Changing an automatic-only driving licence: Adding manual vehicles

Code 78 means “vehicles with automatic transmission only”. It is one of the harmonised numerical codes on the driving licence and may appear on the back of the card next to the affected category. Read the full row for category B and all codes listed there before planning the next step.

The entry describes a vehicle restriction. By itself, it says nothing about medical fitness, withdrawal of a licence or the validity of another category. If several codes appear, review each one separately according to the category and purpose concerned.

The Austrian government information on driving tests states that taking the test in a vehicle with automatic transmission restricts the entitlement to such vehicles. The technical reason is therefore the vehicle used for the test and the scope of that test. A later change must address this starting point expressly.

A test involving a different vehicle type must be distinguished from a general extension of a driving licence category. Code 78 concerns the type of gearbox within the affected entitlement. An additional category, a withdrawal or a medical condition are separate matters with their own requirements.

If you want an entitlement for manual vehicles, first clarify with the responsible driving licence authority and driving school which application and practical test are required. The test vehicle must be suitable and have a manual gearbox. The authority determines the precise procedure on the basis of your category and existing entry.

After a positive test result, review the licence record separately. The replacement card or temporary document should show whether code 78 has been removed for the affected category. As long as the current document still shows the restriction, do not infer the entitlement from an informal statement.

The guidance on extending a driving licence class helps organise the application, test and documents. The specific change to code 78 remains a separate issue and must be checked against the individual licence record.

• Front and back of the current driving licence
• Test registration and any driving school confirmation
• Written information from the driving licence authority about the change
• Test record and result of the practical test
• Temporary licence or new card issued after the appointment
• Authority correspondence with file number and proof of service

If the new card does not contain the expected entry, compare the documents and the authority status first. File inspection in driving licence proceedings can help bring the application, test and decision together.

Code 78 is based on the type of vehicle used for the test. A physical limitation may instead lead to vehicle adaptations or medically based codes. Examples include an adapted gear control or a special operating aid. These entries serve a different purpose and are not resolved solely by taking a test in a manual vehicle.

Establish whether the code arose from the training and test or whether the licence also contains a medical finding, condition or technical adaptation. Where several entries exist, each code requires its own legal and factual classification.