Restriction B is a limit on the type of vehicle you can drive
Restriction B means you are only allowed to drive an automatic transmission vehicle. If you have this restriction on your license, you cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) transmission car, even if you know how. The restriction appears as a code on your license card itself.
You get Restriction B when you pass your road test in an automatic vehicle. Most new drivers today take their test in an automatic, so this restriction is common. It does not affect your ability to drive — it straightforward narrows which vehicles you can operate.
The restriction stays on your license until you remove it by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Some states allow you to remove it when ready; others require you to wait a set period before you can test again.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears as a code on your physical license card.
- You receive this restriction when you pass your road test in an automatic vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction B by scheduling a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle with your state's DMV.
- The rules for when you can test again vary by state — some allow it when ready, while others require a waiting period.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a fine.
How you get Restriction B during your road test
When you schedule your road test, you choose which vehicle to bring: automatic or manual. The examiner tests you in whichever vehicle you provide. If you show up in an automatic, you will be tested in an automatic, and Restriction B will be added to your license when you pass.
This happens because the test is vehicle-specific. The examiner is confirming you can safely operate the type of transmission you brought. If you have never practiced in a manual vehicle, bringing an automatic to your test is the practical choice — but it does come with this restriction.
You do not have to request Restriction B or sign anything special. It is automatically added to your license by the DMV after you pass your test in an automatic vehicle.
Removing Restriction B by testing in a manual vehicle
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You will schedule a new test appointment with your state's DMV, just as you did for your original test. This time, you bring a manual car and take the test in that vehicle.
The test itself is the same — the examiner is checking your ability to drive safely. The difference is that you are now demonstrating you can handle a manual transmission. Once you pass, the DMV removes Restriction B from your license.
You do not need to retake the written test or the vision screening. You only need to pass the road test portion in the manual vehicle. The whole process takes the same amount of time as your first test appointment.
Waiting periods before you can test again
Some states let you schedule a manual transmission test when ready after passing your automatic test. Others require you to wait a certain number of months — commonly 30 days to six months — before you can test again. A few states have no waiting period at all.
Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out the waiting period in your state. The rule is set by your state, not by the testing location, so the answer will be the same no matter which office you contact.
If you want to remove the restriction soon, knowing your state's waiting period helps you plan. Some people schedule their manual test appointment as soon as the waiting period ends, while others wait until they feel more confident driving a stick shift.
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 you are pulled over, the officer can cite you for violating your license restrictions. The fine amount varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars.
A violation for driving outside your restrictions can also affect your driving record and may impact your insurance rates. It is not worth the risk — if you need to drive a manual vehicle regularly, removing the restriction through a road test is the correct path.
Some states also allow you to request a temporary removal of the restriction for specific situations, such as borrowing a family member's manual car for a single trip. Contact your DMV to ask whether this option exists in your state.
Restriction B does not affect your driving privileges otherwise
Having Restriction B does not limit where you can drive, when you can drive, or how many passengers you can carry. It only restricts the type of transmission. You can drive an automatic vehicle anywhere a fully licensed driver can go — highways, at night, with passengers — with no other limitations.
If you have other restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or a curfew), those are separate from Restriction B and are listed separately on your card. Restriction B is purely about transmission type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove Restriction B right away or do I have to wait?
It depends on your state. Some states allow you to schedule a manual transmission test when ready; others require a waiting period of 30 days to six months. Contact your state's DMV to find out the rule where you live.
What if I fail the manual transmission road test?
If you fail, Restriction B stays on your license. You can schedule another test attempt after waiting the required time (usually a few days to a week). You keep testing until you pass.
Does Restriction B show up on my license card?
Yes. Restriction B appears as a code on the front or back of your physical license card. Anyone who sees your license — a police officer, a rental car agent, an employer — can see the restriction.
Can I rent a car with Restriction B on my license?
Most rental car companies will not rent you a manual transmission vehicle if Restriction B is on your license. They will offer you an automatic instead. Some companies may refuse to rent to you at all if you cannot drive their available vehicles.
If I move to a different state, does Restriction B transfer?
When you get a license in a new state, you typically take a new road test. If you test in an automatic vehicle in the new state, you will receive Restriction B on that state's license as well. The restriction does not automatically transfer — it depends on what vehicle you use for your new state's test.