.

Why that choice is more difficult now

With the rise of electric and hybrid cars, the number of manual models is slowly decreasing. Whereas brands used to provide shifters almost as standard, you now increasingly see automatics. In Belgium, it has already emerged that driving schools are struggling to find enough manual-shifted teaching cars. From 2026, even no new teaching cars with exhaust be registered more, putting further pressure on the availability of switch cars. Exactly how this will play out in the Netherlands is not yet entirely clear, but the trend is expected to become noticeable here too at driving schools.

For you, that means: the chances of you taking your driving test in an automatic soon are increasing. And that has consequences.

Automatic driving licence and code 78

Those taking exams in a vending machine will get a automatic driving licence. On that driving licence will be the so-called "code 78". This means you can only drive automatics. Manual cars are then no longer an option, unless you take additional lessons and re-examine for an manual driving licence.

That might not sound so problematic, especially if you expect to drive an electric car later anyway. But in the second-hand market, the cards are different. More than 80 per cent of affordable used cars are still manual. Especially if you are looking for a first, cheap car soon, being limited to automatics can be a disadvantage.

Advantages and disadvantages of both options

An automatic feels easier for many students. No clutch, no stress about the engine stalling, more calmness and overview in traffic. As a result, you often gain confidence behind the wheel faster. For those who are uncertain or have difficulty shifting gears, this can be a big advantage.

Manual driving still has advantages. If you take exams in a shift car, you get a full driving licence. This allows you to drive both manual and automatic, which simply gives you more freedom. Especially with the majority of second-hand cars still being sold with a gearbox, this is handy. For many students, it means you have more choice within your budget, as manual cars are often just a bit cheaper than an automatic.

It also plays into situations you might not immediately think of. Renting a delivery van when moving house, reserving a shared car in town or borrowing a car while on holiday: chances are those are still manual. With only an automatic licence, you can't just drive off in those.

Even if you later have a be driving licence To be allowed to drive a trailer or caravan, experience with a manual gearbox can be useful. Especially with larger combinations, for many drivers, shifting feels more natural and gives more control.

What to watch out for

So choosing between automatic or manual is not a matter of right or wrong, but of thinking ahead. Ask yourself a few questions before you start driving lessons:

• Which car are you likely to drive first?

• Is there a car available at home or in your area, and is it an automatic or manual?

• Do you think it is important to have more choice in the second-hand market later on?

If you are going to drive mainly in an automatic and you like to get faster assurance during your driving lessons, then an automatic driving licence is a logical choice. On the contrary, if you want to keep all options open and not be limited, then a manual lesson car remains the best option for now.

Our advice

A driving licence is not just about passing the test, but above all about freedom. You want to be able to choose which car suits your situation without restrictions. So talk to the driving school of your choice about your options. That way, you can make a choice that suits your future and make sure you will drive with confidence - whether you drive an automatic or a manual car.