On April 15th 2021, the Ministry of Transportation released a memorandum advising that they have taken steps to enhance road safety by introducing a Class A manual transmission restriction.

Download the full memorandum:

The memorandum highlights the following:

• Effective May 17th, 2021 anyone completing a Class A road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission (including automated manual transmissions) will be restricted from operating a Class A vehicle with a manual transmission
• This restriction will appear on the front of their driver’s license as “REST/COND G” and “Restr Class/Categ. Ave restr” will appear on the back of the card
• This restriction applies to Class A and now lower class vehicles
• For regulatory and enforcement purposes a motor vehicle will be considered to have a manual transmission if it has a clutch pedal

Applicants taking the Class A road test:

• Will have the option to attempt the road test with any type of transmission they choose
• Those that take the test with a manual transmission will not have the restriction added to their license

Individuals who hold a Class A license prior to May 17th, 2021 will be able to continue to drive Class A automated-manual, automatic or manual transmission vehicles.

Individuals that do not comply with the Class A manual transmission restriction will be in contravention of section 32(9) of the Highway Traffic Act.