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how to get manual driving license when we have an automatic one?

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 11:01

Hi there!

I got my driving license here in Dubai and of course, it is an automatic car license.
Not a problem and all is fine but now, when I go to Europe and want to rent a car for example or drive my parents car...I can't because it is clearly written on the license that it is for an automatic car.
(btw, i have been renting automatic cars but first- very small choice of cars and second-much more expensive than renting a manual car).

Was wondering what to do? Should I take the 20 classes license for manual car and pay the whole price,i.e 3500 aed !!(as if I was a complete beginner?) or is there a better alternative?
I find it difficult to believe that in order to get to know how to use a car manually, I have to take classes as if I've never driven before ?!?

I have been driving for the past 8 years and am a very good driver (yes..yes :)) ..

Log in to post new content in the forum.

263

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 16:40

I learned to drive in Dubai and did learn to drive a manual car and passed the manual test but now I would no longer know how to drive a manual. I bought an automatic car and have only ever driven an automatic. I did try to move my friends car back home and just kept stalling. I would recommend you take the lessons and pass the test. It's not as easy as it looks especially if you haven't driven a manual before.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 14:29

Makes sense now. Thanks for that Admin :)

1848

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 13:50

Hi All! Just been checking this for you On the new silver licences it says "light vehicle" meaning a car and not a truck or motorbike. On old gold licences on the front it says Vehicle Permitted: 3- which when you check what number 3 is on the back is also "light vehicle" On the gold licences if on the front next to the number 3 you have a star that means you are a spectacles wearer- so it would say 3/* If you have a round dot next to the 3 that means you can drive an automatic vehicle only. HTH

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 13:34

Ok thanks :)

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 13:01

Where does a UAE licence specify the transmission type? On the back of mine, at the botom it says "Auto Veh." Does that mean auto only? . i understand that the dot next to Auto Veh means manual too.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 12:48

Where does a UAE licence specify the transmission type? On the back of mine, at the botom it says "Auto Veh." Does that mean auto only? My UK licence is for manual transmission so I assumed my UAE one would be too. I also registered a manual transmission vehicle here in the UAE with this licence.

119

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 11:01

Unfortunately Farine 74, driving a manual car is completely different to an automatic No it's not. The only thing that is different is the fact that you have to change gear yourself. Steering is the same, [b'>braking is the same[/b'>, signalling is the same, manoeuvering is the same. If it actually was completely different, surely manual drivers would need to learn all over again to drive an automatic? An experienced automatic driver should be able to learn to drive a manual with just a few days of practice, in fact they would probably be able to do it in a day, if they were able to spend that whole day practicing. You're not having to learn to drive all over again, you're just learning to co-ordinate the gear-changing movements, which seems difficult at first, but rapidly becomes second nature. Braking is the same? Really? Small matter of the clutch to consider when braking to a halt! Starting the car is different, clutch control takes practice to get right, hill starts, not to mention the extra concentration when manually operating the gears at first. It takes a while for changing gears naturally to "click". When I got here it was the first time I ever drove an automatic... felt like I was driving a toy car! so true!!! i feel so lazy driving an automatic. and when i do get a chance to drive a manual i feel so much more alert as i have to concentrate more on the gears, breaking, clutch etc. I love driving a manual car :) i know so many people who can't drive a manual car and stick to automatics. there is a big difference between the 2. i wouldn't feel safe in a car with someone who only knew how to drive an automatic. I think being a good manual driver makes you an all round good driver

Tongue Tied7617

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 10:46

Unfortunately Farine 74, driving a manual car is completely different to an automatic No it's not. The only thing that is different is the fact that you have to change gear yourself. Steering is the same, [b'>braking is the same[/b'>, signalling is the same, manoeuvering is the same. If it actually was completely different, surely manual drivers would need to learn all over again to drive an automatic? An experienced automatic driver should be able to learn to drive a manual with just a few days of practice, in fact they would probably be able to do it in a day, if they were able to spend that whole day practicing. You're not having to learn to drive all over again, you're just learning to co-ordinate the gear-changing movements, which seems difficult at first, but rapidly becomes second nature. Braking is the same? Really? Small matter of the clutch to consider when braking to a halt! Starting the car is different, clutch control takes practice to get right, hill starts, not to mention the extra concentration when manually operating the gears at first. It takes a while for changing gears naturally to "click". When I got here it was the first time I ever drove an automatic... felt like I was driving a toy car!

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 12:55

I have been "willingly" naughty on this one in that I have shown my Dubai driving license to drive a hire car back home even though it was for only driving automatic cars, I was still able to hire manual cars. Slapped wrist but hey ho!!!!! Until you have an accident and you realise that your insurance is no longer valid as you have been basically driving without a license........ Idiotic.

Madge_Gustard59558

841

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 12:33

no i would say its harder to learn to drive a manual when you have passed an automatic.... most people here just point the car and it will drive itself But it doesn't drive itself, does it? They still have to steer, brake, indicate, measure their use of the accelerator, stay aware of what's going on around them...and that's all the same regardless of the type of transmission in the car. its different having to think and listen to the engine and remember that you have to use your left foot as well as everything else. If an intensive driving course can turn someone who's never been behind the wheel of a car into someone who can pass the UK manual driving test in 5 days, then an experienced automatic driver can learn to drive a manual in less time. The intensive course isn't just teaching changing gear, it's teaching EVERYTHING to do with driving, and an auto driver will already know 95% of that.

