If you take your K53 in an automatic vehicle, your South African driver's licence is endorsed with restriction code 1 — "vehicles with automatic transmission only".
That restriction stays until you take and pass a test in a manual vehicle. The fee is the same as a first-time K53 test fee.
What you can and can't drive
With the restriction:
- You can drive any automatic — your own car, a rental, a friend's car
- You may not drive a manual on the public road, even briefly
Removing the restriction
Book a fresh K53 test in a manual vehicle. The test is identical to the original K53 — yard plus road. If you pass, the restriction is lifted on your next card renewal (or immediately if you apply for a duplicate card).
Should you bother removing it?
If you only ever plan to drive automatics, no. If you might want to buy a used manual, hire a manual in another country, or drive a friend's manual, yes — the test fee is much cheaper than a fresh full course.
Frequently asked
- Can the restriction be removed?
- Yes. Pass a fresh test in a manual vehicle at any DLTC and the restriction is lifted.
- Is the restriction printed on my licence card?
- Yes. Restriction code 1 appears on the back of the card.