1.
restricted driver's license; limited license
A driver's license with specific restrictions, most commonly the AT限定 (automatic transmission only) license in Japan, which does not permit the holder to drive manual transmission vehicles.
AT限定免許を取った。
I got an automatic-only license.
限定免許だと、マニュアル車は運転できない。
With a restricted license, you can't drive a manual transmission car.
最近はAT限定免許を取る人が大半で、マニュアルで取る人は少なくなった。
These days, the majority of people get an automatic-only license, and fewer people get a manual one.
Compound of 限定 (limitation; restriction) and 免許 (license). In Japan, the most common type is the AT限定 (automatic-only) driver's license. The 限定 condition is noted on the license itself, and driving a vehicle outside the restriction is a traffic violation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- AT限定免許: automatic transmission-only license
- 限定免許を取得する: to obtain a restricted license
- 限定解除: restriction removal (upgrading to a full license)
- 限定免許違反: license restriction violation
USAGE:
As of recent years, over 60% of new license holders in Japan choose the AT限定 option. The 限定解除 process requires additional training at a driving school to upgrade to a full 普通免許.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 普通免許: regular (unrestricted) driver's license
- 仮免許: provisional/learner's license
- 国際免許: international driver's license