When you start your journey toward a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to train on a manual or an automatic transmission truck. At CDL Help, we see this question come up daily—especially from newcomers worried about passing the test, maximizing job options, and not accidentally limiting their career with a simple training choice. In this deep-dive, let’s walk through the pros and cons, the real implications of the “E” restriction, and what factors matter most for your future as a professional driver. Our goal is to guide you with facts, real-world realities, and practical advice so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Understanding the 'E' Restriction: What It Is and Why It Matters
If you pass your CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, an 'E' restriction will be placed on your license. This means you are only authorized to drive vehicles with automatic (or automated manual) transmissions. If you pass your test using a manual, you earn a full, unrestricted CDL—empowering you to drive commercial vehicles with either transmission type. This tiny letter on your license can, in some cases, mean being automatically disqualified from certain jobs, especially in companies or regions where manual transmissions remain the norm.
Industry Reality Check: What Do Most Trucking Companies Use Now?
The U.S. trucking industry has changed fast. It’s estimated that as of 2025, about 90% of new semi-trucks are built with automatic transmissions. Many of the big-name national carriers and regional fleets now operate mostly (or entirely) automatics because they are easier to train on, reduce wear and tear, and help with fuel efficiency. However, not every employer has fully switched over. Some specialized companies—like those working in oil & gas, heavy-haul, or in mountainous terrain—still keep manual trucks on hand. If you want the most options, an unrestricted license is hard to beat.
Comparing Manual and Automatic Transmission: The Core Differences
- Manual Transmission Training: Teaches you how to use a clutch, shift gears, and handle more complex driving situations (hills, traffic, adverse weather). Passing your test on manual means you can drive everything—no limitations.
- Automatic Transmission Training: Eliminates the need to coordinate clutch and gear-shifting. This makes training quicker and less stressful for many. However, you’ll get the “E” restriction, locking you out of jobs that require manual trucks.
Manual vs Automatic in CDL School: Experience, Challenges, and Benefits
| Aspect | Manual | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Steeper; clutch, gear selection, and timing require patience. | Much easier for most students, especially those anxious about technical skills. |
| Time to Competency | Can take 1-2 weeks longer than automatic, especially for first-timers. | Typically faster—some students complete skills faster by 30-40%. |
| DMV Test Stress | Manual test includes additional gear shifting and clutching requirements. | Test focuses more on traffic awareness, basic vehicle operation (less to mess up). |
| Physical Demand | Requires significant leg and arm coordination—trickier for people with joint issues or shorter stature. | Minimal extra effort beyond basic driving. |
| Truck Availability After Graduation | Can drive any truck. | Restricted to automatic fleet vehicles. |
The Job Market in 2025: Will the 'E' Restriction Limit You?
This is the part most schools gloss over, but at CDL Help we want you to be clear-eyed. Most starter jobs (including many national and regional carriers) have fully automatic fleets. So, if you know that’s your first destination, automatic-only training is often fine. But, if you want to:
- Access all possible jobs—now and in the future
- Work in specialized hauling, construction, oil field, or in states with older fleets
- Move up into local, niche, or small fleet jobs later in your career
...having the full manual qualification is by far the safer route. An “E” restriction is not just a minor detail—it can mean being passed over for certain high-paying or flexible roles, or having to go back to school (and pay more) to remove the restriction later.
Who Should Pick Manual Transmission CDL Training?
- You want maximum flexibility. If your long-term goal is to have options (different companies, regions, or truck types), manual gives you a true "go anywhere, do anything" license.
- You might work in construction, oil/gas, agriculture, or local delivery—now or someday. These fields still run a significant number of manual trucks.
- You’re physically able and willing to embrace a steeper learning curve. If you’ve driven a stick-shift car before, you’ll learn faster—but even first-timers can master it with patience.
- You don’t want to pay to remove a restriction later. Relicensing, retesting, or additional training can be expensive—better to get it all now if you can.
Who Should Pick Automatic Transmission CDL Training?
- You have physical challenges that make clutch work painful or risky. Don’t jeopardize your health—automatic removes that barrier.
- You have limited time or funds. The training is typically simpler and faster, which can cut classroom and instructor costs.
- You plan to join a large company that is all-automatic. Many entry-level fleets simply don’t operate manuals anymore. If you know your target employer, this is often a smart move.
What If You Start on Automatic—Can You Upgrade Later?
You can always go back and test on a manual transmission truck in the future. However, this usually means paying for additional training hours (sometimes out-of-pocket), renting a manual truck, and taking the CDL driving test again. For many, this is a headache and a hurdle they wish they’d avoided upfront.
Quick Reference: Pros and Cons
- Manual: Open license, all job options, higher skill floor.Tougher to learn, more physical effort.
- Automatic: Simpler, lower stress, great for many entry-level roles.Restricted license, limits long-term options.
How to Decide? Our Step-by-Step Advice
- Think about your career path. Are you committed to working for a big company with an automatic fleet? Or do you want the insurance of open doors?
- Be honest with your strengths and challenges. If you have joint pain, disabilities, or severe anxiety about shifting, automatic may be best. Otherwise, consider the added skill a legitimate investment in yourself.
- Ask local CDL schools what they offer. Confirm you can access both training types and ask about the process to remove restrictions later if you change your mind.
The Bottom Line: Which Transmission Is Right for You?
If you are physically able, our advice is to lean toward manual training. You’ll open more doors, remove worry about needing to “upgrade” later, and have the greatest shot at stable work in both entry-level and niche roles. That said, the industry truly is shifting toward automatics, and for many drivers—especially those battling test anxiety or physical limitations—automatic training is an outstanding (and increasingly mainstream) route. Ultimately, what matters is making an informed decision based on your real needs, goals, and life situation.
Getting Started—Take the First Step Toward Your CDL
Getting your CDL is life-changing—and the choice between manual and automatic is just one step. Regardless of your decision, strong knowledge test prep (in your language!), steady practice, and support from trusted resources makes all the difference. If you’re ready to take the first step, try out CDL Help’s multilingual practice tests and study guides—they’re designed to make your journey smoother, from first practice question all the way to your new trucking job.