Automatic gearbox licence: pros and cons
The advantages
Automatic gearbox training is shorter: the legal minimum is 13 hours of driving, compared to 20 hours for manual. Result: training is cheaper (between €1,000 and €1,800) and generally faster. Driving an automatic is also less stressful for beginners, which can improve concentration on traffic situations.
The disadvantages
The main drawback of the automatic licence is the restriction it imposes during the first 2 years: you can legally only drive vehicles with an automatic gearbox. After 2 years, you can complete a 7-hour supplementary course to lift this restriction. Also, automatic cars remain slightly more expensive to buy and rent.
Manual gearbox licence: pros and cons
The advantages
The manual licence carries no restrictions: you can drive any light vehicle as soon as you obtain it. It is the most versatile training, opening the most doors, especially if you plan to drive professional vehicles, hire cars abroad or drive in countries where automatic gearboxes are less common.
The disadvantages
Training is longer and more intensive: mastering gear changes takes time and practice. The total cost is often €300-€500 higher than for automatic. Learning can be more stressful in urban environments.
Which licence should you choose for your profile?
If you are in a hurry, on a tight budget, and will mainly drive a recent car (which is often automatic), the automatic licence is an excellent choice. If you want total freedom of vehicle choice or are considering a career where driving is important, opt for the manual.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with partner driving schools offering both types of training. Fill in the form in 2 minutes and receive a call from a certified school within 48 hours to advise you on the best option for your situation.
Next step
How to get the right support?
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is the difference between automatic and manual B licences?
The classic B licence (manual transmission) allows driving any vehicle under 3.5 tonnes. The B78 licence (automatic) is legally limited to automatics. Training is shorter: 13 hours minimum instead of 20, reducing cost by 200 to 400 euros on average. A bridge to manual transmission remains possible after 3 months of practice.
Is the automatic licence cheaper?
Yes, the automatic licence costs 200 to 400 euros less than a manual one in 2026. Minimum training drops from 20 to 13 hours, about 7 fewer hours billed at 50 to 60 euros each. Count 1,100 to 1,400 euros on average versus 1,400 to 1,800 euros for a standard licence in Paris.
Can you drive a manual with an automatic licence?
No, the automatic licence (B78 mention) forbids driving manual vehicles. To lift it, you must take a 7-hour bridge training after 3 months of practice, with no new practical exam. Cost: 250 to 450 euros depending on the driving school. The B78 mention is then permanently removed from the licence.
What percentage of cars sold are automatic in 2026?
Over 35 percent of new vehicles sold in France in 2026 are automatic according to CCFA figures. This share reaches 90 percent on electric and hybrid vehicles. The trend accelerates each year, making the automatic licence increasingly relevant for urban or peri-urban use in France.
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