In the UAE, you are not allowed to drive a manual car on the road if you possess an automatic driver’s licence. Fortunately, you can easily switch your automatic driver’s licence to a manual one in the UAE. Here is a complete guide on how to switch from automatic to manual driving licence.
Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Manual Driver’s Licence
Before 2017, the process to get a manual driver’s licence was elaborate even if you already owned a licence for automatic cars. However, after several complaints registered to the RTA by the drivers, the authority made it an easier task. As per the new rules, you only have to clear the test for manual driving and no need for prior lessons.
Until 2019, 4377 licences had been converted with many more in the process. Thanks to the RTA, it is rather simple to switch your automatic driver’s licence to manual.
Manual Driver’s Licence Test
Even if you are not required to complete training and lessons, there will still be a manual driving test. However, the focus of the test will be on how to drive a manual car instead of your overall driving skills.
A manual driver’s licence test focuses on the following aspects of driving:
- How confidently does a driver work the clutch
- Applying brakes of a manual transmission
- Working the gearstick
- How to work the accelerator pedals
- Attention to the road when shifting manual gears
- Coping with shifting between the gears
These areas are especially important in the test as they are quite different in manual cars.
What happens if you fail the manual transmission test?
In case you fail the manual transmission test, the RTA will notify you about the weaknesses. You will further be advised on how to improve on those points. Work on that before you re-apply for a test for changing your automatic driver’s licence to manual transmission.
If nothing else, you will have your automatic driving licence with you intact.
Why should you choose a manual driving licence?
While it is interesting that the world is shifting towards more autonomous driving, many still prefer the good old manual gear-box. The answer is despite the various advantages offered by automatic options, manual driving still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Many people prefer manual or at least want to have that option available to them.
Some of the main advantages of a manual transmission are:
- Manual cars are easier to maintain compared to automatic vehicles. Their systems are simpler and except for the clutch, all parts are usually good to go for thousands of miles without a need for repair.
- Manual transmission uses engine or gear oil, which deteriorates slowly and requires less frequent changing.
- Absence of torque converter in manual transmission allows you to apply brakes with more control and ease.
- The fuel efficiency for the manual transmission is better than automatic cars as there are no hydraulic pumps or torque converter to eat up fuel.
- Finally, manual cars are cheaper than their automatic counterparts.
This is all you need to do to switch your automatic driver’s licence to manual transmission. Read more about the difference between manual and automatic transmission to find out which one suits your needs best. Check both types of transmissions available in a variety of used cars for sale options.
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