Train and test comfortably on an automatic – and still be allowed to drive manual cars, with no "automatic only" restriction. For many the fastest, least stressful route to the Class B licence.
Full Class B – automatic and manual allowed.
Without the clutch, you focus on traffic & safety sooner.
Anyone who takes the practical exam on an automatic car used to receive code 78 – and was then only allowed to drive automatics.
With B197 that restriction disappears: you learn and test conveniently on automatic but receive the unrestricted Class B for both automatic and manual vehicles.
Manual competence is proven – just not in the exam itself.
No stalling, no clutch – more headspace for traffic.
You may later drive any car – automatic or manual.
More and more new cars (especially EVs) are automatic.