A Restriction B limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
A Restriction B on your driver license means you are legally permitted to drive only automatic-transmission vehicles. You cannot operate a manual (stick shift) transmission vehicle, even if you know how. If you drive a manual vehicle with this restriction, you can be cited for a violation, and your insurance may not cover an accident.
This restriction appears on your license as a condition code. It is most commonly placed on licenses after someone fails the driving test in a manual vehicle, passes it in an automatic, or requests it voluntarily. Some states also add it when a driver has a physical condition that makes manual transmission unsafe for them.
The restriction stays on your license until you remove it through a formal process, which varies by state. Removing it requires you to pass a driving test in a manual vehicle, usually with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means your license is valid only for automatic-transmission vehicles; driving a manual vehicle with this restriction is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is usually added after you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle or fail it in a manual one.
- You can remove Restriction B by scheduling a driving test in a manual-transmission vehicle and passing it.
- The process and fees for removal differ by state; contact your local DMV or equivalent agency for the exact steps and cost.
Why Restriction B appears on a license
Most commonly, Restriction B is placed on your license because you took and passed your driving test in an automatic-transmission vehicle. Your state's licensing authority assumes that if you were tested only in an automatic, you have not demonstrated the ability to operate a manual transmission safely. The restriction protects both you and other drivers by keeping you in the vehicle type you have been tested in.
Some drivers request Restriction B voluntarily because they know they will only ever drive automatics, or because they want to simplify their licensing process. Others receive it due to a medical condition—arthritis, a leg injury, or a disability that makes operating a manual clutch difficult or impossible. In these cases, the restriction is a practical accommodation rather than a penalty.
A small number of drivers receive Restriction B after failing a manual-transmission test but passing an automatic test. The restriction allows them to drive legally while they work on manual skills, if they choose to pursue that later.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a driving test in a manual-transmission vehicle. You cannot straightforward request removal or pay a fee; the state requires proof that you can operate a manual safely. The process begins by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent—some states call it the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation).
When you call or visit in person, ask what documents you need to bring. Most states require your current driver license, proof of residency, and a manual-transmission vehicle to test in. Some states allow you to bring your own vehicle; others require you to use one provided by the testing facility. A few states let you use a vehicle from a driving school. Fees for the test range depending on your state—some charge nothing, while others charge between $10 and $50.
You will then schedule a driving test appointment. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, shift gears smoothly, control the clutch, and handle normal driving situations in manual mode. The test is typically shorter than a full licensing test because the examiner is only checking manual-transmission competency, not your overall driving knowledge. If you pass, the examiner will note the removal on your license, usually on the spot or within a few days.
What happens if you drive a manual vehicle with Restriction B
Driving a manual-transmission vehicle when your license has Restriction B is a traffic violation. An officer who stops you and discovers the violation can issue you a citation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $200, and sometimes points added to your driving record. Points can raise your insurance rates and, if you accumulate too many, can lead to license suspension.
Beyond the legal consequence, your insurance may refuse to cover an accident if you were driving a restricted vehicle at the time. This means you would be personally liable for damage to other vehicles, property, or medical bills—a cost that can reach thousands of dollars. Insurance companies view driving with a restriction violation as evidence of reckless behavior, which voids coverage.
If you regularly need to drive a manual vehicle—for work, for a family member's car, or for any other reason—removing Restriction B is worth the time and small cost. The alternative is the ongoing risk of a citation and the possibility of being uninsured in an accident.
Restriction B versus other license restrictions
Driver licenses can carry many different restrictions, each limiting what you can drive or when. Restriction B is one of the most common and least limiting. Other restrictions might require you to wear corrective lenses, drive only during daylight hours, use a hearing aid, drive only on certain roads, or install an ignition interlock device. Some restrictions are temporary (for example, a new driver restriction that expires after a year), while others are permanent unless you take action to remove them.
Restriction B is permanent in the sense that it does not expire on its own, but it is also the easiest to remove because the path is straightforward: pass a manual-transmission test. Other restrictions may require medical clearance, a waiting period, or completion of a course before they can be lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual car if I have Restriction B?
No. Driving a manual-transmission vehicle with Restriction B on your license is a traffic violation. You can be cited and fined, and your insurance may not cover an accident. You must remove the restriction first by passing a manual-transmission driving test.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B?
The removal itself is quick—you schedule a test, take it, and if you pass, the restriction is removed when ready or within a few days. Scheduling the test may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is and how far in advance you book.
Do I have to use my own car for the manual-transmission test?
It depends on your state. Some states allow you to bring your own manual vehicle; others provide one at the testing facility; a few allow you to use a vehicle from a driving school. Call your DMV to find out what your state requires and whether you need to arrange anything in advance.
What if I fail the manual-transmission test?
If you fail, Restriction B stays on your license. You can schedule another test after a waiting period, which varies by state—typically a few days to a week. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.
Will removing Restriction B cost me money?
Most states charge a small fee for the manual-transmission test, usually between $10 and $50, though some charge nothing. A few states may charge an additional fee to update your license after removal. Call your DMV for the exact cost in your state.