The F Endorsement Is a Restriction, Not a Permission
An F endorsement on your driver's license means you are restricted to driving only vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. You cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) vehicle. The F stands for "automatic transmission only" — it is a limitation placed on your license, not a special permission or upgrade.
This restriction appears on your license because you passed your driving test in an automatic vehicle. Most states that use the F endorsement system require you to take your test in the same type of transmission you will be driving. If you never demonstrated to an examiner that you can operate a manual transmission safely, the state will not allow you to drive one on public roads.
The F endorsement is most common in states that follow the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standardized licensing system. Not all states use it — some use different codes or do not track transmission type at all. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and request the endorsement be removed.
Key Takeaways
- The F endorsement restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears on your license if you passed your driving test in an automatic.
- You received this restriction because you did not demonstrate manual transmission skills to a state examiner.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while the F endorsement is on your license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
- You can remove the F endorsement by scheduling a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and passing it.
- Not all states use the F endorsement system; some track transmission type differently or do not track it at all.
How You Got the F Endorsement
When you took your original driving test, you chose which type of vehicle to use. If you used an automatic transmission car, the examiner had no way to assess whether you could safely operate a manual transmission. The state then placed the F endorsement on your license to reflect that gap in your tested skills.
This is not a judgment about your driving ability overall — it is straightforward a record of what you were tested on. Many people pass their driving test in an automatic because they learned to drive in one, or because automatics are more common where they live. The restriction exists because manual transmissions require different physical coordination (operating a clutch pedal) and different judgment (managing engine speed and gear selection) than automatics do.
If you moved to your state from another state and your previous license did not have an F endorsement, your new state's DMV may still add one when you transfer your license. This happens because the new state has no record of you being tested in a manual vehicle, so they explore the restriction as a safety measure.
What You Cannot Do With an F Endorsement
With an F endorsement on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with a manual transmission on public roads. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle where you shift gears using a clutch pedal. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while the F endorsement is active is a traffic violation in most states.
The consequences of driving a manual vehicle illegally vary by state but typically include a traffic citation, a fine, and points added to your driving record. In some states, you may also face insurance consequences or license suspension if you accumulate multiple violations. A single violation is usually not grounds for license suspension, but it will appear on your record.
The F endorsement does not affect your ability to rent or own a manual transmission vehicle — it only affects whether you can legally drive it. If you own a manual car, you would need to remove the endorsement before you could legally drive it yourself, though someone else without the restriction could drive it.
How to Remove the F Endorsement
To remove the F endorsement, you must schedule a new driving test with your state's DMV and take it in a manual transmission vehicle. You will need to demonstrate to an examiner that you can safely operate the clutch, shift gears, and control the vehicle. The test covers the same road skills as your original test, but the examiner will pay specific attention to your manual transmission technique.
Contact your local DMV office to schedule the test. Tell them you want to remove an F endorsement and that you will bring a manual transmission vehicle. Some DMVs allow you to bring your own vehicle; others require you to use a vehicle provided by a testing service. Ask which option applies in your area when you call.
Bring your current license, proof of vehicle registration (if using your own car), proof of insurance, and any other documents your DMV requires for a driving test. Arrive early and make sure the vehicle is in safe working condition — an examiner will not test you in a car with mechanical problems.
If you pass the test, the examiner will issue you a new license without the F endorsement, usually on the spot or within a few days. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you will typically pay a fee each time.
States That Use the F Endorsement
The F endorsement is used in many states that follow AAMVA standards, but not all. States that use it include California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and many others. However, some states use different codes for transmission restrictions, and a few do not track transmission type on the license at all.
If you are unsure whether your state uses the F endorsement, check your license. If you see an "F" listed under "Restrictions" or "Endorsements," you have one. You can also call your state's DMV and ask them to review your license record. They can tell you exactly what restrictions are on your license and what they mean.
If you move to a state that does not use the F endorsement, your new license may not show the restriction at all — but that does not mean you can suddenly drive a manual vehicle. You should still follow the rules of your previous state until you have been tested in a manual transmission vehicle in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if someone else with a valid license is in the car?
No. The F endorsement is a restriction on your license, not on the vehicle. You cannot operate the vehicle yourself, regardless of who else is present. If you are caught driving a manual vehicle, you can be cited even if a licensed driver is sitting next to you.
Do I have to remove the F endorsement if I never plan to drive a manual car?
No. If you only drive automatic vehicles, the endorsement will not affect you. It only becomes a problem if you want to drive a manual transmission vehicle or if you rent a car and the rental company only has manual vehicles available.
Will removing the F endorsement cost me money?
Yes, you will pay a fee to schedule the driving test, though the amount varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a retesting fee. Some states may also charge a fee to issue a new license once you pass. Contact your DMV for the exact cost in your state.
What if I fail the manual transmission driving test?
You can schedule another test and try again. There is no limit to retesting. Most people pass on their second or third attempt once they have practiced manual transmission driving. You will pay the testing fee each time you retake the test.
Does the F endorsement appear on my driving record that employers see?
Endorsements and restrictions typically appear on your license but not on the driving record that employers request through the DMV. However, if you receive a traffic citation for driving a manual vehicle illegally, that violation will appear on your driving record and could affect employment in fields that require a clean driving history.