Choosing between a car with automatic transmission (automatic transmission) and mechanical (manual transmission) affects not only driving comfort, but also the process of obtaining a driver's license. Many future drivers mistakenly believe that their license mechanics automatically allowed to drive automatically, or that training for Automatic transmission cheaper and easier. In reality, everything is more complicated: since 2014, strict rules for distinguishing categories have been in force in Russia, and since 2026, new nuances have appeared.

In this article we will look at:

  • 🔹 Which ones categories of rights available for automatic and manual transmissions in 2026
  • 🔹What is the difference between studying and passing the exam automatic and mechanics
  • 🔹 Is it possible with rights to mechanics ride on automatic, and vice versa
  • 🔹 How to add a category if you already have rights
  • 🔹 How much does retraining cost and what pitfalls await drivers

We will pay special attention to the changes in 2026: now the rights include "AT" mark for automatic transmissions, and the retake procedure to expand the category has been simplified. If you are planning to buy a car or are just starting to learn, this information will help you avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses.

Categories of rights for automatic and manual in 2026: official rules

According to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1097 (as amended in 2026), there are two main categories for driving a passenger car:

  • 📜 Category B - standard license for passenger cars weighing up to 3.5 tons and the number of passenger seats up to 8. Divided into:
    • 🔧 No marks - allows you to ride mechanics and automatic
    • 🔄 Marked "AT"** - only on automatic transmissions (automatic transmission, variator, robot)
  • 🚐 Category B1 - for tricycles and quadricycles. The rule also applies here: if you took the exam mechanics, you can drive any type of gearbox if you have automatic - only on him.

Important: mark «AT»** is added to the license automatically if the exam was taken in a car with automatic transmission. From 2026, this mark has become mandatory for all new driver's licenses.

📊 What gearbox did you use in driving school?
On mechanics
Automatically
Haven't studied yet
Studied at both
Category of rights Type of gearbox during training Permitted checkpoints for driving Mark in rights
B Mechanics Mechanical + Automatic No marks
B Automatic Automatic only AT
B1 Mechanics Mechanical + Automatic No marks
BE Any Corresponds to category B If B with AT, then BE is also only an automaton
⚠️ Attention: If your license is marked «AT»**, but you got behind the wheel of a car with manual transmission, this is equivalent to driving without a license. Fine - 5 000–15 000 ₽, and in the event of an accident, the blame automatically falls on you.

What is the difference between automatic and manual training: pros and cons

The choice of gearbox type affects not only the license category, but also the training process, cost, and future capabilities of the driver. Let's look at the key differences:

🔧 Training on a manual transmission (manual transmission)

  • ⏳ Longer in time — you need to master gear shifting, working with the clutch, “gas-brake”. On average, the course lasts for 10–15 hours of practice more.
  • 💰 More expensive — fuel consumption for training mechanical cars are higher, plus more clutch wear. Difference in course cost - 3 000–8 000 ₽.
  • 🚗 More options — after obtaining a license, you can drive any car, including machine guns.
  • 🔄 More difficult to pass the exam — common mistakes: stalled at the start, did not engage neutral when stopping, improper braking.

🔄 Training on an automatic transmission (automatic transmission)

  • ⚡ Faster — there is no need to learn gear shifting. The course is shorter by 2–3 weeks.
  • 💵 Cheaper - savings on fuel and less wear and tear on the machine. Difference in tuition price - up to 10 000 ₽.
  • 🚫 Restrictions on rights - mark «AT»** prohibits control mechanics.
  • 🎯 Easier to pass the exam — fewer technical errors, but inspectors check the ability to start on a hill more strictly (even on automatic!).
💡

If you are studying at automatic, but are planning to change to mechanics, it is better to immediately choose a manual transmission. Retraining with «AT»** for full category B will cost 15 000–25 000 ₽ and will take 1–2 months.

Traffic police statistics for 2023 show that 68% beginners choose to study at automatic, but 42% of them later return for a retake at mechanics due to rights restrictions. At the same time, pass the exam the first time Automatic transmission succeeds 55% students, and Manual transmission - only 38%.

