If you got your car licence in an automatic, you may only drive vehicles with an automatic gearbox. With the code B197 (manual transmission competence) you extend your licence without a test: after your driving lessons in a manual car, you do a test drive with your instructor and receive a certificate.
The key facts about B197
Short preparation
At least 10 driving lessons in a manual car.
No test
No theory training, no theory test and no practical test.
Test drive with your instructor
A short test drive with us, after which you receive your certificate.
Entry in your licence
With the certificate, B197 is entered in your driving licence.
As soon as we feel that you are confident with a manual gearbox, we do the test drive.
Frequently asked questions about the B197 upgrade
No. The B197 upgrade requires neither theory classes nor a theory test. You already completed the theory when you got your original licence. It is only about the driving lessons and the test drive in a vehicle with a manual gearbox.
At least 10 driving lessons in a vehicle with a manual gearbox are required. Whether you need more than that depends on your previous experience. Your instructor will give you an honest assessment.
After the test drive, your instructor gives you a certificate confirming your manual transmission competence. You take it to the driving licence office and have B197 added to your licence. From then on you may drive any class B vehicle, whether automatic or manual.
No problem. Since it is not a test, there is no waiting period either. Together we look at what is not quite there yet, practise it in further driving lessons and then repeat the test drive. Your automatic licence remains fully valid throughout.
The costs are made up of the driving lessons and the test drive. Since there is no test and therefore no test fee, the B197 upgrade is considerably cheaper than a complete new driving licence. Give us a call for exact details.