Electric automatic cars at driving school: what you should know
We only teach in electric cars with automatic transmission. That suits most people, but there is one important limit on your licence that you should know about before you book.
With us, you practise in an electric car with automatic transmission. It is easy, quiet and better for the environment, but it affects which licence you get. Here we explain what that means.
Automatic-only licence: what to know
If you take the driving test in a car with automatic transmission, your licence is valid for automatic cars only. The limit is shown as code 78 (villkor 78) on the licence. To drive a manual car, you need to take a new driving test in a manual car.
This applies to all driving schools that teach in automatics, not just to us. An automatic gives you a simpler way to your licence, but keep the limit in mind if you may want to drive a manual car in the future.
Why an electric car?
- Automatic transmission makes it easier to focus on the traffic.
- The electric car is quiet, so it is easier to hear the traffic and talk to your instructor.
- No direct emissions from the car during lessons.
- Smooth power and easy handling when you start and stop.
We use the Volkswagen ID.3, the same type of car used for Risk 2, so it feels familiar when you get to the skid track.
Driving an electric car: what is different
An electric car has no gears to think about, but it has other features: regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator, a different sound and often a large screen with settings. We go through all of this in the first lessons.
Range and charging
Our lessons last 75 minutes and the car is charged between them. You never need to think about range during a lesson, but we are happy to talk about owning an electric car if you are thinking of getting one.
Tyres and weather
Electric cars are often heavier and have more torque, which puts demands on tyres and driving style, especially in winter. That is one reason we put a lot of weight on skid training in Risk 2.
Is an automatic right for you?
For most people getting a licence today, an automatic is a good choice: most new cars sold are automatic, and electric cars have no gearbox at all. If you still want a licence for manual cars, we recommend a school that teaches in manual cars. We want you to choose what fits your future needs.
Questions about the rules? Get in touch and we will answer before you book your first lesson.
