Category B with code 78: can I drive a manual car?

No. Harmonised code 78 means you may drive only vehicles with automatic transmission in the category concerned. To switch to a manual car, check and complete the removal procedure with the Motorizzazione or a driving school; learning to use a clutch does not remove the restriction.

What code 78 restricts

Code 78 is a harmonised code on the licence that identifies a restriction to vehicles with automatic transmission. The licence still shows its category, but driving is subject to the code. If it appears with category B, the licence is not a general authorisation to drive every B-class car: the transmission must meet the restriction shown.

The Italian Portale dell’Automobilista lists code 78 among the additional codes and links it to automatic vehicles. Your skill with a manual car, or a rental company handing you one, does not change the licence. Until the restriction has been officially removed for the relevant category, do not drive a manual vehicle covered by it.

How the restriction is removed

You cannot remove the code by changing the card yourself. The procedure depends on the category and the circumstances of the licence. Contact the Motorizzazione or a driving school and ask which application, test vehicle and practical assessment apply. Requirements may depend on current rules and on how you obtained or updated your licence, so avoid relying on old instructions for a different case.

After a successful procedure, check that the new licence or official update no longer shows code 78 for that category before driving a manual car. For example, if you passed a test but the card still shows the restriction and you have no valid official confirmation, do not assume it has already been removed.

Study and review Italian category B rules and licence codes with the theory quizzes in Quiz Patente Ufficiale.