An F endorsement means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle
An F endorsement is a restriction placed on your driver's license that limits you to driving cars with automatic transmissions only. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle if you have this endorsement. It appears on your license as a condition or restriction, usually listed near your name or license number depending on your state.
This restriction is most commonly added when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission car. Many people take their test this way because automatic vehicles are easier to learn on — you don't have to coordinate the clutch pedal and gear shifting while managing steering, braking, and traffic awareness at the same time.
The endorsement stays on your license until you remove it by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. Some states call this restriction different names — you might see it labeled as an "AT" restriction (for automatic transmission), a "category B automatic only" restriction, or similar language depending on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- An F endorsement restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles and appears as a condition on your license.
- The restriction is added when you pass your driving test in an automatic car, not a manual one.
- You can remove the endorsement by passing a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.
- Different states use different names for this restriction, but the meaning is the same across all of them.
- Renting a manual transmission car or borrowing one to practice is the first step toward removing the restriction.
How the F endorsement gets added to your license
When you take your driving test to get your license, the examiner notes what type of transmission the test vehicle has. If you take the test in an automatic transmission car, most states automatically add the F endorsement (or equivalent restriction) to your new license. You don't have to request it — it happens as part of the licensing process.
This is different from other endorsements on a driver's license, which you typically have to earn or request. The F endorsement is a restriction that limits what you can drive, rather than an endorsement that expands your driving privileges.
Some states make this choice very clear during the licensing process and ask you to confirm you understand the restriction. Others add it without much explanation, which is why many people discover they have it only when they try to rent a manual transmission car or need to drive someone else's stick shift vehicle.
What you cannot do with an F endorsement
With an F endorsement on your license, you cannot legally operate a manual transmission vehicle on public roads. If you are stopped by police while driving a stick shift car, you can be cited for driving with a restriction violation, even if you were driving safely and following all other traffic laws.
This restriction also affects car rentals. Many rental companies will not rent you a manual transmission vehicle if your license shows an F endorsement, because they would be liable if you were pulled over or involved in an accident. Some rental companies may not even have manual transmission cars available anymore, since most vehicles sold in the United States are automatic.
The restriction can also matter if you need to borrow a friend's or family member's car and they drive a manual transmission. Legally, you would not be permitted to drive it, even with their permission.
How to remove an F endorsement from your license
To remove the F endorsement, you need to pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. The process varies slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same: contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency), schedule a new driving test, and take the test in a stick shift car.
You will need to provide your current driver's license and pay a testing fee, which varies by state — typically between $10 and $50. Some states allow you to take only the road test portion rather than the full written and road test combination, since you already have a valid license.
Before you schedule the test, you should practice driving a manual transmission vehicle. This means finding access to a stick shift car — you might borrow one from a friend or family member, rent one from a car rental company that offers manual transmissions, or take lessons from a driving instructor who specializes in manual transmission instruction. Most people need several hours of practice to feel comfortable enough to pass a test.
Why states use the F endorsement system
The F endorsement exists because manual and automatic transmissions require different driving skills. With a manual transmission, you have to coordinate the clutch pedal, gear shifter, and accelerator while steering and braking — a more complex task than driving an automatic, where you only manage the accelerator and brake pedal.
By restricting new drivers who learned on automatics to automatic vehicles only, states may support that people are not driving a transmission type they have not been tested on. This is a safety measure, similar to how motorcycle endorsements require a separate test — you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on a regular car license.
The system also reflects the reality that most drivers in the United States learn on automatic transmission vehicles. Fewer than 2 percent of new cars sold in the U.S. have manual transmissions, so most people never learn to drive a stick shift unless they specifically seek it out.
Removing the endorsement in a different state
If you move to a different state, your F endorsement transfers with your license. You will need to follow that state's process for removing it, which may be different from your original state's process. Some states are more flexible about testing requirements or may allow you to transfer a manual transmission test result from another state.
When you renew your license in a new state, you may be asked whether you want to keep the restriction or remove it. At that point, you can choose to take a manual transmission test if you have learned to drive a stick shift since moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if I have an F endorsement?
No, it is illegal. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with an F endorsement on your license is a traffic violation. You can be cited even if you were driving safely and following all other traffic laws.
Do all states use the F endorsement?
Most states use some form of automatic transmission restriction, but the name varies. Some call it an "AT" restriction, others use "category B automatic only," and some use different labels. The meaning is the same regardless of the name — you can only drive automatic transmission vehicles.
How long does it take to remove an F endorsement?
The time depends on how quickly you can schedule a test and how much practice you need. Once you schedule the test, you typically take it within a few weeks. After you pass, the restriction is usually removed when ready or within a few business days, depending on your state's processing time.
What if I fail the manual transmission driving test?
You can retake the test. Most states allow you to schedule another test after a waiting period, which is usually a few days to a week. You will need to pay the testing fee again for each attempt.
Will removing the F endorsement change my insurance rates?
Removing the endorsement itself should not change your insurance rates. Your insurance company cares about your driving record and the type of vehicle you drive, not whether you have a manual transmission restriction on your license.