Taking the driving test in an electric car

You can take your category B car driving test in an electric car. The test itself is the same as in any other car, with the same routes, manoeuvres and marking.

The big difference is the licence you get. Electric cars have automatic transmission, so passing in one gives you a licence that only lets you drive automatic cars. This page explains what that means and what to think about before you book.

By the end of this topic you can

You can explain what licence you get if you pass in an electric car.
You can describe how to upgrade an automatic licence to manual later.
You can decide whether learning in an electric or manual car suits your plans.
You can prepare an electric car for test day.

What you need to know and understand

Passing in an electric or other automatic car gives you an automatic-only car licence.
This restriction is shown on your licence as code 78.
With an automatic-only licence you cannot drive a manual car on your own.
To upgrade, you pass a driving test in a manual car. You do not need to take the theory test again.
You can learn in a manual car while holding an automatic licence, but you must display L plates and follow learner rules.
The practical test content and marking are the same in an electric car as in a petrol or diesel car.
Upgrade tests are booked by phone with DVSA rather than online.

Automatic licence: the trade-off

Learning in an electric car is often quicker for many people because there is no clutch control, stalling or gear changing. That can mean fewer lessons before you are test-ready.

The trade-off is flexibility. If you might need to drive a manual car later, for example a work van, a friend's car or a hire car abroad, an automatic licence will not cover it. Think about where you will be driving in the next few years before you choose.

Electric or automatic test: easier car control, automatic-only licence.
Manual test: more to learn, but you can drive both manual and automatic cars.

Upgrading later

Start lessons in a manual car with L plates and a qualified supervisor. You do not need a new provisional licence.
Practise clutch control, gear changes and hill starts until they are automatic.
Book a manual test with DVSA by phone.
Take the same practical test. If you fail, you can carry on driving automatics as before.

Getting the car ready for test day

If you use your own electric car, it must meet the normal rules for a test car, including being roadworthy, insured, taxed and fitted with an extra interior mirror for the examiner. Make sure the battery has plenty of charge for a drive of around 40 minutes plus the journey to and from the test centre.

Know the car's controls well. You may be asked 'show me, tell me' questions, and some checks look different on an electric car, so learn where everything is, including the washer fluid, lights and demister controls.

Choose a regenerative braking setting you are used to and stick with it on the day.
Practise smooth stops at junctions and in traffic.
Watch for pedestrians in the test centre car park: they may not hear you.

Health and other licence questions

Some drivers with certain medical conditions or disabilities find an automatic car easier, and an automatic licence may be all they need. If you have a condition that affects driving, you must check whether you need to tell DVLA, whatever type of car you learn in.

Common mistakes

Not realising the licence will be automatic only. Decide before you start lessons.
Turning up with low battery charge. Charge fully the day before.
Changing regenerative braking settings on the day. Use the setting you practised with.
Driving a manual car alone after passing in an electric one. That is driving otherwise than in accordance with your licence.
Not learning the car's show-me, tell-me checks. Electric cars still need tyres, lights and fluids checked.

Practice tip: Before booking, ask your instructor to give you one lesson in a manual car too, so you can make an informed choice between an automatic and a full licence.

Test yourself: Taking the driving test in an electric car

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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Sources: Upgrade an automatic car driving licence to a manual one (gov.uk); Driving licence codes (gov.uk, DVLA); Using your own car for your driving test (gov.uk, DVSA). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.

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