Code "78" in the License: How "Automatic" Restricts "Manual" and How to Remove the Mark
The “78” mark in a driving license is often perceived as something “new”, although in fact it is a long‑standing approach aligned with international practice and current Ukrainian rules. The question usually comes up when someone passed the practical exam in a car with an automatic transmission (often category B) but later wants to drive a manual. This is where code “78” becomes not a symbol, but a real limitation.
What code “78” means and where it is shown
According to paragraph 17 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 340 dated September 22, 2021, code “78” is placed in the 12th field of the driving license. It indicates that the person passed the practical exam in a vehicle with an automatic gearbox and is allowed to drive only vehicles with an automatic transmission within the relevant category.
Why it matters: the restriction works “within the category”
The key point is that code “78” does not remove your category, but changes the conditions under which you may use it. You are allowed to drive vehicles in your category, but only if the transmission is automatic. For many drivers this is fine as long as they use an automatic. However, it quickly becomes critical if you need to drive a company car, a rental, or a family vehicle that has a manual gearbox.
How to remove the “78” restriction and switch to manual
If your license shows code “78” and you want to drive a manual‑transmission vehicle, you need to complete training on a vehicle with a manual transmission and pass the practical exam at an MIA service center in a suitable car. An important clarification from official explanations: you do not need to retake the theory exam if you already have a valid driving license. After you pass the practical exam, a new license is issued without the “78” restriction, and you can then drive both automatic and manual vehicles.
Legal risk: driving a manual with code “78”
Ignoring the mark is not a “minor deviation” but a violation of the conditions of your driving entitlement. If a driver with code “78” drives a car with a manual gearbox, this is treated as driving without the appropriate entitlement because the restriction conditions are not met. In this case, Article 126 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (Part 2) provides for a fine of 3400 UAH. The practical takeaway is simple: before getting behind the wheel of a manual, resolve the legal side and follow the procedure to remove the restriction.
An analytical view: how to decide during training
Choosing “automatic or manual” is not only about comfort during the exam—it is about future flexibility. If you know you will only use automatic vehicles, taking the exam in an automatic may be a logical choice. If there are scenarios where you will need a manual, it is better to think ahead to avoid spending time on additional training and another practical exam. In this sense, code “78” acts as an indicator of the decision you made on the day of the practical exam.
How to plan retraining without losing extra time
To make the path to removing “78” more predictable, it helps to understand the logic of practical training in advance. See materials on the practice training structure and the practical exam procedure. For organizing visits, it is convenient to use e‑appointments and role‑based navigation in GSC / RSC / TSC: who is responsible for what.
Conclusion
Code “78” is a clear, formal rule: if you passed the practical exam in an automatic, your driving entitlement is restricted to vehicles with an automatic transmission. To switch to a manual legally, you need training and a practical exam in a manual‑transmission car. The best way to avoid extra costs is to decide on the transmission type before training starts and plan your path to obtaining/updating a license as systematically as you plan exam preparation.