Is it possible to drive a manual with a license for an automatic (and vice versa)?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among drivers. The answer depends on what mark is on your license:

✅ Rights without marking «AT»** (passed at mechanics)

You can control:

  • 🚗 Any passenger car with manual transmission (manual transmission)
  • 🔄 Any passenger car with automatic transmission (automatic transmission, variator, robot)
  • 🚙 Light trucks up to 3.5 tons (for example, Gazelle Next or Ford Transit)

❌ Rights with a mark «AT»** (handed in on the machine)

You can control only:

  • 🔄 Cars with automatic transmission (including CVTs and robots)
  • 🚗 Cars with semi-automatic transmission (for example, DSG or Powershift)

For management mechanics with such rights threatens:

  • 📋 Fine 5 000–15 000 ₽ (Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code)
  • 🚔 Towing the car to the impound lot
  • 📝 In case of an accident, the driver is automatically at fault (even if the accident is not his fault)
💡

Mark «AT»** in rights is not a “subcategory” - it is a restriction. To remove it, you need to retake the exam mechanics at the traffic police department.

The reverse situation (with rights to mechanics ride on automatic) is permitted without restrictions. Moreover, many experienced drivers note that after Manual transmission transfer to Automatic transmission passes without problems, while the reverse transition often causes difficulties.

How to add a category if you already have rights: step-by-step instructions

If you already have permissions marked «AT»**but you want to control mechanics, you will have to undergo retraining. The process has become simpler in 2026, but still requires time and money. Here's what to do:

  1. Choose a driving school with a license for retraining. Make sure they have cars with manual transmission same category (B).
  2. Pass a medical examination (even if you have a valid certificate). New uniform required in 2026 003-V/u.
  3. Driving lessons - minimum 8 hours of practice on mechanics (according to the new rules). There is no need to retake the theory.
  4. Pass the traffic police exam:
    • 📝 Theory - not required if the rights are valid
    • 🚗 Practice — only driving along the route (no need to rent out the site)
  • Get new rights - mark «AT»** will be deleted, category B will become full.

    • Find a driving school with a manual transmission|Pass a medical examination (form 003-V/u)|Pay the state fee (2,000 ₽)|Complete 8 hours of driving with a manual transmission|Pass a practical exam at the traffic police-->

    Cost of retraining in 2026:

    Region Tuition fee (₽) State duty (₽) Total (₽)
    Moscow 18 000–25 000 2 000 20 000–27 000
    St. Petersburg 15 000–22 000 2 000 17 000–24 000
    Regions 12 000–18 000 2 000 14 000–20 000

    Retraining period - 2–4 weeks (depending on the workload of the driving school and the traffic police). Important: if you have an old-style license (before 2014) without a mark «AT»**, you don’t need to retake anything - you can drive any type of gearbox.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some driving schools offer “accelerated” retraining for 5–7 days with a delivery guarantee. This is often a scam: it is almost impossible to pass the real traffic police exam without preparation. Check reviews and school license!

    Common mistakes when choosing a category and how to avoid them

    Many drivers face problems due to ignorance of the nuances of categories. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

    • 🚫 Error 1: “I’ll buy a car with an automatic transmission, which means I’ll study with it.”

      🔹 Consequences: Rights with a mark «AT»** they only limit you machine guns. If you later want to rent a car abroad or buy a used one mechanics, you'll have to retake it.

      🔹 Solution: Study for mechanics, even if you plan to travel by automatic. This will give you freedom of choice.

    • 🚫 Error 2: “I have a license until 2014 - I can drive anything.”

      🔹 Consequences: Formally yes, but if you don’t know how to manage mechanics, it's dangerous. Statistics show that 30% Accidents involving novice drivers occur due to inability to operate the clutch.

      🔹 Solution: Take some driving lessons at Manual transmission, even if the rights allow it.

    • 🚫 Error 3: "Retake with «AT»** for full category B “It’s just a formality.”

      🔹 Consequences: Exam for mechanics more difficult than automatic. According to the traffic police, they only pass on the first try 28% retakers.

      🔹 Solution: Take extra driving hours (at least 10–12) before the exam.

    What happens if you drive a manual with an AT license?

