Category b driving license for automatic transmission — what you need to know

In Romania, more and more aspiring drivers are opting for the Category B driving license with a restriction for automatic transmission. Although many people believe this type of license does not exist in our country, the reality is different—the license for automatic transmission is perfectly legal and is becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we will explore in detail what this license means, what it looks like, and its implications for motorists.

What is the automatic transmission license?

The Category B driving license for automatic transmission is a standard driving license with a specific restriction, marked by code 78. This restriction means that the holder may legally drive only vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, with no possibility to operate manual transmission vehicles on public roads.

According to Order no. 574/2005 of 1 April 2005, Art. 16, paragraph (6): “In the case the candidate passes the practical test with a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, this will be recorded in the ‘Restrictions’ field of the driving license issued on the basis of such an examination. Any license containing this note may be used only for driving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.”

What does the license with code 78 look like?

The automatic transmission driving license looks identical to a standard category B license, with one essential difference: in the “Restrictions” box on the back, code 78 will be listed. This code indicates the restriction to use exclusively vehicles with automatic transmission.

Code 78 is recognized at the European level, which means the restriction applies in all EU member states. If you hold such a license, you cannot legally drive vehicles with a manual transmission either in Romania or abroad.

The process to obtain the automatic transmission license

Obtaining the Category B license for automatic transmission follows the same process as the standard license, with a few particulars:

Theoretical and practical courses

• The theoretical exam – identical to the one for manual transmission, same questions and requirements
• Driving hours – the same as for the standard license (30 hours)
• Course program – structured similarly, with no major differences
• School vehicle – a car equipped with an automatic transmission

The main differences

There are three important differences compared to the standard license:

1. Tuition fee is higher – the cost of automatic transmission courses is usually 10–20% higher than for manual transmission
2. Code 78 on the license – the restriction will be permanently marked on the license document
3. Restriction on use – you do not have the legal right to drive manual transmission vehicles

Advantages of automatic transmission for beginners

For many future drivers, the automatic transmission represents a wise choice, especially in the heavy urban traffic of Romania’s capitals.

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Increased comfort and safety

Hill-Hold Control (Hill-Climb) – all modern automatic transmission vehicles are equipped with hill-start assist. This means the vehicle will not roll back when stationary on a slope, reducing stress for beginners at traffic lights or when parking.

No risk of engine stall – the absence of a clutch pedal completely eliminates the possibility of stalling the engine at start or during maneuvers. This reduces stress in traffic and increases safety, especially at busy intersections.

Advantages in urban traffic

• Easier handling – two pedals instead of three greatly simplifies driving
• Focus on traffic – without needing to manage the clutch and gear changes, you can pay more attention to your surroundings
• Reduced fatigue – in heavy traffic, the lack of constant gear changes reduces fatigue
• Optimized fuel consumption – modern automatics (CVT, DSG, torque-converter automatics) efficiently manage engine speed

Limitations of the code 78 license

Before opting for this license type, it is important to understand the restrictions:

You cannot drive manual transmission vehicles

This is the main and most important restriction. Even if you theoretically know how a manual transmission works or have previously driven manual cars on private property, driving on public roads is strictly forbidden and penalized.

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Practical implications

• Borrowed vehicles – if a friend or relative lends you their manual transmission car, you cannot legally drive it
• Rental cars – you must specify that you need a vehicle with an automatic transmission
• Emergency situations – even in exceptional cases, you do not have the legal right to drive a manual transmission vehicle

How can you obtain a full license after having code 78?

If you already hold a license with code 78 and want to drive manual transmission cars, the process is fairly straightforward:

The necessary steps

1. Re-enrollment in a driving school – you must take the practical courses again, this time in a vehicle with a manual transmission
2. Mandatory driving hours – the exact number of hours varies by school, but usually a minimum of 10–15 hours is required
3. Practical exam – you must retake the practical test in a vehicle with a manual transmission
4. Removal of code 78 – after passing the exam, the restrictive code will be removed from the license

Costs and duration

The process of removing the restriction is faster and cheaper than obtaining the license initially, because there is no longer a need to pass the theoretical exam and the number of practical hours is reduced.

Driving schools that offer automatic transmission courses

In recent years, the offering of driving schools that provide vehicles with automatic transmission has grown significantly. Most schools in major cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov, Iași) now have such vehicles.

How to choose the right school

• Check the type of automatic transmission – preferably vehicles with DSG or torque-converter automatics, less CVT for learning
• Learn about instructors – the instructor’s experience with automatic transmissions is essential
• Compare prices – there are significant differences between schools
• Read reviews – feedback from other students is valuable

Conclusion

The Category B driving license with code 78 for automatic transmission is a perfectly valid and legal option in Romania. While it comes with a clear restriction—the inability to drive manual transmission vehicles—the advantages can compensate for many drivers, especially those who plan to drive exclusively in urban environments or who are not comfortable with the clutch.

If you opt for this license type, ensure that it is an informed decision based on your real mobility needs. The automatic transmission offers increased comfort and safety, but the permanent restriction on the license should be considered for the long term.