This post is a follow-up to the previous update provided on June 9th by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regarding the introduction of the Class A Manual Transmission Restriction. The MTO has advised that the changes will be implemented.

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

The restriction will will be added to their 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 restriction applies to Class A/AR only and will not apply when operating lower-class vehicles (e.g., Class G/D).

For regulatory and enforcement purposes, a motor vehicle has a manual transmission if it is equipped with,

(a) a driver-operated clutch that is activated by a pedal or lever; and

(b) a driver-operated gear-shift mechanism that is operated by hand or foot and does not use the assistance of automation.

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

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, which makes it an offence for a driver to fail to comply with a license condition. Section 32(10.1) makes it an offence for an owner to permit a driver to drive a vehicle contrary to a license condition.

Training providers will continue to have the option to deliver training using their existing vehicles and are not required to alter their current training programs.

To read the full memo with the complete update please click on the link below.