Upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence in Ireland involves a straightforward process. If your driving licence has a code 78, limiting you to automatic transmission vehicles, follow these steps to remove the restriction:
Step 1: Apply for an Unrestricted Learner Permit
Obtain a learner permit in category B without a code 78 restriction. You can apply online with a Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID or book an in-person appointment at an NDLS center. The fee is €35.00 payable online.
Step 2: Book a Driving Test
Once you have the learner permit, book a driving test online. Note that if you drive a manual car during this process, you’ll be considered a learner driver, subject to all associated rules.
Step 3: Apply for a Manual Full Driving Licence
Upon passing the driving test, apply for a full manual car licence, removing the automatic restriction (code 78). Apply online with a PSC and MyGovID or book an in-person appointment at an NDLS center. The fee is €35.00 payable online.
Additional Information:
- If you’ve held the automatic category on your licence for over 2 years, N plates are not required.
- If you hold a manual driving licence for category B and have code 78 on licences for other categories (BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, or D1E) since November 30, 2013, the code will be electronically removed.
- From November 01, 2020, you can apply for a replacement licence without the restriction at a cost of €35, payable by credit/debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
- If you hold a manual driving licence in category B and provide a certificate of competency in a vehicle with automatic transmission in specified categories, the licence can be issued without the restriction from November 01, 2020.
Note: No theory test is required, no 6-month waiting period for the practical test, and Essential Driver Training (EDT) is not mandatory for this process.
Summary: To switch from an automatic to a manual car license in Ireland, get an Unrestricted Learner Permit (Category B), take a driving test, and apply for a full manual license. The process costs €35.00 and doesn’t require N plates if you held the automatic category for over 2 years. Additional options include electronic removal of restrictions on other category licenses and applying for a replacement license without restrictions from November 01, 2020, at a cost of €35, without a theory test, waiting period, or Essential Driver Training (EDT). Providing a competency certificate in automatic transmission vehicles allows issuing the license without restrictions from November 01, 2020.
