How to Know If a Car Is Manual or Automatic

The quickest way to tell is to check the pedals and the gear selector: a manual has three pedals (including a clutch) and an H-pattern shifter labeled with gears (1–5/6 and R), while an automatic has two pedals and a selector with a Park position (P) and PRND markings. If you can drive it, automatics typically creep forward in Drive, and manuals do not unless you engage the clutch; when in doubt, confirm via the window sticker, owner’s manual, or a VIN/build-sheet lookup.

Quick visual checks inside the cabin

Without moving the car, you can identify the transmission type by looking at a few unmistakable interior features.

• Pedal count: Manuals have three pedals—clutch (far left), brake, and accelerator. Automatics have two—brake and accelerator. Watch for edge cases: some automatics have a foot-operated parking brake pedal on the far left (often labeled or smaller), which is not a clutch; many cars also have a dead pedal (a footrest) that isn’t a pedal at all.
• Gear selector markings: Automatics show P-R-N-D (often plus S/L/M/B). The presence of a Park (P) position is definitive for an automatic; manuals never have Park. Manuals display an H-pattern with gear numbers and R on the shift knob.
• Selector style: Automatics can use a stalk on the steering column, a console lever, push-buttons, or a rotary dial—if it has a P, it’s automatic. Manual shifters are mechanical levers with a visible pattern and typically a spring-loaded reverse lockout.
• Cluster indicators: Automatics illuminate PRNDL or show the selected gear on the instrument cluster. Manuals don’t show PRND; some display a shift-up light but not a PRND column.
• Parking routine: Automatics rely on shifting to P; manuals are parked in gear or neutral with the parking brake set. A prominent “P” button or indicator strongly suggests automatic.

In most cases, these cabin cues settle the question immediately: Park (P) and PRND indicate automatic; a clutch pedal and an H-pattern indicate manual.

Behavioral checks when starting and moving

If it’s safe and permitted to operate the vehicle (ideally in a private lot), a few behaviors distinguish manual from automatic operation.

1. Start interlocks: Manuals generally require the clutch pedal to be fully depressed to start. Automatics require the selector in Park or Neutral and the brake depressed.
2. Creep test: With the engine running and no “Auto Hold” engaged, shifting an automatic into D makes the car creep forward when you release the brake. A manual in neutral will not move until you select a gear and release the clutch. Note: modern cars with Auto Hold, hill-hold, or EV one-pedal modes may prevent creep until you press the accelerator.
3. Shifting on the move: Automatics change gears on their own; many also offer a manual mode (+/− or paddles) but still have PRND. Manuals only change when you move the lever and coordinate the clutch.
4. Stall behavior: Manuals can stall if the clutch is released improperly from a stop; automatics almost never stall during normal takeoff.

These operational checks are very telling, but use caution and account for modern aids (Auto Hold, adaptive creep, and EV behavior) that can mask typical cues.

Paperwork and electronic lookups

If you can’t inspect or drive the car, documentation and official records will confirm the transmission type.

• Window sticker/Monroney or sales listing: Usually lists “Transmission: 6-speed manual” or “8-speed automatic/CVT.”
• Owner’s manual: The specifications and driving sections identify the transmission and controls.
• VIN/build-sheet lookup: Many automakers let you enter the VIN on their website or app to pull the build sheet; third-party VIN decoders and dealership service departments can also confirm the exact transmission code.
• Service records/RPO codes: GM and some brands list Regular Production Option (RPO) codes on a glovebox or trunk label; codes correspond to manual/automatic variants.

Paper trails remove ambiguity, especially for models offered with both manual and automatic options in the same year.

Under-the-hood clues

If you’re comfortable opening the hood, a few components can signal a manual or automatic, though this is less beginner-friendly.

• Clutch hydraulic reservoir: Many manuals have a small, translucent reservoir (sometimes shared with or near the brake master cylinder) labeled for clutch fluid.
• Transmission dipstick: Some older automatics have a transmission fluid dipstick; many modern automatics are “sealed” and lack one, so absence isn’t conclusive.
• Linkages and housings: Manuals have a distinct gearbox and shift linkage/cables; automatics may have more complex cooling lines. This is typically a mechanic’s clue, not necessary for casual identification.

Use engine-bay checks only if you’re confident—interior cues and documentation are faster and clearer.

Modern edge cases to know

Newer technologies can blur the feel of a traditional automatic vs. manual, but a couple of rules still hold: a clutch pedal and H-pattern mean manual; a Park (P) position means automatic.

• Dual-clutch (DCT) and automated manuals (AMT/SMG): No clutch pedal, PRND selector, and automated shifting—functionally automatic to the driver.
• CVT: Continuously variable transmission with PRND (and often “L,” “S,” or “B”); no discrete shift steps under steady acceleration.
• Paddle shifters: Common on automatics and DCTs; paddles do not indicate a manual transmission.
• Electronic shifters: Rotary dials or buttons still denote automatic if “P” exists.
• EVs: Electric vehicles use single-speed reduction gearing and operate like automatics with D/R (and often P); no clutch pedal.
• Hybrids: Typically eCVT or automatic behavior with PRND/B; no clutch pedal.
• Classic quirks: Some older automatics have a pedal-style parking brake or other foot-operated controls that can be mistaken for a third pedal; check labeling and placement.

Even with these variations, “P means automatic” and “clutch pedal plus H-pattern means manual” remain reliable rules across modern and older vehicles.

