Automatic HGV licence: will you be restricted to automatics?
Most training lorries are automatic, and plenty of people worry that passing in one will leave them with an automatic-only licence. For most learners it won't. Here's how code 78 really works, and the one group of people it does catch out.
Short answer
If your car licence is manual, passing your lorry test in an automatic still gives you a full manual and automatic lorry licence. That has been the rule for Class 1 and Class 2 since 2014, and for C1 (7.5 tonne) since 1 March 2022.
You only get code 78 (automatic only) on your lorry licence if every licence you hold is automatic-only, for example because you passed your car test in an automatic. So don't pay extra for manual lorry training just to avoid a restriction you won't get.
What you'll get
| Your car licence | Lorry test taken in | Lorry licence you get |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | Automatic | Manual and automatic |
| Manual | Manual | Manual and automatic |
| Automatic only (code 78) | Automatic | Automatic only (code 78) |
| Automatic only (code 78) | Manual | Manual and automatic. For a Class 2 test, your car licence also becomes manual. |
Why people get this wrong
Before 2014, passing a lorry test in an automatic always meant an automatic-only lorry licence. A lot of forum posts and older advice still say so. DVSA's own guide to driving goods vehicles now says that if you already hold a manual licence in category B, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1 or D1+E, "you'll not be restricted to driving automatic vehicles".
The government changed the rule because almost all lorries now have automatic or automated gearboxes. When DVSA consulted on it, it said there was "little demand" for manual lorry tests.
Who code 78 does affect
- People who passed their car test in an automatic. If code 78 is on your car licence and you take your lorry test in an automatic, your lorry licence will be automatic-only too.
- The fix works both ways. If you hold an automatic-only car licence and pass a Class 2 test in a manual lorry, the law treats you as able to drive manual cars as well.
- Removing code 78 later means passing another practical test in a manual vehicle, so if you think you'll need manual, it's cheaper to sort it out first time.
Check your licence: code 78 appears in column 12 on the back of the photocard, against the category it applies to.
Other gearbox rules
- Off-road and on-road tests in the same gearbox. The off-road reversing test (Module 3a) and the on-road test (Module 3b) must be taken in vehicles of the same category and transmission.
- Do you need manual for work? Almost all lorries are now automatic or automated, but not every one. If you'll only have an automatic licence, ask employers before you apply.
Kent training: what to ask
- "Is your training lorry automatic or manual?" Most Kent schools don't say on their websites. Gordon Springate in Detling says it has both.
- "Will I be restricted?" If your car licence is manual, the answer should be no. Be wary of anyone selling manual training as a way to avoid a restriction you won't get.
- If your car licence is automatic-only, ask whether the school has a manual lorry, and what it costs.
Compare Kent courses · How to get an HGV licence · Mistakes to avoid
Common questions
If I pass my HGV test in an automatic, can I drive a manual lorry?
Yes, if you already hold a manual licence in another category, such as a manual car licence. You'll get full manual and automatic entitlement. This applies to Class 1 and Class 2 since 2014, and to C1 since 1 March 2022.
What is code 78 on an HGV licence?
Code 78 means you're restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission in that category. On a lorry licence, it only applies if you passed in an automatic and don't hold a manual licence in any other category.
I passed my car test in an automatic. Can I get a manual HGV licence?
Yes, by taking your lorry test in a manual lorry. If you take it in an automatic, your lorry licence will be automatic-only too.
Do I need to take the reversing test and road test in the same gearbox?
Yes. The off-road test (Module 3a) and the on-road test (Module 3b) must be taken in vehicles of the same category and transmission.