BPO is a restriction code that means you can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission
BPO on your Florida driver's license means you are restricted to operating automatic transmission vehicles only. You cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) transmission car, truck, or motorcycle. The restriction appears as a code in the "Restrictions" section of your license and is enforced by law enforcement during traffic stops.
This restriction is typically placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) applies the code to match the type of vehicle you demonstrated competency in during your road test.
The restriction remains on your license until you remove it by passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Once you pass that test, you can request the restriction be lifted, and you will be issued a new license without the BPO code.
Key Takeaways
- BPO restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears in the restrictions section of your Florida license.
- The code is placed on your license when you pass your road test in an automatic vehicle, not a manual one.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle at your local DHSMV office.
- Law enforcement can cite you for driving a manual transmission vehicle while the BPO restriction is active on your license.
How the BPO restriction gets placed on your license
When you take your Florida driving test, the examiner notes which type of transmission the test vehicle has. If you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, DHSMV automatically codes your license with BPO. This happens regardless of whether you could drive a manual transmission — the code reflects only what you demonstrated during the test.
The restriction is not a judgment about your driving ability. It is a legal record of the vehicle type you used to pass the test. Florida law treats manual and automatic transmissions as different skill sets, so the state restricts you to the type you proved you could operate.
If you are renewing your license and your previous license had a BPO restriction, the new license will carry the same restriction unless you have since passed a test in a manual vehicle.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive with BPO
With a BPO restriction, you can drive any car, truck, SUV, or van with an automatic transmission. This includes vehicles with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which are treated as automatic for licensing purposes. You can also drive vehicles with automatic transmissions that have manual shift modes, as long as the transmission itself is automatic.
You cannot drive manual transmission vehicles of any kind. This includes standard cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and commercial vehicles with manual gearboxes. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while the BPO restriction is on your license is a violation and can result in a citation.
The restriction applies to all driving situations — personal use, rideshare, delivery work, or any other purpose. If your job requires driving a manual transmission vehicle, you will need to remove the restriction before you can legally do that work.
How to remove the BPO restriction from your license
To remove BPO, you must pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You will need to schedule a driving test appointment at your local DHSMV office. Contact the office in your county to find out their current testing schedule and any required documents.
When you arrive for the test, bring a manual transmission vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes inspection. The examiner will conduct a standard road test in that vehicle. If you pass, you will be issued a new license without the BPO restriction.
There is no written test or additional fee beyond the standard road test fee, which varies by county but is typically under $50. The new license is usually issued the same day or within a few business days.
What happens if you drive a manual vehicle with BPO on your license
If a law enforcement officer stops you while driving a manual transmission vehicle and your license shows the BPO restriction, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license. The citation is typically a non-criminal traffic violation, but it goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
The officer may also impound the vehicle or require you to call someone else to drive it away, depending on the circumstances and the officer's judgment. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or other penalties.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense — even if you were driving safely and legally in all other respects, the restriction violation itself is a ticketable offense.
BPO versus other transmission-related restrictions
Florida uses BPO specifically for automatic-only restrictions. Some other states use different codes for the same restriction, but in Florida, BPO is the standard code. You may also see other restriction codes on your license for different reasons — such as corrective lenses required, or restrictions on towing — but BPO applies only to transmission type.
If you have questions about what a specific restriction code on your license means, you can contact your local DHSMV office or check the back of your license, where most restriction codes are listed with their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a car with a manual shift mode if I have BPO?
Yes. If the transmission itself is automatic — even if it has a manual shift mode you can use — the vehicle is legal to drive with BPO. The restriction applies to the transmission type, not to whether you can manually select gears.
Do I have to pass a full road test to remove BPO, or just a manual transmission test?
You must pass a full road test. DHSMV does not offer a separate "manual transmission only" test. The examiner will conduct the standard driving test in a manual vehicle, and if you pass, the restriction is removed.
How long does it take to get a new license after passing the manual transmission test?
Most DHSMV offices issue the new license the same day or within a few business days. You will receive it by mail at the address on file. Check with your local office for their specific timeline.
If I learned to drive on a manual transmission, why do I have BPO on my license?
BPO is placed based on the vehicle type used during your Florida road test, not on your prior driving experience. If you took your test in an automatic vehicle, the restriction is applied regardless of what you drove before.
Can a BPO restriction affect my car insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not affect your rates. However, if you receive a citation for violating the restriction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates.