Manual transmissionBrussels
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136. Manual transmission
A manual transmission is a vehicle transmission in which the driver selects the gears manually, usually using a gear lever together with a clutch pedal. The driver operates the clutch to disconnect and reconnect the engine from the transmission when starting, stopping or changing gears.
Driving a manual vehicle requires the driver to coordinate the clutch, accelerator and gear selection. Compared with an automatic transmission, gear changes are controlled directly by the driver rather than being performed automatically by the vehicle.
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Can you drive a manual car with an automatic-only Belgian licence?
No. If category B on the driving licence carries code 78, the licence is restricted to vehicles with an automatic transmission.
How can you remove code 78 from a Belgian driving licence?
To remove the automatic-transmission restriction, the driver must pass a new practical driving examination with a manual-transmission vehicle.
Can a Belgian driver without code 78 drive both manual and automatic cars?
Yes. If the relevant driving-licence category is not restricted by code 78, the driver may operate both manual and automatic vehicles within that licence category.

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