Automatic or manual driving test in Sweden: what code 78 means

One of the most practical choices in the Swedish category B process is whether to train and take the driving test in an automatic or manual car. The choice affects cost, confidence and what you are allowed to drive after you pass.

If you take the driving test in a car with automatic transmission, Trafikverket states that condition 78 is normally added to your licence. This means you may only drive cars with automatic transmission.

Why learners choose automatic

Automatic cars remove clutch and gear work from the learning process. For many learners, this makes it easier to focus on traffic, speed adaptation, positioning, pedestrians and cyclists.

Automatic can be especially useful if you are nervous, already drive automatic cars in daily life, or want to reduce the number of lessons spent on gear control.

Why learners choose manual

If you pass the test in a manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic cars. That gives more flexibility if you might use work vehicles, rental cars or older cars.

Manual training can take longer, but it may be worth it if you want the broader licence from the start.

If you want to remove code 78 later

If your licence has condition 78 and you later want to drive manual cars, you need to take a new driving test in a manual car. You should also check current Trafikverket and Transportstyrelsen routines before booking.

How to decide

Choose automatic if your main goal is safe daily driving in automatic cars and you want to reduce learning load. Choose manual if future flexibility matters.

The best choice is not the same for everyone. Decide based on your driving needs, budget, stress level and access to practice cars.

Practical quality checklist

This page is most useful when you connect it to real driving practice. For this topic, keep the main focus clear: A practical guide to choosing automatic or manual for the Swedish category B driving test, including code 78 and when the choice matters.

Before you start, name the exact risk you are training today and where it usually appears in Swedish traffic.
During practice, connect the theory rule to observation, speed, road position and communication with other road users.
After practice, write down one situation that felt late or uncertain and decide what earlier clue you should notice next time.
When reviewing practice questions, explain why the safe answer is safe instead of only remembering the correct option.

Mini practice scenario

Choose a normal route near home, a driving school or Trafikverket-style test area. Drive it once slowly with the goal of noticing A practical guide to choosing automatic or manual for the Swedish category B driving test, including code 78 and when the choice matters. Then repeat the same route and ask whether your decisions became earlier, calmer and easier to explain.

Official check

Use this article as learning support, not as a legal source. For rules, booking, fees, validity periods and test-day requirements, confirm the current wording with Transportstyrelsen before acting.

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