Restriction B limits you to driving vehicles with an automatic transmission only
A Restriction B on your driver's license means you are legally permitted to drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle, even if you know how. If you are caught driving a manual transmission car, truck, or motorcycle, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, which may result in a fine or other penalties.
This restriction is placed on your license during the testing and licensing process, usually because you took your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Some states also impose Restriction B if you have a physical condition that makes operating a manual transmission unsafe, or if you failed the manual transmission portion of the driving test.
The restriction appears on your physical license card and in the state's licensing database. Any police officer or examiner who checks your license will see it when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission vehicle violates your license terms.
- Most commonly, Restriction B is placed on your license because you took your driving test in an automatic transmission car.
- You can have Restriction B removed by taking and passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle in most states.
- Renting or borrowing a manual transmission vehicle while you have Restriction B is illegal, even if the owner gives you permission.
- Insurance companies do not typically charge more for Restriction B, but some may ask about it during the underwriting process.
How Restriction B gets placed on your license
When you take your driving test, the examiner notes which type of transmission the test vehicle has. If you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, most states automatically place Restriction B on your license. You do not have to request it, and the examiner does not ask whether you want it — it is a standard outcome of testing in an automatic.
A few states allow you to choose whether to take the test in an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. If you choose automatic, Restriction B is added. If you choose manual and pass, you receive an unrestricted license that allows you to drive both types.
Some states also place Restriction B on your license if you have a documented physical disability that makes operating a clutch unsafe or impossible. In these cases, you may need to provide medical documentation or a letter from your doctor to the licensing agency.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must take and pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. The test is usually shorter than a full license test — it focuses on your ability to operate the clutch, shift gears, and control the vehicle safely. You do not have to retake the written test or the full road test in most states.
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing agency to find out the exact process and fees. Some states charge a small fee for the manual transmission test, while others do not. You will need to bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test site, either your own or a rental. The examiner will conduct the test on public roads or a closed course, depending on your state's procedures.
Once you pass, the examiner will remove Restriction B from your license. The change may appear when ready on your physical license, or you may receive an updated license card in the mail within one to two weeks, depending on your state.
Restriction B and vehicle rentals
If you have Restriction B on your license, you cannot legally rent a manual transmission vehicle. Rental car companies check your license during the rental process and will refuse to rent you a manual transmission car if Restriction B appears on your license. This applies even if you are confident you can drive a manual transmission — the restriction is a legal barrier, not a suggestion.
If you need to rent a vehicle, you must choose an automatic transmission option. Most rental car companies have automatic transmission vehicles available, so this is usually not a major obstacle. However, in some regions or during peak travel times, automatic vehicles may be in short supply or cost more.
If you are planning a trip to a country where manual transmission vehicles are common or cheaper to rent, you should remove Restriction B before you travel. Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's license restrictions, but rental companies in those countries may still check your license and refuse to rent based on what they see.
Restriction B and insurance
Most insurance companies do not charge higher premiums or deny coverage because of Restriction B. The restriction does not indicate higher risk — it straightforward means you took your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Insurance underwriters focus on your driving record, age, and the type of vehicle you drive, not on transmission restrictions.
However, some insurance companies may ask about Restriction B during the underwriting process as part of a general question about license restrictions. Answer honestly. If you lie or omit the restriction, the insurer could deny a claim later if they discover the discrepancy, though this is rare in practice.
If you are buying or leasing a manual transmission vehicle and you have Restriction B, you will not be able to drive it legally. Your insurance company may refuse to insure a vehicle you are not legally permitted to operate, or they may ask you to remove the restriction before they issue a policy.
Restriction B versus other license restrictions
Driver's licenses can carry many different restrictions, and Restriction B is one of the most common. Other restrictions might include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), hearing aids, or restrictions on driving at night or on highways. Some states use letters (A, B, C) while others use different codes or descriptions.
Restriction B is generally considered one of the least limiting restrictions because automatic transmission vehicles are widely available in the United States. Other restrictions, such as a prohibition on highway driving or a requirement to use a hearing aid, may affect your daily life more significantly.
If you have multiple restrictions on your license, each one is legally binding. For example, if you have Restriction B (automatic transmission only) and a restriction requiring corrective lenses, you must follow both rules every time you drive.
When Restriction B might affect your job or career
If your job requires you to drive a manual transmission vehicle — such as certain commercial truck driving positions, delivery jobs, or roles that involve operating company vehicles — Restriction B will prevent you from doing that work. Some employers will not hire you if you have Restriction B because they cannot legally allow you to drive their manual transmission vehicles.
If you are interested in a job that requires manual transmission driving, you should remove Restriction B before you explore. The process is straightforward and usually takes only a few weeks from the time you schedule your test to the time you receive your updated license.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders are subject to different rules. If you are pursuing a CDL, check with your state's DMV about how Restriction B interacts with CDL testing and endorsements, as the rules vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's manual transmission car if I have Restriction B?
No. Restriction B is a legal restriction on your license, not a suggestion or preference. Driving any manual transmission vehicle while you have Restriction B on your license is illegal, regardless of who owns the vehicle or whether they give you permission. You can be cited and fined.
Will Restriction B show up on a background check?
Restriction B will appear on your driving record if someone requests it, but it is not typically included in criminal background checks or employment background checks unless the employer specifically requests your full driving record. Most employers only care about accidents, violations, and suspensions, not transmission restrictions.
How much does it cost to remove Restriction B?
The cost varies by state. Some states charge a small fee (typically $10 to $50) for the manual transmission test, while others do not charge at all. Contact your state's DMV for the exact fee. You may also need to pay for a manual transmission vehicle rental if you do not own one.
Can I get Restriction B removed without taking a test?
No. The only way to remove Restriction B is to take and pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. There is no waiver, exemption, or paperwork-only process. You must demonstrate to an examiner that you can safely operate a manual transmission vehicle.
Does Restriction B affect my ability to get a motorcycle license?
This depends on your state. Some states treat motorcycle licenses separately from car licenses, so Restriction B on your car license may not explore to motorcycles. Other states extend Restriction B to all vehicles. Contact your state's DMV to find out how Restriction B affects motorcycle licensing in your state.