Restriction A limits you to driving vehicles with an automatic transmission only
Restriction A on an Ohio driver's license means you are legally permitted to drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle. If you are caught driving a manual transmission car with Restriction A on your license, you can be cited for a violation, even if you own the vehicle or have the owner's permission.
This restriction appears on your license as a code and is visible to law enforcement during a traffic stop. It is placed on your license record in Ohio's system, so any officer who runs your license will see it. The restriction stays on your license until you remove it through the process described below.
Restriction A is one of several restrictions Ohio uses to manage driver safety and licensing. Unlike some restrictions that limit when or where you can drive, Restriction A is purely about the type of transmission you can operate.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A means you can only drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission vehicle with this restriction is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction A by passing your driving test again in a manual transmission vehicle at any Ohio BMV location.
- Removing the restriction costs the same as a standard road test and takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
- If you drive a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction A on your license, you face a citation and possible license suspension.
How Restriction A gets placed on your Ohio license
Restriction A is added to your license when you take and pass your Ohio driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. The examiner notes the type of transmission in the test vehicle, and if it is automatic, the restriction is coded into your license record. This happens automatically — you do not request it, and the examiner does not ask your preference.
Many test-takers use automatic vehicles because they are more common, easier to manage during a test, or because they have not learned to drive manual. The restriction protects both you and other drivers by ensuring you only operate the type of vehicle you demonstrated competency in during your test.
If you took your test in a manual transmission vehicle, you will not have Restriction A. Your license will show no transmission restriction, meaning you can legally drive either automatic or manual vehicles.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must pass the Ohio road test again, this time in a manual transmission vehicle. You schedule a new test appointment at any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) location, bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test, and complete the standard driving exam. If you pass, the examiner removes the restriction from your license on the spot.
The cost is the same as a standard road test — currently $30 in Ohio, though fees can change. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of insurance for the manual transmission vehicle you are testing in, and a valid vehicle registration. The test itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour, including the written portion if required.
You do not need to take the written knowledge test again if you are only removing Restriction A — the examiner will focus on your ability to operate the manual transmission safely. However, some BMV locations may require you to pass the written test again depending on how long it has been since your original license was issued. Call your local BMV ahead of time to confirm what you need to bring.
What happens if you drive manual with Restriction A
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation in Ohio. An officer who stops you and runs your license will see the restriction. If the vehicle you are driving is manual, you can be cited for violating your license restriction.
The citation itself is typically a minor misdemeanor, but it can result in fines and points on your driving record. More seriously, a violation of your license restriction can lead to license suspension. A single violation may not trigger suspension, but repeated violations or violations combined with other traffic offenses increase that risk.
Even if you own the manual transmission vehicle or have the owner's permission to drive it, the restriction still applies to you. The restriction is tied to your license, not to the vehicle or the situation.
Restriction A versus other Ohio license restrictions
Ohio uses several restriction codes on driver's licenses, each controlling a different aspect of driving. Restriction A is about transmission type. Other common restrictions include Restriction B (corrective lenses required), Restriction D (outside mirror required), and Restriction E (automatic transmission with power steering required). Some restrictions are medical or safety-related; Restriction A is purely about the vehicle type you demonstrated competency with.
If you have multiple restrictions, they all appear on your license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (automatic only) and Restriction B (glasses required). Each restriction is independent, and you must follow all of them.
Removing one restriction does not affect the others. If you remove Restriction A by passing a manual transmission test, any other restrictions you have will remain on your license until you address them separately.
Why Ohio uses Restriction A
The restriction exists because manual transmission vehicles require different skills than automatic transmission vehicles. Coordinating the clutch, gear shift, and accelerator demands more attention and muscle memory than operating an automatic. By restricting drivers who tested in automatics to automatic vehicles only, Ohio ensures that drivers only operate vehicles they have demonstrated they can handle safely.
This is a safety measure, not a punishment. It protects new drivers from attempting to operate a vehicle type they have not practiced with, which could lead to stalling, jerking, or loss of control. It also protects other drivers and pedestrians from the risks that come with an inexperienced driver operating an unfamiliar transmission type.
Manual transmissions are less common in the United States than they were decades ago, so many drivers never learn to operate them. Restriction A reflects that reality while still allowing drivers who do learn manual to remove the restriction through a straightforward test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's manual transmission car if I have Restriction A?
No. Restriction A applies to you, not to the vehicle or the owner. It does not matter whose car it is or whether you have permission — driving any manual transmission vehicle with Restriction A on your license is a violation. The only exception would be if you are taking the road test to remove the restriction, in which case you must bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test.
Do I have to remove Restriction A, or can I just keep it?
You do not have to remove it. If you never plan to drive a manual transmission vehicle, keeping Restriction A does not affect your daily driving. However, if you want the option to drive manual vehicles in the future — whether you own one, rent one, or need to borrow one — you will need to remove the restriction by passing the test.
How long does it take to remove Restriction A after I pass the test?
The restriction is removed when ready after you pass the test. The examiner updates your license record on the spot, and your new license with the restriction removed is issued right away or mailed to you within a few days, depending on your BMV location's process.
What if I fail the manual transmission test?
If you fail, Restriction A remains on your license. You can schedule another test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you will pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice with manual transmission vehicles.
Does Restriction A affect my insurance rates?
No. Insurance companies do not charge more or less based on Restriction A. Your rates are based on factors like your age, driving record, the type of vehicle you insure, and your coverage choices — not on transmission restrictions on your license.