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 10:12

Niamh88 - this crossed my mind few times I have to admit!:) Now, whether it is easy or difficult totally depend on the person I guess.It's like for everything else: some people will be faster in learning/catching things than others, like some people will quickly learn how to parrallel park, while others will never be able to do it or will take ages. Am gonna call few more driving schools to find out and will definitely investigate the intensive training (faster AND cheaper from what I can already see) - as recommended by Sandy Dogg- in my home country!

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 03:01

I have been "willingly" naughty on this one in that I have shown my Dubai driving license to drive a hire car back home even though it was for only driving automatic cars, I was still able to hire manual cars. Slapped wrist but hey ho!!!!!

GutenMorgen60562

207

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 23:59

You can choose to take the test for a manual driving license which you'd also be allowed to drive an automatic car. But not vice-versa.

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 23:42

Is it possible to pass a manual driving test here? Sorry, I meant is it possible to take and pass a manual driving test here? I thought the tests here were only for automatic cars? Glad to be proven wrong. edited by simpleasabc on 08/07/2012 no i have known people to drive manual cars.

204

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 22:53

I am glad I saw this thread because I had no idea the licenses here state that the license is just for manual and/or automatic. I didn't have to take the courses as I had my US license and they gave me an Emirates one... but it does only state its an automatic license. And I do know how to drive manual... For visiting other countries and possibly renting a manual, I am reminded by this thread to make sure and renew my US license.

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 22:31

Is it possible to pass a manual driving test here? Sorry, I meant is it possible to take and pass a manual driving test here? I thought the tests here were only for automatic cars? Glad to be proven wrong. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 08/07/2012</em>

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 22:15

Unfortunately Farine 74, driving a manual car is completely different to an automatic No it's not. The only thing that is different is the fact that you have to change gear yourself. Steering is the same, braking is the same, signalling is the same, manoeuvering is the same. If it actually was completely different, surely manual drivers would need to learn all over again to drive an automatic? An experienced automatic driver should be able to learn to drive a manual with just a few days of practice, in fact they would probably be able to do it in a day, if they were able to spend that whole day practicing. You're not having to learn to drive all over again, you're just learning to co-ordinate the gear-changing movements, which seems difficult at first, but rapidly becomes second nature. If a 5-day intensive course can turn a total novice driver who's never been behind the wheel into someone who can pass the UK driving test in a manual, then an experienced auto driver can get good enough to pass a manual test within a fraction of that time. no i would say its harder to learn to drive a manual when you have passed an automatic.... most people here just point the car and it will drive itself, its different having to think and listen to the engine and remember that you have to use your left foot as well as everything else.

CAPTAIN AMERICA...

1260

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 21:38

Firstly it is not a 'scam' and secondly, teaching someone to drive a manual after they have been driving an automatic is much harder than teaching a manual from scratch.

Madge_Gustard59558

841

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 21:03

Unfortunately Farine 74, driving a manual car is completely different to an automatic No it's not. The only thing that is different is the fact that you have to change gear yourself. Steering is the same, braking is the same, signalling is the same, manoeuvering is the same. If it actually was completely different, surely manual drivers would need to learn all over again to drive an automatic? An experienced automatic driver should be able to learn to drive a manual with just a few days of practice, in fact they would probably be able to do it in a day, if they were able to spend that whole day practicing. You're not having to learn to drive all over again, you're just learning to co-ordinate the gear-changing movements, which seems difficult at first, but rapidly becomes second nature. If a 5-day intensive course can turn a total novice driver who's never been behind the wheel into someone who can pass the UK driving test in a manual, then an experienced auto driver can get good enough to pass a manual test within a fraction of that time.

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:55

Hi Sandy..I know :) ;) That's a great suggestion actually.. I will definitely investigate further.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:51

Ah, cross post... If you visit your home country is a week-long intensive driving course likely to work out cheaper? (subject to residency laws I guess).

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:48

[b'>manually manipulate a car[/b'> I like that :) Joking aside, I think wiggywig's advice of talking to a driving school is best. They may be able to advise a shorter course for your situation if such a thing exists.

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:47

already did.The lady I found told me it was mandatory to go through the whole thing again - 'as - per - our- rules' and could not give more info. I will try others tomorrow but am trying to assess whether or not I should fall for this additional money making scam from these driving centers or if there are other options.

422

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:28

Why don't you just give a Driving School a quick call. They will be able to answer your questions. Good luck

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:19

Thanks Wiggywig for the informative answer! Indeed these are 2 different type of cars and it is exactly what it is about : 2 different ways of driving.The driving regulations and rules remain more or less the same here. Is it really worth spending 20-30 hours (+ 3500 aed..ouch) learning how to manually manipulate a car (20-30 hours which will most certainly be 80% theory and 20% practice)? Does one really need THAT MUCH time, especially when already an experienced driver? Is anyone aware of any express individual classes that would suit this situation? Trying to find an alternative here...

422

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 13:47

Unfortunately Farine 74, driving a manual car is completely different to an automatic. One of the main reasons are you have 3 pedals not 2 and there are gear changes. As far as I am aware you will have to do a complete driving course and test to get your manual license. Good luck

GutenMorgen60562

207

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 11:33

I don't regard an auto license as a real driving license anyway. Its dodgems isn't it? Were those meant to be subtle insults...

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 11:10

I don't regard an auto license as a real driving license anyway. Its dodgems isn't it?

CAPTAIN AMERICA...

1260

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 11:03

I don't regard an auto license as a real driving license anyway.

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