Automatic-Only Driver's License in Spain: What You Need to Know 2026

In Spain, the automatic-only driver's license is becoming an increasingly popular choice among learner drivers. This option allows you to take the practical driving test in a car with an automatic transmission, avoiding the clutch and gear changes. But what exactly does this mean for your driving privileges?

The automatic-only license is not a separate category; it's the standard B license with a restriction. If you pass your test in an automatic car, your license will carry a code (code 78) indicating that you can only drive automatic vehicles. This is according to the DGT's Instruction 2019/C-134 and the General Regulations for Drivers.

What Is the Automatic-Only License?

The automatic-only license is officially known as the B license with a restriction to automatic transmission vehicles. It was introduced to make learning to drive more accessible for those who struggle with manual gear changes or prefer the simplicity of an automatic.

When you pass your practical test in an automatic car, the code 78 is printed on the back of your license card, next to the category. This means you are legally allowed to drive only cars with an automatic transmission.

How Does It Differ from a Full License?

A full B license, obtained by passing the test in a manual car, allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. The automatic-only license restricts you to automatic cars only. If you later want to drive a manual, you would need to take another practical test in a manual car to remove the restriction.

Why Choose an Automatic-Only License?

Many learner drivers opt for the automatic-only license because it simplifies the learning process. Without the need to coordinate clutch and gear changes, learners can focus on other aspects of driving, such as observation and control.

This can lead to a higher pass rate and less stress during lessons. Additionally, as automatic cars become more common, the restriction may not be a significant drawback for many drivers.

Who Is It For?

The automatic-only license is ideal for those who find manual transmission challenging, or for those who primarily drive in urban areas where automatic cars are more convenient. It's also a good option for older learners or those with certain physical limitations.

How to Get an Automatic-Only License

The process is the same as for a regular B license, except that you must take your practical test in a car with an automatic transmission. You'll need to enroll in a driving school that offers automatic cars, complete the theory test, and then pass the practical test.

After passing, your license will be issued with the code 78 restriction. There is no additional fee or separate application; it's automatically applied based on the car used for the test.

Key Takeaways

• The automatic-only license is a standard B license with a restriction (code 78) to automatic vehicles.
• It allows you to drive only cars with automatic transmission.
• To remove the restriction, you must pass another practical test in a manual car.
• It is increasingly popular among learners for its simplicity and higher pass rates.
• The process to obtain it is the same as a regular license, but the test must be taken in an automatic car.

Restrictions and Limitations

With an automatic-only license, you cannot legally drive a manual car. This includes borrowing a friend's manual car or renting one. If you are caught driving a manual vehicle with this restriction, you could face fines or penalties. The longer history behind the story is traced in Automatic-Only Driver's License in Spain: What You Need to Know.

However, you can drive any automatic vehicle, including electric cars, which typically have automatic transmissions. As the market shifts towards electric and automatic vehicles, this restriction may become less relevant over time. The background to this story is set out in Drivers License vs Driver's License: The Apostrophe Rule Most People Get Wrong. A related thread runs through Spain Extends Almaraz Nuclear Plant License to 2030 Amid Energy Crisis. Earlier coverage in Car: latest articles shows how the argument developed.

Comparison of License Types

What to Watch Next

As automatic and electric vehicles become more prevalent, the automatic-only license may become the norm. However, for now, it's essential to understand the restrictions. If you're considering this option, weigh the convenience against the potential need to drive a manual car in the future. A closer look at the same subject appears in DGT Traffic Map: The Most Reliable Road Tool for Spain. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Spain's Speed Cameras: Legal Margins That Can Save You a Fine. The same theme surfaces in Spain's New ITV Rules for Camper Vans and Portable Batteries, which takes a different angle.

Driving schools are increasingly offering automatic lessons, and the DGT continues to monitor the trend. Stay informed about any changes to regulations that might affect your license. Context on how this played out before sits in DGT New Rules: How to Overtake Cyclists from October. A companion piece, DGT Continuous Line Cameras: 200 Euro Fines That Can't Be Proven, approaches the same subject from another angle.