How to Remove Restriction B From Your Texas Driver License

What Restriction B means and how to remove it

Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. It appears on your license as a condition you must follow every time you get behind the wheel. To remove it, you need to pass a vision test that shows you can see well enough to drive without correction, then visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to update your license.

The restriction is placed on your license when you first got it or renewed it, based on the vision screening at that time. If your eyesight has improved since then — or if you believe the restriction was added in error — you can challenge it by taking a vision test and providing the results to DPS.

Key Takeaways

Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and it is legally enforceable — driving without correction when restricted can result in a ticket.
You must pass a vision test showing 20/40 vision or better in each eye without correction to remove the restriction.
You can take the vision test at any DPS office, at a licensed eye doctor's office, or at certain other locations that perform DPS-approved screenings.
After passing the test, you must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and the vision test results to update your license and remove the restriction.
The process is free if you use a DPS office; an eye doctor may charge a fee for the vision test.

Where to get a vision test

You have two main options for getting the vision test DPS requires. The first is to visit any Texas DPS office and ask for a vision screening. DPS staff will perform the test on site at no charge. You can find your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code.

The second option is to visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. These eye doctors can perform the vision test and provide you with a form or letter stating your results. Some may charge a fee for this service — typically $20 to $50 — but you have the flexibility to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. If you choose this route, ask the eye doctor's office whether they are familiar with Texas DPS vision requirements before your appointment.

A few other locations, such as some driver training schools or vision centers, may also perform DPS-approved vision screenings. Call ahead to confirm they can do this and what they charge.

What the vision test measures

The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely without correction. DPS requires that you see at least 20/40 in each eye without glasses or contacts. This is lower than the standard 20/20 vision most people think of, but it is the legal minimum for driving without a restriction.

The test does not check your peripheral vision, color blindness, or ability to see at night — only your central vision clarity in each eye separately. If you pass in both eyes, you meet the standard to remove Restriction B. If you fail in one or both eyes, the restriction stays in place.

Steps to remove the restriction after passing the test

Once you have passed the vision test, you need to take the results to a DPS office to update your license. Bring your current Texas driver license and either the vision test form from DPS (if you took the test at a DPS office) or the letter or report from your eye doctor (if you took the test privately).

Visit any DPS office during business hours. Tell the staff member that you have passed a vision test and want to remove Restriction B from your license. They will review your test results, update your record in the system, and issue you a new license without the restriction. This usually takes a few minutes. You will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks.

You do not need to pay a fee for this update if you are straightforward removing a restriction. However, if your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, which does carry a fee.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you do not pass the vision test — meaning you cannot see 20/40 or better in one or both eyes without correction — the restriction remains on your license. This does not prevent you from driving; it means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive.

You can take the vision test again at any time. Some people retake it after getting new glasses or after eye surgery. There is no limit to how many times you can test, and there is no waiting period between attempts.

Driving with Restriction B and the consequences of ignoring it

While Restriction B is on your license, you are legally required to wear corrective lenses whenever you operate a vehicle. This includes short trips, parking lot driving, and any situation where you are behind the wheel. A police officer can pull you over if they see you driving without glasses or contacts when your license shows the restriction.

If you are stopped and cited for violating Restriction B, you can receive a traffic ticket. The fine varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200, and the violation may appear on your driving record. In some cases, repeated violations can affect your insurance rates or lead to license suspension.

If you believe the restriction was added in error

If you think Restriction B was placed on your license by mistake — for example, if you passed the vision test when you renewed but the restriction still appears — you can contact DPS to dispute it. Call the DPS Customer Service line or visit a local DPS office with your license and any documentation showing you passed a vision test at the time of renewal.

DPS will review your record and the circumstances. If they find an error, they can remove the restriction without requiring you to take another test. This process may take a few days to a few weeks depending on how quickly DPS can access your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my glasses if I have Restriction B?

No. Restriction B is a legal requirement on your license, and driving without the required correction is a traffic violation. You must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive, even for short distances.

How long does it take to remove Restriction B after I pass the vision test?

The update happens when ready at the DPS office when you present your test results. You will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks. Until the new license arrives, your old license with the restriction is still valid.

Do I have to pay to remove Restriction B?

No fee is charged to remove a restriction. If you take the vision test at a DPS office, the screening is free. If you use an eye doctor, they may charge $20 to $50 for the test itself, but the license update at DPS is free.

What if I wear contacts instead of glasses?

Restriction B applies to any corrective lenses — glasses or contacts. You must wear one or the other while driving. The vision test does not distinguish between them; it only checks whether you can see well enough with correction.

Can I get my license updated the same day I pass the vision test?

If you take the vision test at a DPS office, you can often update your license the same day by speaking with staff before you leave. If you take the test at an eye doctor's office, you will need to visit a DPS office separately with the test results to update your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.