Restriction B is a limit on the type of vehicle you can legally drive
Restriction B means your driver's license permits you to drive only an automatic transmission vehicle. If your license carries this restriction, you cannot legally operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle, even if you know how to drive one. The restriction appears on your license document itself — usually printed as "B" in a restrictions or conditions field — and law enforcement can cite you if you drive a manual vehicle while this restriction is active.
This restriction is most common in states that test drivers separately for manual and automatic transmissions. When you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle, the DMV issues your license with Restriction B to reflect that you were tested only on automatic transmission operation. Some states call this restriction by different names — "automatic transmission only" or "AT" — but the meaning is identical across all jurisdictions that use it.
Restriction B does not affect your ability to drive automatic vehicles anywhere, at any time. It is not a safety violation or a mark against your driving record. It is straightforward a notation that your tested driving skills were demonstrated in an automatic vehicle only.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears printed on your physical license card.
- You receive this restriction when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle rather than a manual transmission vehicle.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation that can result in a citation.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at your state DMV.
- Different states use different names for this restriction, but all mean the same thing: automatic transmission only.
How you get Restriction B on your license
Restriction B appears on your license because you took and passed your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. When you schedule your road test at the DMV, you choose which vehicle to bring — the examiner tests you in whichever vehicle you provide. If that vehicle is automatic, the DMV records that fact and prints Restriction B on your issued license.
This happens automatically; you do not request it or sign a separate form. The DMV's system flags your record based on the transmission type of the test vehicle, and the restriction is added during the license printing process. You will see it on your license when you receive it in the mail or pick it up at the DMV office.
Some drivers receive Restriction B without realizing it until they try to rent a manual vehicle or borrow a friend's stick-shift car. Others know in advance because they deliberately chose an automatic vehicle for their test, knowing they did not feel confident in manual transmission operation.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You cannot remove it by written test, online renewal, or any other method — the DMV requires an actual driving test with an examiner in a stick-shift car. The test covers the same skills as your original test: lane changes, parking, turns, stopping, and traffic awareness. The only difference is the vehicle type.
Schedule your manual transmission road test at your state DMV the same way you would schedule any driving test. Bring a manual transmission vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes safety inspection. Arrive early, bring your current license and required identification, and be prepared to drive for 15 to 30 minutes depending on your state's standard test length.
Once you pass, the DMV removes Restriction B from your record and issues you a new license without the restriction. The new license is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks, though some states allow you to receive an interim license when ready after passing. You can legally drive manual transmission vehicles as soon as you pass the test, even before your new license arrives.
What happens if you drive a manual vehicle with Restriction B
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you and discovers the restriction, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license. The citation is typically a minor traffic offense, not a criminal charge, but it does go on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
The officer will check your license during a traffic stop and may ask what vehicle you are driving. If you are in a manual transmission vehicle and your license shows Restriction B, the violation is clear. Some states treat this as a "driving with restrictions violated" charge; others may cite it differently depending on local code.
If you receive a citation for this violation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court or to pay the fine. Many drivers choose to straightforward remove the restriction by taking the manual transmission test rather than deal with the citation process.
State differences in restriction names and rules
Not all states use the letter "B" for automatic transmission only. Some states use "AT" (automatic transmission), "A" (automatic), or a written description like "automatic transmission vehicles only." The meaning is identical regardless of the label — you can drive only automatic vehicles. When you move to a different state or explore for a license in a new state, the restriction may be renamed to match that state's system, but the limitation remains the same.
A few states do not use transmission-based restrictions at all. In those states, you can drive either automatic or manual vehicles regardless of which type you used for your test. If you move from a state that uses Restriction B to one that does not, your new license will not carry the restriction. Conversely, if you move to a state that does use transmission restrictions and you only have experience with automatic vehicles, you may need to take a manual transmission test to avoid receiving the restriction on your new license.
Some states allow you to remove Restriction B by taking a written test or a brief skills test rather than a full road test, though this is less common. Check your specific state DMV website to confirm the exact process for removing the restriction in your state.
Restriction B versus other common license restrictions
Restriction B is one of many possible restrictions that can appear on a driver's license. Other common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), hearing aid requirement, or vehicle type limits (such as no tractor-trailers or no motorcycles). Each restriction is tied to a specific condition or test result and limits what you can legally drive.
Unlike some restrictions — such as a corrective lens requirement, which you cannot remove — Restriction B can be removed by demonstrating the required skill. It is not a permanent mark on your record. Once you pass the manual transmission test, the restriction is gone and does not reappear on future renewals unless you choose to take your next renewal test in an automatic vehicle again.
Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations, which are penalties for violations or unsafe driving. A restriction is a condition of your license based on how you were tested or what you demonstrated you could do safely. You are not penalized for having a restriction; you are straightforward limited to the vehicle types you have proven you can operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if I have Restriction B?
No. Restriction B means you can drive only automatic transmission vehicles. Driving a manual vehicle while this restriction is on your license is a traffic violation. You must remove the restriction by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle before you can legally drive stick-shift cars.
Do I have to remove Restriction B if I never plan to drive a manual car?
No. If you only drive automatic vehicles, you can keep Restriction B on your license indefinitely. There is no requirement to remove it. The restriction only matters if you want to drive or rent a manual transmission vehicle.
How much does it cost to remove Restriction B?
The cost varies by state. Most states charge a road test fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $50. Some states charge an additional license reissuance fee. Contact your state DMV for the exact fee in your state.
Can I remove Restriction B by taking an online test or written exam?
No. You must pass an actual road test in a manual transmission vehicle with a DMV examiner. Online tests and written exams cannot demonstrate manual transmission driving skills, so the DMV requires an in-person driving test.
What if I fail the manual transmission road test?
If you fail, Restriction B remains on your license. You can schedule another road test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you will pay the road test fee each time you attempt it.