Manual or automatic: what to choose for the course and the exam in Poland

Most new cars sold in Poland now have automatic gearboxes, so 'automatic or manual' is the first real decision on a driving course. The answer depends on what you will actually drive in the next few years — including cars you rent abroad.

Current offer: automatic driving course in Warsaw — lessons in a Toyota C-HR, like at the WORD exam

What code 78 means

If you pass the practical exam in a car with an automatic gearbox, your licence gets code 78 next to Category B. It limits you to vehicles without a clutch pedal. Driving a manual with code 78 counts as driving without the proper entitlement — fine and penalty points included.

When automatic makes sense

• you will mostly drive in city traffic, where the clutch tires you most
• your household car is an automatic and will stay one
• exam stress is your main concern — fewer actions mean fewer mistakes
• you want the shortest path: skipping gear work usually shortens learning

When manual is worth it

• you plan to rent cars abroad — manuals still dominate cheaper rental classes in much of Europe
• you are shopping for a budget used car, where manuals are most of the market
• you may need professional categories or delivery vehicles later
• you want full freedom of choice without checking the gearbox

Removing code 78 later

No need to repeat the course or the theory. You simply pass the practical exam again in a manual car — 250 PLN at WORD, usually plus a few refresher hours (180 PLN/h) to master the clutch, and 100 PLN for the new card.

Our recommendation

If you are unsure, start with manual — switching to an automatic later is free and instant, while the reverse needs an extra exam. If you know you will only ever drive automatics, save yourself the stress. We run courses on both, in English. See pricing and sign up online. Also read our deeper guide to the automatic driving course in Warsaw.