Restriction B is a limit on automatic transmission vehicles
Restriction B means you are only allowed to drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. If you have this restriction, you cannot legally drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle, even if you know how to operate one. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege.
This restriction is typically placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Most people who learn to drive today use automatics, so this restriction is common. It does not affect your ability to drive on highways, in cities, or at night — it only limits the type of transmission you can operate.
The restriction stays on your license until you take a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass it. Once you pass that test, you can request that the restriction be removed. Some states allow you to remove it by passing a separate manual transmission skills test; others require you to retake your full driving exam in a manual vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual transmissions.
- The restriction is placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.
- The process for removing the restriction varies by state — some require a full exam, others a skills test only.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while you have Restriction B is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
How Restriction B gets on your license
When you take your driving test, the examiner notes what type of vehicle you use. If you test in an automatic transmission car, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) automatically places Restriction B on your license. You do not have to request it — it happens as part of the licensing process.
This system exists because manual transmission vehicles require different skills than automatics. Operating a clutch, managing gear shifts, and coordinating hand and foot movements are separate competencies. By restricting you to automatics, the state ensures you have only been tested on the vehicle type you actually drove during your exam.
The restriction applies regardless of whether you personally own a manual vehicle or might want to borrow one. It is a legal condition of your license, not a suggestion or preference.
What you cannot do with Restriction B
You cannot operate any vehicle with a manual transmission while Restriction B is on your license. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle where you shift gears by hand. Driving a manual vehicle with this restriction is a traffic violation in most states.
The restriction applies everywhere — on public roads, private property, parking lots, and driving courses. There is no exception for learning purposes or for short distances. If you are caught driving a manual vehicle with Restriction B, you can receive a citation, a fine, and potentially points on your driving record.
You also cannot lend your license to someone else or use someone else's license to drive a manual vehicle. Both the driver and the vehicle owner can face penalties if a restricted driver operates a manual transmission vehicle.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must demonstrate that you can safely operate a manual transmission vehicle. The exact process depends on your state. Some states require you to pass a full driving exam in a manual vehicle, including the written test, vision test, and road test. Other states offer a shorter manual transmission skills test that focuses only on your ability to operate the clutch and shift gears.
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn which option applies where you live. They can tell you whether you need a full exam or a skills test, what documents to bring, and how much the test costs. Fees vary by state but typically range from $10 to $50 for a skills test and more for a full exam.
You will need to schedule an appointment and bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and you must have a valid ID. After you pass, the examiner will note the removal of Restriction B on your license, usually on the spot or within a few days.
Restriction B versus other license restrictions
Driver's licenses can carry many different restrictions, each limiting a specific driving privilege. Restriction B is one of the most common and least limiting — it only affects the type of transmission. Other restrictions might limit you to daytime driving only, require you to wear corrective lenses, restrict you to certain roads, or require an interlock device on your vehicle.
Some restrictions are temporary and expire after a set time. Restriction B does not expire on its own — it remains until you remove it by passing a manual transmission test. Other restrictions are medical or safety-related and may require a doctor's clearance to remove.
If you have multiple restrictions on your license, each one is independent. Removing Restriction B does not affect any other restrictions you may have, and vice versa.
Why some states use Restriction B and others do not
Not all states use Restriction B. Some states do not distinguish between automatic and manual transmissions on the license at all — if you pass your test in either type of vehicle, you can legally drive both. Other states use a different system, such as placing a restriction only if you specifically request to be limited to automatics.
The states that do use Restriction B typically adopted it to may support that drivers have been tested on the vehicle type they will actually operate. Since manual transmissions are rare in the United States, most new drivers test in automatics, and most states that use the restriction system place it on the majority of new licenses.
If you move to a different state, your Restriction B may or may not transfer to your new state's license. Some states honor out-of-state restrictions; others issue a new license without restrictions. Check with your new state's DMV when you explore for a license there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a rental car with Restriction B?
Only if it has an automatic transmission. Rental companies will not rent you a manual transmission vehicle if you have Restriction B on your license, because you would be breaking the law by driving it. Always tell the rental company about your restriction when booking.
What happens if I get pulled over driving a manual vehicle with Restriction B?
You can receive a traffic citation, a fine, and points on your driving record. The severity depends on your state's laws. Some states treat it as a minor violation; others treat it more seriously. A citation will also likely increase your insurance rates.
Do I have to remove Restriction B if I buy a manual transmission car?
Yes. You cannot legally drive the car you own if you have Restriction B. You must remove the restriction before you can operate it on public roads. You can still own the vehicle, but you cannot drive it yourself.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B after I pass the test?
In most states, the restriction is removed when ready after you pass the manual transmission test, or within a few days when your new license is printed. Some states update it on the spot; others mail you an updated license. Ask the examiner what the timeline is in your state.
Can I practice driving a manual transmission vehicle before I take the test?
You can practice on private property, such as an empty parking lot or a private road, without breaking the law. However, you cannot practice on public roads while Restriction B is on your license. Many driving schools offer manual transmission lessons and can arrange practice time on private land.