Restriction A is a condition on your Florida license that limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
If you see "Restriction A" printed on your Florida driver's license, it means you passed your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle and are legally restricted to driving only automatics. You cannot drive a manual (stick shift) vehicle, even if you think you can operate one. This restriction stays on your license until you pass a new road test in a manual transmission car.
The restriction exists because the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) wants to may support that drivers have demonstrated competence in the type of vehicle they will actually drive. If you learned and tested in an automatic, the state has no record that you can safely operate a manual transmission vehicle.
This is one of several possible restrictions that can appear on a Florida license. Others include restrictions for corrective lenses, hearing aids, or hand controls. Restriction A is purely about transmission type and does not affect your ability to drive in any other way.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A means you can only legally drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual transmissions.
- The restriction appears on your license because you took your road test in an automatic vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction A by scheduling a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle and passing it.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction A is on your license is a violation and can result in a ticket.
- The restriction does not expire on its own; it remains until you take action to remove it.
How Restriction A Gets Placed on Your License
When you take your Florida road test, the examiner notes which type of transmission the test vehicle has. If you test in an automatic, the DHSMV automatically adds Restriction A to your license at issuance. You do not have to request it, and the examiner does not ask you to choose it. It is a standard outcome of testing in an automatic vehicle.
This happens whether you are a teenager taking your first road test, an adult moving to Florida from another state, or someone renewing a license after it expired. If your previous license had Restriction A and you renew without taking a new road test, the restriction carries forward to your new license.
The restriction applies to all classes of Florida driver's licenses: Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class E (motorcycle), and commercial licenses. The type of license you hold does not change how Restriction A works.
What You Cannot Do With Restriction A
With Restriction A on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with a manual transmission. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle where you shift gears by hand. Driving a manual vehicle while the restriction is active is a traffic violation.
If you are pulled over while driving a manual transmission vehicle and the officer sees Restriction A on your license, you can receive a citation. The violation is typically handled as a moving violation and may result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both. Insurance companies may also view this violation as evidence of unsafe driving.
The restriction does not limit where you can drive, when you can drive, or how many passengers you can carry. It only restricts the transmission type of the vehicle itself.
How to Remove Restriction A From Your License
To remove Restriction A, you must schedule a new road test with the DHSMV and take it in a manual transmission vehicle. You do not need to retake the written test or the vision screening—only the road test itself. Once you pass, the DHSMV will issue you a new license without the restriction.
You can schedule your road test through the DHSMV website or by visiting a local driver's license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of insurance, and a manual transmission vehicle that is registered and inspected. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and meet all Florida registration requirements.
The road test for removing Restriction A is the same test you would take as a new driver. The examiner will evaluate your ability to start the vehicle, shift gears smoothly, control the clutch, and operate the vehicle safely in various driving conditions. If you pass, the restriction is removed when ready, and your new license is typically issued within a few business days.
Cost and Timeline for Removing the Restriction
The road test itself costs money, though the exact fee varies. You will also need to pay for a new license if one is issued after you pass. Check the current DHSMV fee schedule on their website, as costs change periodically and may differ based on your license type and how long your current license is valid.
The timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule a test and how busy your local office is. Road test appointments can sometimes be booked weeks in advance, especially in busy counties. Once you pass, your new license is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you may be able to get a temporary license to use when ready.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting the required time period (typically a few days to a week, depending on DHSMV policy). There is an additional fee for each test attempt.
Restriction A and Insurance
Having Restriction A on your license does not directly affect your car insurance rates. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction—that is, for driving a manual vehicle when you are not supposed to—that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates.
Some insurance companies ask about license restrictions during the process process. Being honest about Restriction A is important; misrepresenting your license status could lead to a claim denial if you are in an accident while driving a restricted vehicle type.
Once you remove the restriction, you have no obligation to notify your insurance company unless your policy specifically requires you to report license changes. However, it is good practice to update them so your records match your actual license.
Restriction A vs. Other Florida License Restrictions
Florida uses letter codes for different types of restrictions. Restriction A is transmission-specific, but other restrictions address different safety concerns. For example, Restriction B requires corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), Restriction C requires a hearing aid, and Restriction D requires an automatic transmission with power steering. Some restrictions are temporary; others are permanent until you take action.
You can have multiple restrictions on one license. For instance, you might have both Restriction A (automatic transmission only) and Restriction B (corrective lenses required). Each restriction must be addressed separately if you want to remove it.
Understanding which restrictions explore to your license helps you stay compliant with Florida law and avoid violations. Your license card lists all active restrictions in the restrictions section, usually near the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's manual transmission car if I have Restriction A?
No. Restriction A applies to you as a driver, not to specific vehicles. It does not matter who owns the car or whether it is a one-time situation. Driving any manual transmission vehicle while the restriction is active is a violation, regardless of the circumstances.
What happens if I get pulled over driving a manual car with Restriction A on my license?
You can receive a traffic citation for violating your license restriction. The officer will document the violation, and you may face a fine and points on your driving record. This violation can also affect your insurance rates and may be used against you if you are involved in an accident.
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, you can keep Restriction A on your license for as long as you hold a Florida license. However, if your circumstances change and you want to drive a manual vehicle, you will need to pass the road test to remove it.
If I move to another state, does Restriction A follow me?
Restriction A is specific to your Florida license. If you move and get a license in another state, that state will issue a new license based on your road test in that state. However, if you move back to Florida and renew your license without taking a new road test, Restriction A will reappear on your renewed Florida license.
Can I take the road test in a borrowed manual transmission car?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and inspected, but it does not have to be yours. Many people borrow a friend's or family member's manual transmission car to take the test. Make sure the vehicle meets all safety and registration requirements before your test appointment.