Alfa Romeo Junior: Do You Still Need to Get Your License with a Manual Transmission?

For decades, the question didn’t even come up—at least in Europe. Getting your driver’s license with a manual transmission was a given. However, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is changing the game. For example, at Alfa Romeo, the new Junior perfectly illustrates this trend: whether it’s a hybrid or a 100% electric model, this small Italian SUV is available exclusively with an automatic transmission. So, in 2026, will we still need to get a driver’s license for a manual transmission?

The Alfa Romeo Junior represents a new generation of cars

L'Alfa Romeo Junior is an important model for the Italian brand. As the first B-SUV in its history, it also marks a technological breakthrough. The 136 and 145 ch hybrid versions use an electrified dual-clutch transmission, while the 156 ch electric and 280 ch Veloce versions naturally do not have a traditional transmission.

In practice, no Junior driver needs to use a clutch pedal or shift gears manually. All you have to do is select drive and step on the gas. This approach isn’t unique to Alfa Romeo, by the way. Many recent models, whether hybrid or electric, are gradually phasing out manual transmissions (although some manufacturers are bringing them back, such as Fiat with the Grande Panda and Lancia with the new Ypsilon).

The automatic transmission driver's license is gaining ground

In light of these changes in the automotive market, the automatic transmission (AT) driver’s license is attracting more and more applicants. Learning to drive with an automatic transmission is often seen as easier: there’s less risk of stalling when pulling away, less stress in traffic jams, and more focus on the road.

Another advantage is that the training is shorter. In France, regulations require a minimum of 13 hours of driving instruction, compared to 20 hours for a standard manual transmission license. This difference generally helps reduce the total cost of the training.

For applicants who are wondering if it's possible to driving a manual transmission car with an automatic license, there are now training solutions available that can overcome this restriction. Companies such as En Voiture Simone offer automatic transmission driver’s license training throughout France, as well as bridging courses that allow students to later transition to manual transmission.

For a young driver considering the purchase of an Alfa Romeo Junior, a Fiat 600 hybrid, or a future electric vehicle, an automatic driver’s license may therefore seem like the perfect fit.

The manual driver's license still has certain advantages, however

That said, the manual transmission license hasn’t had its final say. The used-car market is still largely made up of manual vehicles, particularly among older city cars and compact cars (Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Alfa Romeo Mito, Fiat 500X, etc.). A manual driver’s license therefore offers more freedom. It allows you to drive any vehicle—whether automatic or manual—without restriction. But there is now a particularly interesting middle ground.

A simple stepping stone for future growth

Also in France, since March 2024, holders of an automatic Class B driver’s license can complete a seven-hour supplemental training course to obtain authorization to drive vehicles with manual transmissions. This training does not require retaking the road test. It teaches how to operate the clutch, shift gears, and drive on the road with a manual transmission. In other words, a driver who chooses an automatic license today to drive an Alfa Romeo Junior can still expand their skills later on if their needs change.

So, do you still have to take the manual driver's license test?

The Alfa Romeo Junior demonstrates just how rapidly the automotive industry is evolving. For a driver who plans to drive primarily in hybrid or electric mode, an automatic license now appears to be a logical, cost-effective solution well-suited to modern cars.

On the other hand, car enthusiasts, classic car lovers, or those who want to retain as much freedom of choice as possible will still find value in a manual driver’s license. Ultimately, the question may no longer be whether the manual transmission will disappear, but rather how long it will continue to coexist with models like the Alfa Romeo Junior.