The practical test standard is the same core driving assessment, but the transmission you pass in affects the vehicles your licence allows you to drive.
The details that change depending on the category you choose.
NI driving-licence code 78 means the entitlement is restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission.
If you already hold a full UK automatic car licence and want a manual car licence, you will not normally need another theory test.
A manual practical test can remove the automatic-only restriction when the licensing requirements are met.
Some exchanged foreign licences have special theory-test requirements before a manual test, so DVA guidance should be checked.
Use this as a planning outline, then verify your exact entitlement with DVA.
Check your current licence for an automatic-transmission restriction such as code 78.
If you are a first-time learner, decide whether you want automatic-only or manual entitlement before booking the practical test.
If upgrading from a UK automatic licence, confirm whether a fresh theory test is required in your specific circumstances.
Take the manual practical test in a qualifying manual vehicle if you want manual entitlement.
Information checked 21 September 2026. PureCar is an independent NI motoring site, not DVA. Use the official DVA/nidirect link above for the final category, entitlement and test-vehicle requirements.
