California Driver's License Restriction Codes 47 59 Uh huh they are a bit complicated aren’t they? Lets take a look at an excerpt from the California Driver Handbook (2008 Edition) and see if we can make some sense of all this. This restriction is added to any commercial driver's license applicant that holds a waiver from FMSCA for vision, diabetes, or Skill's Performance Evaluation (SPE). 59 NO MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED CMV. This restriction is valid for all CDL class licenses and prohibits the driver from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.

In order to drive certain types of vehicles with a commercial driver's license (CDL), it may be necessary to add an endorsement or remove a restriction. In either case, additional testing and fees will be required.

CDL Endorsements

After you have satisfied the requirements for a Class A, B, or C commercial driver's license, you may also need to pass additional written and road driving tests to operate special types of commercial motor vehicles.

Below is a list of the federal endorsement codes you may need in addition to your CDL and what tests will be required by your state.

• H Endorsement: Required for vehicles containing hazardous materials.
  • Requires a written knowledge test.
• N Endorsement: Permits you to operate tank vehicles.
  • Requires an additional written knowledge test.
• P Endorsement: Allows you to operate a vehicle that carries over a specified number of passengers (the exact number may depend on your state).
  • Requires written knowledgeANDroad skills tests.
• S Endorsement: Permits theoperation of a school bus.
  • Requires written knowledge AND road skills tests.
  • ALSO requires separate application forms, fees, and background checks. See our guide to passenger and school bus endorsements.
• T Endorsement: Allows you to tow a double or triple trailer.
  • Requires an additional knowledge test.
• X Endorsement: Combination endorsement for HAZMAT and tank vehicles.
  • Requires a written knowledge test.

Check with your state to determine the exact process required for adding an endorsement to your commercial driver license.

CDL Restrictions

A restriction placed on your commercial driver's license may keep you from operating certain types of vehicles.

Common federal CDL restriction codes are listed below:

• E Restriction: Prohibits you from operating vehicles with a manual transmission.
  • Occurs when you take your skills test in a CMV with automatic transmission.
• L Restriction: Prohibitsoperation of a vehicle containing a full air brake system.
  • Occurs if you:
    • Fail the Air Brakes Knowledge Test.
    • Incorrectly identify air brake system components.
    • Fail to properly conduct an air brakes system check.
    • Take the road skill test in a CMV lacking a full air brake system.
• Z Restriction: Also prohibits you from driving a CMV with full air brakes.
  • Occurs if you tested in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system.
• M Restriction: Restricts you to operating a Class B or C passenger vehicle/school bus ONLY.
  • Occurs if you possess a Class A CDL, but earned your passenger/school bus endorsement driving a Class B vehicle.
• N Restriction: Restricts you to operating a Class C passenger vehicle/school bus ONLY.
  • Occurs when you possess a Class B CDL, but earned your passenger/school bus endorsement driving a Class C vehicle.
• Restriction: Prohibits you from driving any Class A vehicle that has a fifth wheel connection.
  • Occurs when you take your skills test in a CMV that has a non-fifth wheel connection, such as a pintle hook.
• V Restriction: Indicates that a medical variance has been reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • This may occur, for instance, if you have a vision or diabetic waiver issued by the FMCSA.

Depending on your state, there may be additional restriction codes that can be placed on your CDL license.

Removing a CDL Restriction

If you wish to remove a restriction from your CDL, you may be required to complete or provide:

California Driver's License Restriction Codes 47 59

Ca Dl Restriction Codes

• Additional written knowledge tests.
• Additional road skills tests.
  • This includes testing in a vehicle meeting the requirements indicated by the restriction.
• Further medical evaluations.
• Payment of additional fees.