Motorcycle test on an automatic: what does code 78 mean?

For A1, the MIT states that taking the practical test on an automatic vehicle results in code 78 on the licence, restricting you to vehicles with automatic transmission.

The test transmission affects the licence

When booking the A1 practical test, consider the motorcycle’s transmission. The MIT page says that taking the test on a vehicle with automatic transmission results in code 78 on the licence. This restriction allows you to ride only vehicles with automatic transmission. It does not concern the motorcycle’s power or capacity, and it is not a penalty: it records a condition linked to the test vehicle.

An automatic scooter may feel familiar, but consider the later restriction before choosing it. If you want to ride manual motorcycles as well, ask the driving school what vehicle you must use and how to practise the relevant controls. The clutch and gears require hands-on practice; theory study cannot teach their coordinated use.

Confirm the vehicle and transmission

Before booking, verify the motorcycle’s transmission and make sure it matches the application. If you change vehicles, do not assume an informal message updated the official record; ask the school or office to confirm. You can also ask which procedure would apply if you later want to remove or change the code, without assuming the restriction disappears automatically.

For example, if you have trained on an automatic scooter and take the test on that type, code 78 will restrict your licence. If you want a licence without that restriction, prepare on a compliant manual motorcycle and make sure the booking reflects it. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review common road rules through chapters, quizzes, explanations, mistake review and study statistics.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review theory questions; learning manual transmission requires practical training.