There are two types of regular cars: MT cars and AT cars, and the types of driver's licenses that are compatible with each differ. There are some car models that you cannot drive unless you have a license compatible with manual transmission cars, so it is important to consider which one you need in advance.
In this article, we will explain the differences between MT and AT cars and the benefits of obtaining an AT-only license. We will also explain how to remove the restriction after obtaining an AT-limited license, so it is a must-read for those who are confused about the type of regular license to obtain.
What is MT car/AT car?
There are two main types of cars: MT cars and AT cars. Since the operating methods for MT and AT cars are different, MT licenses and AT-only licenses are available as needed.
MT car (manual)
MT cars have a clutch and shift knob, and are driven by manually switching gears. MT is an abbreviation that stands for "Manual Transmission." Normally, when driving a car, you change gears to change speed and direction.
In the case of a manual transmission vehicle, you need to change gears yourself by operating the clutch or accelerator depending on the situation. The basic rule is to use a lower gear when starting to drive or when driving at low speeds, and a higher gear when driving at high speeds.
At first, the engine may stall when changing gears, so it is difficult to operate until you get used to it. However, once you get used to it, some people seem to enjoy driving due to the unique controls of a manual transmission vehicle.
AT car (automatic)
An AT car is a car that does not require clutch operation. AT is an abbreviation that stands for "Automatic Transmission." Since it is equipped with an automatic transmission, there is no need to change gears depending on the current situation.
Basically, if you press the accelerator, the gear will change automatically. AT cars are easier to operate than MT cars, making them easier for beginners and the elderly to drive. In addition, many modern cars have automatic transmissions, so there are many options when purchasing one.
However, because the vehicle starts moving simply by pressing the accelerator, many accidents occur due to the mistake of pressing the accelerator and brake. Although the number of car models equipped with false start prevention functions is increasing, the current situation is that it cannot be supported in all cases.
Difference between MT car and AT car
MT cars and AT cars have different transmissions. A transmission is a device that transmits the necessary driving force to the wheels by changing gears depending on the vehicle's driving conditions.
MT cars are equipped with a ``manual transmission'' that allows the driver to change gears himself. On the other hand, AT cars are equipped with an "automatic transmission" that changes gears automatically. In other words, the difference between manual and automatic cars is whether the driver needs to change gears.
The range of cars you can drive will change depending on which license you obtain. If you obtain a regular license for manual transmission vehicles, you can also drive automatic transmission vehicles. You can only drive an AT-only car with an AT-only license; you cannot drive a MT car.
More than half of regular license holders obtained AT-only licenses.
According to the ``Driver's License Statistics Reiwa 3rd Edition'' by the National Police Agency's Traffic Bureau Driver's License Division, of the 1,231,297 people who passed the Class 1 regular driver's license in 2021, 870,000 people obtained AT-only licenses. It is known that there were 4,662 people.
| Year | All successful candidates | AT limited license passer |
| Reiwa 3 | 1,231,297 people | 874,662 people |
| Reiwa 2 | 1,169,249 people | 804,956 people |
| 2019 | 1,147,056 people | 768,153 people |
| 2018 | 1,155,475 people | 740,097 people |
*Source: National Police Agency Traffic Bureau Driving License Division “Driver License Statistics 2021 Edition”
National Police Agency Traffic Bureau Driver’s License Division “Driver’s License Statistics 2019 Edition”
Looking at the statistics for the past four years, those who passed the AT limited license account for the majority of all those who passed.
Advantages of obtaining an AT limited license
The reason why many people choose an AT-only license may be because they think it has great benefits. From here, we will explain the benefits of obtaining an AT-only license, so please understand them before considering which one to choose.
Acquisition costs tend to be low
There is a difference in the acquisition cost for MT and AT limited licenses because the training time is different.
| Type of regular license | Number of time limits for academic lessons | Number of time limits for Driving Lessons | Market price of acquisition cost *As of January 2023 |
| MT | 26 hours | 34 hours | Approximately 270,000~ |
| AT limited | 26 hours | 31st period | Approximately 260,000~ |
Academic training is the same for both MT and AT only, 26 hours. However, compared to MT, Driving Lessons is limited to 3 hours for AT only. Therefore, the acquisition cost for AT-only cars tends to be about 15,000 yen cheaper than MT cars.
