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zuludog
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01-07-2018, 09:54 AM
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manual/automatic legality?

Here's a question that cropped up between a few of us in the pub the other day

In the UK you are only allowed to drive a car with a manual gearbox if you have passed your test on one
You can pass your test in an automatic gearbox car, but then you must continue to drive an automatic, unless you are re-tested on a manual

If a visitor to UK, notably Americans, has passed their test on an automatic in their own country, what are they allowed to drive in UK?

If they hire a car while on holiday can it be a manual, or must they ask for an automatic?
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01-07-2018, 09:58 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Looking at Gov.UK it says you can drive any small vehicle ( ie car or motorcycle) which is listed on your full and valid driving license

So I guess if they can only drive autos, thats what they have to ask for here
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01-07-2018, 10:00 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Originally Posted by zuludog ->
Here's a question that cropped up between a few of us in the pub the other day

In the UK you are only allowed to drive a car with a manual gearbox if you have passed your test on one
You can pass your test in an automatic gearbox car, but then you must continue to drive an automatic, unless you are re-tested on a manual

If a visitor to UK, notably Americans, has passed their test on an automatic in their own country, what are they allowed to drive in UK?

If they hire a car while on holiday can it be a manual, or must they ask for an automatic?
I believe that if you have passed a test on a manual you can drive either, but if you have passed on an auto then you can't legally drive a manual. Autos are available though from most car hire companies, so no problem if you are visiting from abroad.
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01-07-2018, 10:35 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

I would think they would only hire and drive an automatic. I doubt they would physically be able to drive a manual because they wouldn't know how to.
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01-07-2018, 10:38 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

I don't think Americans would ask for what they call a stick shift but ask for an autobox
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01-07-2018, 11:26 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Originally Posted by Longdogs ->
I would think they would only hire and drive an automatic. I doubt they would physically be able to drive a manual because they wouldn't know how to.
There are lots of drivers out there who passed their test in a manual Longdogs, who still don't know what to do with the gearbox.....

Anyway? What's that pedal on the left for?...
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01-07-2018, 11:30 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Originally Posted by OldGreyFox ->
There are lots of drivers out there who passed their test in a manual Longdogs, who still don't know what to do with the gearbox.....

Anyway? What's that pedal on the left for?...
Good point Foxy.
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01-07-2018, 11:34 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Cheers Longdogs.....and good morning my friend....
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01-07-2018, 11:35 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Originally Posted by OldGreyFox ->
Cheers Longdogs.....and good morning my friend....
And a very good morning to you my friend.

Luv you
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01-07-2018, 11:37 AM
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Re: manual/automatic legality?

Originally Posted by Longdogs ->
And a very good morning to you my friend.

Luv you
Awwwww Shucks.....I bet you say that to all the boys....
 
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