An F endorsement is a restriction on your driver's license that limits what you can drive
An F endorsement appears on your driver's license as a condition or restriction, not as something you earn. It means your license is valid only for automatic transmission vehicles — you cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) transmission car, truck, or motorcycle. The letter F stands for "automatic transmission only" in most U.S. states that use this system.
You receive an F endorsement when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. The restriction stays on your license until you take a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass it, which removes the endorsement. Some states call this restriction by different names or use different letters, but the effect is the same: your license is tied to the type of transmission you demonstrated you could operate.
Key Takeaways
- An F endorsement means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission car with this restriction is a violation.
- You get an F endorsement when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle, not because you failed or did something wrong.
- To remove the endorsement, you must pass a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at your state's DMV or licensing office.
- The endorsement stays on your license indefinitely until you take action to remove it, even if you later learn to drive manual.
How you get an F endorsement on your license
When you take your driving test for a regular driver's license, you use either an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. If you use an automatic, the examiner notes this, and your license is issued with the F endorsement printed on it. You did not fail the test — you passed it in an automatic vehicle, so that is what your license permits you to drive.
This is standard procedure in states that track transmission type. The endorsement is not a penalty or a mark against you. It straightforward reflects the vehicle you used during your test and the type of transmission you have demonstrated you can operate safely.
Why states use transmission endorsements
Manual transmission vehicles require different skills than automatic ones. You must coordinate the clutch, gear shift, and accelerator together, manage engine braking, and handle hill starts differently. A driver who has only practiced in an automatic may not be prepared to operate a manual safely, especially in traffic or emergency situations.
By restricting your license to the transmission type you tested in, states may support that drivers only operate vehicles they have actually practiced with and demonstrated competence in. If you later want to drive a manual vehicle, you can prove you have learned those skills by passing a test in one.
How to remove an F endorsement from your license
To remove the F endorsement, you must take a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent licensing office to schedule a road test. You will need to bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test — you can use a friend's or family member's car, or in some cases rent one.
During the test, the examiner will assess your ability to operate the manual transmission safely in real driving conditions. If you pass, your license will be reissued without the F endorsement, and you will then be able to drive both automatic and manual vehicles legally. The cost and wait time for a retest vary by state.
What happens if you drive manual with an F endorsement
Driving a manual transmission vehicle when your license has an F endorsement is a violation of your license restrictions. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could receive a citation for driving outside the scope of your license. This is treated as a separate violation from other traffic offenses and can result in a fine.
Beyond the legal consequence, driving a vehicle type you have not been tested on is a safety issue. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were in an accident while driving a vehicle your license did not permit, since you were breaking the law at the time.
F endorsements and vehicle rentals or borrowing
If you want to rent a car or borrow one from someone, you must choose an automatic transmission vehicle if you have an F endorsement on your license. Rental companies will ask about your license restrictions, and renting a manual vehicle with this endorsement on your license could void your rental agreement and insurance coverage.
If a friend or family member offers to lend you their manual car, you cannot legally drive it. It is worth explaining the restriction to them so they understand it is not a choice on your part — it is a legal limit on your license.
State variations in endorsement names and rules
Not all states use the letter F or call it an endorsement. Some states use different letters or terms like "restriction," "limitation," or "condition." A few states do not track transmission type at all on the license itself. If you move to a different state or are unsure what your state calls this restriction, your license document will show it clearly, or you can contact your state's DMV to ask.
The process for removing the restriction also varies slightly by state. Some states allow you to take a shorter retest focused only on manual transmission operation, while others require a full road test. Check with your state's licensing office for the specific steps and fees involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if I have an F endorsement?
No. An F endorsement legally restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles only. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with this restriction is a violation and can result in a citation and fine.
Do I need to remove the F endorsement if I only drive automatic cars?
No. If you have no plans to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you do not need to remove it. The endorsement straightforward stays on your license and does not affect your ability to drive automatic vehicles.
How long does it take to remove an F endorsement?
The time depends on how long it takes you to schedule a retest with your state's DMV. The test itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour, but wait times for appointments vary by location and season. Once you pass, your new license is usually issued within a few days to a few weeks.
What if I fail the manual transmission driving test?
If you do not pass the retest, the F endorsement remains on your license. You can schedule another test and try again. There is usually no limit on how many times you can retake the test, though each attempt may have a fee.
Will removing the F endorsement affect my insurance rates?
Removing the endorsement itself should not change your insurance rates. Your insurance is based on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and other factors — not on what transmission types your license permits. However, if you are insuring a manual transmission vehicle, that vehicle's characteristics may affect your rate.