Low difficulty to obtain
MT cars require you to change gears yourself depending on the driving situation. It is said to be more difficult to operate than an AT vehicle, as it may cause the engine to stall if you are not used to it. On the other hand, AT cars are equipped with an automatic transmission, so there is no need to change gears.
There is no clutch or shift operation, and you can basically drive using only the accelerator and brake, so it is not very difficult. If driving a manual transmission vehicle is not required for work such as transportation or construction, an AT-only license may be sufficient.
Short acquisition period
The acquisition period is different for MT and AT limited.
| Type of regular license | Estimated acquisition period |
| MT | Minimum 15 days |
| AT limited | Minimum 13 days |
In the case of MT, the first stage takes 8 days, the second stage takes 7 days, the provisional license exam takes 1 day, and Final Driving Test takes 1 day, so it takes at least 15 days. On the other hand, AT-only students can aim to graduate in as little as 13 days, even if it takes 6 days for the first stage, 7 days for the second stage, 1 day for the provisional license Final Driving Test, and 1 day for the graduation test.
AT-only students can graduate about two days earlier than MT students. However, the shortest acquisition period is just a guideline. When commuting to a driving school, it is not always possible to make a reservation according to your free time. Especially during the busy season at the driving school, there may be cases where the training does not proceed as planned.
What happens if you drive a MT car with an AT-only license?
If you obtain a regular driver's license that is limited to AT, you will not be able to drive a manual transmission vehicle. The types of vehicles that can be driven with automatic transmission are limited to automatic transmission vehicles, small special vehicles, and motorized bicycles. If you happen to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you will be violating the license conditions, so please be careful.
Violation of license conditions will result in 2 violation points and a fine of 7,000 yen. The penalties tend to be lighter than those for driving without a license, which can result in immediate license revocation. However, it is definitely a violation, so be sure to follow the rules.
Holders of an AT-limited license will be able to drive a manual transmission vehicle by removing the AT restriction using a method called "restriction release."
How to cancel an ordinary AT-limited license and the cost
Restriction release is a method to remove the AT restriction from an AT-only regular license and upgrade it to a regular license that allows you to drive a manual transmission vehicle. There are two ways to remove the restriction: attend a driving school or take a one-shot test.
attend a driving school
There are two types of driving schools: designated driving schools and registered driving schools. A designated driving school is a driving school designated by the Public Safety Commission. If you wish to cancel the restriction, you must first complete the enrollment procedures at a designated driving school and take an aptitude test. The passing criteria for the aptitude test are as follows:
| Inspection item | passing grade |
| eyesight |
|
| Color Identification | Ability to distinguish red, blue, and yellow |
| hearing | The sound of a 90 decibel horn can be heard at a distance of 10 meters. |
| Exercise capacity | There are no disabilities that may interfere with driving a car. |
After passing the aptitude test, you will receive over 4 hours of limited training. The content of the limited release training is as follows.
- Clutch operation and gear operation
- Starting and stopping
- Run within the course
- Stopping and starting before a railroad crossing
- Starting on a hill
- S-shape and crank running
- parallel parking
- back parking
- Understand
After completing the training, you will undergo a skill examination, and if you pass, you will go to the driver's license center to receive a new driver Driver's License. The acquisition cost is generally around 50,000 yen. If you fail the skills examination, supplementary training fees and certification fees will be incurred each time.
take a one-shot test
A one-shot test is a method of obtaining a driver's license by simply taking a skills examination at a driver's license center without taking training at a designated driving school. You only need to pay 1,400 yen for the skill examination and 1,450 yen for the use of the test vehicle, so it is cheaper than going to a driving school. Since you do not have to go to a driving school, if you can pass on the first try, you can obtain the certification in as little as one day.
However, because AT and MT cars operate differently, the one-shot test tends to be more difficult. Also, just like when attending a driving school, if you fail the skill test, you will be required to pay the test fee and test car usage fee each time.
Decide whether to obtain a regular AT-only license depending on your purpose.
There are two types of regular cars: MT cars and AT cars, and you need to choose one when obtaining a regular license. MT cars are more difficult than AT cars because you have to change gears yourself depending on the driving situation.
AT cars, on the other hand, are equipped with an automatic transmission, making them easier to operate. However, holders of an AT-only license cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. If you want to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you can remove the automatic transmission restriction by passing the skill test.
There is an option to ``remove the restriction'' in the future, so one way is to first obtain an AT-restricted license and then consider whether to remove the restriction while watching the situation.
