CDL Restrictions Explained (2026)
A restriction is the opposite of an endorsement: it takes a privilege away, almost always because of the vehicle you tested in. Here's every federal restriction code and how to clear it.
| Code | Meaning | What it stops you doing | How to remove it |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | No manual transmission | You took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, so you can't drive a CMV with a manual (stick) transmission. | Re-take the skills test in a vehicle with a manual transmission. |
| L | No air brakes | You either failed the air-brake knowledge test or tested in a vehicle without air brakes. You can't drive any CMV with air brakes. | Pass the air-brake knowledge test and take the skills test in an air-brake-equipped vehicle. |
| Z | No full air brakes | You tested in a vehicle with air-over-hydraulic brakes, so you can't drive a CMV with full air brakes. | Take the skills test in a vehicle with a full air-brake system. |
| M | No Class A passenger vehicle | As a passenger applicant you tested in a Class B passenger vehicle, so you can't drive a Class A passenger vehicle. | Test in a Class A passenger vehicle. |
| N | No Class A and B passenger vehicle | As a passenger applicant you tested in a Class C passenger vehicle, so you can't drive Class A or B passenger vehicles. | Test in the larger passenger vehicle class you want. |
| O | No tractor-trailer (no fifth wheel) | As a Class A applicant you tested with a pintle-hook (non-fifth-wheel) connection, so you can't drive a fifth-wheel tractor-trailer. | Test in a tractor-trailer connected by a fifth wheel. |
| V | Medical variance | A medical variance is on file for you (for example an FMCSA exemption). The V flags that a medical variance record exists on your CDLIS record. | This reflects your medical file; it changes when the underlying variance status changes. |
The E, Z, and O restrictions apply to skills tests taken on or after July 8, 2015. Note: "N" as a restriction (no Class A/B passenger vehicle) is a different code from "N" as the tanker endorsement — the license context makes clear which is meant.
The one that surprises new drivers: the automatic (E) restriction
Most modern trucks are automatics, and most testing is done in them — so a lot of new CDLs come with an "E" restriction that bars manual transmissions. That's fine if you'll only ever drive automatics. But if a future job needs a manual, you'll have to re-take the skills test in a stick to clear it. Know what your target job requires before you test.
Air brakes: the L and Z restrictions
To drive a CMV with air brakes you have to pass the air-brake knowledge test and take your skills test in an air-brake vehicle. Skip either and you get the L restriction (no air brakes at all). Test with air-over-hydraulic brakes and you get the narrower Z restriction. Air brakes are on most large trucks, so clearing this matters — practice with our free air-brakes practice test.
Restriction FAQ
How do I remove the automatic (E) restriction?
Take your CDL skills test again in a truck with a manual transmission. Many drivers test in an automatic because it's easier and the truck is available, then never remove the E — but if a job requires a manual, you'll need to re-test.
What's the difference between the L and Z air-brake restrictions?
L means "no air brakes at all" — you can't drive any CMV with air brakes. Z is narrower: you tested with air-over-hydraulic brakes, so you can drive those but not a vehicle with a full air-brake system. To clear either, take the skills test in a vehicle with the brake system you want to be qualified for.
Does a restriction ever go away on its own?
No. Skills-based restrictions (E, L, Z, M, N, O) stay until you re-take the skills test in the right vehicle. The V medical-variance restriction reflects your medical file and changes with it.
Official sources
Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.