I've had an AUTOMATC driving licence for 20 years. If I take get a MANUAL licence now, will I be considered a NEW driver on my licence?

[vanessa80]

I passed my driving test on an automatic 20 years ago, so my licence shows that date on it. If I take a test in a manual so I can have a full UK licence, will I lose the original date? Will my licence give the impression that I've only just started driving?

[dothawkes31]

that's an interesting question, i have had an automatic license since 1974 (36 years) and I can use it as a provisional license if I were to ever drive a manual car, but i would need L plates and a qualified driver/instructor in the passenger seat and could not have anyone sitting in the back seat as a learner driver (I don't think), I would also need to change my insurance policy to cover me as a learner driver. I doubt any of that will happen now but I have often been told I should take the manual test. I would think though that it would be just like adding a new category to a full license like motorbike or HGV, but never had to think about it!

[Hopkirk]

I doubt it, as you would be just removing one of the conditions attached to you B category.

I am actually answering though to say that learners can have passengers in the back seat, Dot.

[R1Geezer]

for insurance purposes you would be a new driver for a manual car.

[johngraham]

Hi,

If you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test.
If you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test.


However, confirm the "no claims" discount in your insurance. Your insurance premiums should consider your old history of the license.

Hope this will help.

For more information visit:http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/take_d
riving_test.asp

[vanessa80]

My main concern is the possibility of increased insurance rates. If I am going to be considered a new driver then it won't be worth me taking a test on a manual. It would be useful to have a manual licence when renting a car, or especially when I've wanted to rent a van.

[joko]

unless you plan to change your car to a manual...i dont see that you need to tell the insurance co anything at all

your licence is for your automatic car and you...and your driving skills will just have become better not worse

its only relevant if you need a manual vehicle and if thats only when you want to hire one, its a differnt situation