When a car can look manual but isn’t

Some automatics offer a manual mode labeled “M” with +/− taps or paddles and may even display simulated gear numbers on the cluster. Despite the manual-like control, these are automatics if they have PRND and no clutch pedal. Conversely, a true manual never has a Park position and always demands a clutch for gear changes.

Common mistakes to avoid

These pitfalls can lead to a wrong call if you rely on a single clue.

• Confusing a parking brake pedal for a clutch: It’s usually far left, smaller, and labeled; manuals still have three operational pedals (no “P” on the shifter).
• Assuming paddles mean manual: Many automatics have paddles; they’re not exclusive to manuals.
• Relying only on the creep test: Auto Hold, hill-hold, and EV one-pedal features can stop creep; confirm by checking for “P.”
• Trusting engine sound or shift feel alone: Some automatics mimic manual shift points; check the selector and pedals.

Cross-check at least two indicators—pedals and selector—before concluding.

Summary

Look for the clutch pedal and the shifter markings: three pedals and an H-pattern mean manual; PRND with a Park position means automatic. If needed, confirm via simple behavior tests (start interlocks, creep) or documentation (window sticker, owner’s manual, VIN/build sheet). These steps work across modern cars, hybrids, EVs, and classics, even with today’s electronic shifters and paddle controls.

How to identify a manual transmission?

To identify a manual transmission, look for a clutch pedal to the left of the brake pedal and a gearshift with a pattern marked by an “H” and numbers, rather than “PRNDL”. An easy way to verify is by confirming the presence of the third pedal and the absence of an “auto” drive gear on the shifter. 
Check the Pedals

• Three Pedals: A manual transmission car will have three pedals: a clutch pedal on the far left, a brake pedal, and an accelerator/gas pedal. 
• Two Pedals: An automatic car will only have two pedals: the brake and the accelerator. 

Look at the Gear Shifter 

• H-Pattern: The shifter on a manual car will have a visible “H” pattern with numbers for each gear, indicating you need to manually shift between them. 
• P-R-N-D-L: The shifter in an automatic car will have a simple lettered display, such as “PRNDL” (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low), and you won’t need to manually shift gears. 

How to Confirm

1. Depress the Pedals: Opens in new tabPress the pedal to the far left. If it’s a clutch pedal, you’re in a manual car. 
2. Shift Through Gears: Opens in new tabPlace your hand on the gearshift and attempt to move it back and forth to feel the different gears. If you can feel the distinct positions of the gears within the “H” pattern, it confirms a manual transmission. 
3. Check the Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabIf you’re still unsure, the car’s owner’s manual is a reliable source for transmission type information. 

If you have a clutch pedal and can manually shift gears in a pattern like the “H” pattern, you are driving a manual transmission.

What counts as a manual car?

Manual transmission. Vehicles with a manual or standard transmission are typically called stick shifts. The driver uses a stick shift to manually change the gears as they accelerate and decelerate their vehicle.

How do I tell what type of transmission I have?

To find your vehicle’s transmission type, check the VIN sticker on the driver’s door jamb for a code under the “TR” (or “A/TM”) symbol, consult your owner’s manual, or search for your VIN online to decode the transmission model. You can also locate a stamped tag on the transmission itself or identify it by the shape of the transmission oil pan. 
Using the VIN sticker

1. Locate the sticker: Open the driver’s side door and look on the inside edge or door jamb for a white label. 
2. Find the code: Look for a “TR” symbol, which indicates the transmission code. For Toyota vehicles, look for “A/TM”. 
3. Research the code: Contact a dealership or auto parts retailer, or search for the specific code online to determine the corresponding transmission model. 

This video demonstrates how to find the VIN sticker on the driver’s door and search for the transmission model: 53sWeberAutoYouTube · Jun 2, 2017
Using the Owner’s Manual 

1. Open the manual: Locate your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which is a standard resource that contains a wealth of information about your car.
2. Find the section: Look for a section detailing the transmission specifications or model.

Looking for a Stamped Tag on the Transmission 

1. Pop the hood: Open the hood of your vehicle to access the engine bay. 
2. Locate the transmission: Find the transmission, which may have a tag or code stamped directly onto its case. 
3. Search online: Use a search engine with the code you find to get more details about the transmission. 

Identifying by Transmission Pan Shape

1. Examine the pan: Look at the shape of the transmission oil pan, as almost all transmissions have a unique shape and bolt design. 
2. Use online resources: Search online for images of transmission pans for your vehicle’s year, make, and model to find a match. 

What does m/t mean on cars?

In cars, “MT” most commonly means Manual Transmission, referring to a “stick shift” where the driver manually changes gears using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. However, “MT” can also stand for Mud Terrain, a type of tire designed for rugged off-road conditions like mud, dirt, and rocks, known for their aggressive tread patterns. 
Manual Transmission (MT)

• Description: A manual transmission system requires the driver to manually select gears. 
• How it Works: You use a clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission and a gear shifter to select the desired gear. 
• Pros: Can be more fuel-efficient, requires less maintenance, and gives the driver more control and a more engaging driving experience. 
• Cons: Can be more challenging to drive, especially in heavy traffic or on hills. 

Mud Terrain (MT) Tires 

• Description: A rugged type of tire with a very aggressive tread pattern designed for maximum grip on soft surfaces.
• Best Use: Ideal for unpaved roads, farms, and off-road conditions where you might encounter mud, slush, or loose dirt.
• Drawbacks: They are typically noisy, uncomfortable, and not well-suited for daily driving on paved roads.