Do I need a special licence to drive an electric car?

Can you drive an electric car with an automatic licence? Can you take your driving test in an electric vehicle (EV)? We look at the requirements for driving an electric car, and how Onto is rewriting the rules for accessing electric cars.

If you’re used to driving a manual, driving an electric vehicle (EV) might be a little different for you. When you get in the driver’s seat for the first time, you might be surprised to find that electric vehicles don’t have a clutch or gears.

Unlike a manual car, an electric car doesn’t need gears - the electric motor provides constant power, so there’s no need to shift through to increase power.

It might take a little getting used to, but you don’t need a new special licence to drive an electric car. In fact, you can drive an electric car with your standard category B driving licence.

Summary

  • You can drive an electric car with a full category B or category B auto driving licence.
  • It’s possible to take your category B auto driving test in an electric car. 
  • Manual or automatic, as long as you’ve held your licence for at least a year and fulfil our other eligibility criteria, it’s easy to  access an electric car with Onto.

Can I drive an electric car with an automatic licence?

Driving an electric car is more like driving an automatic car than a manual. Though an electric car is powered by electricity and an automatic runs on petrol, they’re set up almost identically. Once you get behind the wheel, you’ll probably feel right at home.

If you have a category B auto licence, you may be restricted to automatic petrol cars, but you’ll be pleased to know you’re legally allowed to drive any electric car you choose.

Can I drive an electric car with a manual licence?

Just as you can drive an automatic petrol car with a manual licence, you can also drive an electric car with a manual licence.

Sure, switching from a manual car to an electric car might take a little adjustment, but isn’t that the case with every new car?

Woman with her hands on the wheel of an Audi e-tron

Can I take my driving test in an electric car?

Yes, you can take your driving test in an electric car, but keep in mind that you’ll be given a category B auto licence if you pass. If you want to get a category B licence that allows you to drive manual cars, you’ll have to take (and pass) your driving test in a manual.

With a category B licence, you’ll be able to drive manual, automatic, and electric cars. If you have a category B auto licence, you’ll still be able to drive electric vehicles, but you’ll be restricted to automatic petrol cars.

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