Code 78: Why Classic Vehicles Are at Risk and How We Can Fight Back
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Driving used to mean more than just getting from point A to point B. It was about freedom, skill, and the thrill of being in control of the machine. But a quiet regulation—Code 78—is putting all of that at risk.
If you’ve never heard of it, Code 78 is the restriction added to your driver’s license if you pass your test in a car with automatic transmission. It means you are legally prohibited from driving a manual car. With automatics and EVs now dominating the new car market, Code 78 is becoming the default for millions of young drivers around the world.
That might not sound like a big deal, but here’s the problem: the Code 78 restriction is slowly killing the future of manual transmission cars, motorcycles, trucks, and tractors—especially the classics.
What Is Code 78 and Why Does It Matter?
The Code 78 driving license restriction applies in many countries, including across Europe. If you take your driving test in an automatic, your license will be marked with Code 78. From that moment on, you cannot legally drive a manual vehicle.
As automatics take over the roads, new generations will lack not only the ability to drive a manual—they’ll also lack the legal right. This is where the danger lies for enthusiasts, collectors, and classic car drivers.
Imagine the impact:
- A young driver can’t legally drive their grandfather’s Volkswagen Beetle or Porsche 911 because it has a clutch.
- A biker who trained on an automatic scooter can’t ride a classic Triumph, Norton, or Harley-Davidson.
- Truck fans are shut out from experiencing historic manual trucks from Diamond T, Austin or Opel.
- Even tractors are affected: most modern ones are automatic, but vintage tractors with manual gearboxes require a full manual license. And since 2025, Dutch drivers no longer automatically get a T license with their B license—they need to take a separate exam. That makes enjoying classic tractors even harder for the next generation.
Without action, manual driving skills will vanish within a generation, and many classic vehicles will be reduced to museum pieces—looked at, but never driven.
The Threat to Classic Cars and Motorcycles
For enthusiasts, this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about preserving an essential part of our automotive heritage. Manuals offer a level of control and connection to the vehicle that automatics simply can’t replicate. The engagement of shifting gears, the precision of heel-and-toe driving, the mechanical symphony between driver and engine—these are the very things that made us fall in love with driving in the first place.
But under Code 78 restrictions, the risk is clear:
- Classic cars without automatic versions will slowly disappear from the roads.
- Classic motorcycles, almost all of which are manual, face extinction as rideable machines.
- Classic trucks and tractors, cultural icons in many regions, may become inaccessible.
If nothing changes, classics will become “becoming dinosaurs”—beautiful relics that can no longer survive in the wild. Only factory automatics will remain as “survivors.”
Fighting Back: The Anti–Code 78 Movement
This blog began with the question: Will classic cars still be able to drive in 15–20 years? That question sparked the launch of the Drop Code 78 Movement—a campaign to raise awareness and push back against the slow disappearance of manual driving rights.
Our online community lives on Reddit at r/DropCode78. It’s a place where drivers from around the world share how Code 78 affects them, compare license rules across countries, and explore what the future holds for classic vehicles.
Some recent highlights include:
- Code 78 in Your Country — a running discussion of how different nations apply the rule.
- Becoming Dinosaurs vs Survivors — a Darwin-style look at which classics are doomed and which may adapt.
- The Dutch License System Explained — showing how Code 78 affects not only cars but also motorcycles (A license), trucks (C license), and tractors (T license).
This isn’t just a debate—it’s a movement to keep classic driving alive.
Gear That Speaks
Our apparel and art are designed to do more than look good—they’re meant to start conversations. Every piece spreads awareness about manual transmission freedom and the fight against Code 78.
- “Real Drivers Know How to Handle Me” T-shirt — 1940s pinup meets protest design.
- Crossed-Out 78 Hoodies — bold anti-Code 78 statement for the streets.
- “Freedom to Shift” Cap — wearable protest gear.
- Wooden Wall Art (40x50 cm) — featuring our vintage protest pinup, for your garage, office, or home.
Each item is a statement: I stand for real driving.
Why This Fight Matters
The disappearance of manual transmissions is not inevitable. But without awareness, Code 78 will ensure that manuals disappear far faster than necessary. This isn’t about resisting technology—it’s about protecting heritage, freedom, and choice.
Because once the skills are lost, and once Code 78 becomes the worldwide standard, entire generations will never know what it feels like to shift through the gears of a classic car.
How You Can Join the Movement
- Join the discussion on Reddit: r/DropCode78
- Follow on Instagram: share visuals, stories, and keep the protest alive.
- Wear the gear: spread the message with T-shirts, hoodies, and wall art.
Together, we can keep classic cars, bikes, trucks, and tractors on the road—one shift at a time.