    If a traffic police inspector stops you while driving mechanics with mark «AT»** in rights, he will draw up a protocol under Art. 12.7 of the Administrative Code (“Driving a vehicle without the right to drive”). Fine - up to 15 000 ₽, and the car will be sent to the impound lot. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay because you were driving a vehicle without the appropriate category.

    Another pitfall - car rental. Many rental companies (for example, BelkaCar or Delimobil) require license without mark «AT»**, even if you take the car with automatically. This is due to the fact that if the clutch breaks down (if you suddenly sit behind mechanics) the responsibility will fall on them.

    Automatic vs manual: what to choose for studying in 2026?

    The decision depends on your goals, budget and future plans. Here is a comparison table to help you decide:

    Criterion Mechanical training Automatic training
    Tuition fees More expensive by 5 000–10 000 ₽ Cheaper at 3 000–8 000 ₽
    Difficulty of the exam More difficult (you need to control the clutch) Easier (no clutch pedal)
    Training time Longer by 2–3 weeks In short on 10–15 hours
    Flexibility after obtaining rights You can drive any car Only on vending machines
    Job prospects Suitable for use in taxi, rental, courier services Limits the choice of vacancies
    Driving safety Better control of the car in emergency situations Fewer distractions (no need to change gears)

    If you haven't decided yet, answer the questions:

    • 🔹 Do you plan to buy a car with mechanics?
    • 🔹 Do you want to work as a driver (taxi, car sharing, courier)?
    • 🔹 Are you ready to spend more time and money on training for the sake of freedom of choice?

    If the answer to at least one question is “yes” - choose mechanics. If you need rights “here and now” for personal machine gun — you can limit yourself to automatic transmission, but be prepared for restrictions.

    💡

    Since 2026, combined courses have appeared in driving schools, where part of the classes are held on mechanics, and part - on automatic. This allows you to get rights without a mark «AT»**, but worth it 20–30% more expensive than standard training.

    Conclusion: what is important to remember

    Choice between automatically and mechanics when learning to drive, it is not just a matter of convenience, but also of legal restrictions. Key points to remember:

    • 📌 Rights with mark «AT»** allow you to ride only on automatic.
    • 📌 Rights without marks give the right to manage any type of gearbox.
    • 📌 Retraining with «AT»** for full category B worth it 15 000–25 000 ₽ and takes 2–4 weeks.
    • 📌 Training on mechanics longer and more expensive, but gives more freedom.
    • 📌 Since 2026, the license must indicate the type of checkpoint at which the exam was taken.

    If you haven't started studying yet, weigh the pros and cons. Mechanics requires more effort, but opens all doors. Automatic easier to learn, but imposes limitations. And if you already have rights, but with a mark «AT»**, think about retaking it - it will save you from problems in the future.

    ⚠️ Attention: From January 1, 2026, new amendments to the traffic rules will come into force, according to which drivers with «AT»** will not be able to drive cars with robotic gearbox (for example, DSG or AMT) if it has a manual switching mode. Please check this point when choosing a training vehicle!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about categories of rights to automatic and manual

    ❓ Is it possible to drive a motorcycle with a category B license (without marks)?

    No, category B gives the right only to passenger cars. Motorcycles need a category A (engine capacity is larger 125 cm³) or A1 (up to 125 cm³).

    ❓ If I passed on the automatic, but want to switch to mechanics, do I need to take the theory?

    No, from 2026 when retaking from «AT»** for full category B The theory is not required. It is enough to complete an internship (minimum 8 hours) and pass the driving test.

    ❓ In which countries is the “AT” mark on your license valid?

    Mark «AT»** recognized in countries that have signed Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, most European countries). In the USA, Canada and Australia there are no such restrictions - there are rights to automatic are automatically allowed to drive mechanics.

    ❓ Is it possible to take it on the machine and then remove the “AT” mark without retaking it?

    No, the only way to remove the mark is to retake the practical test in a vehicle with manual transmission. No “agreements” with the traffic police or a driving school will help - this is a violation of the law.

    ❓ How long is a medical certificate valid for retesting from “AT” to mechanics?

    Help form 003-V/u valid 12 months from the date of issue. If you do not have time to retake it during this time, you will have to take the medical examination again.