This update is a follow-up to the previous update provided on April 27th by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regarding the introduction of the Class A Manual Transmission Restriction.

As previously announced, effective July 19th 2021, individuals completing the Class A or Class A restricted (AR) road test with an automatic transmission, including semi-automatic and automated-manual transmissions, will be restricted from operating Class A/AR vehicles with a manual transmission and only permitted to operate automatic, semi-automatic and automated-manual transmission Class A/AR vehicles.

Download/read the full communication here:

Some of the updates in the latest memorandum include the following:

The restriction will be added to the driver record and will appear on the front of the driver’s license card as “REST/COND G” and “Restr Class/Categ. Avec restr” on the back of the card.

The latest update provide the following details for regulatory and enforcement purposes. A motor vehicle has a manual transmission if it is equipped with:

1. a driver-operated clutch that is activated by a pedal or lever; and
2. a driver-operated gear-shift mechanism that is operated by hand or foot and does not use the assistance of automation.

For additional certainty, a semi-automatic transmission or an automated-manual transmission is not considered to be a manual transmission.

Individuals that fail to comply with the Class A manual transmission restriction will be contravention of section 32(9) of the Highway Traffic Act.