Restriction B limits you to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions only
If your Texas driver's license shows Restriction B, you are legally permitted to drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle on public roads. This restriction appears on your license card and is enforced during traffic stops and accident investigations.
Restriction B is typically placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle, or when the Department of Public Safety (DPS) determines you cannot safely operate a manual transmission. Once the restriction is on your license, it remains until you formally remove it through the DPS.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission vehicle violates your license restrictions.
- The restriction is added to your license record when you test in an automatic or when DPS determines manual operation is unsafe for you.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at a DPS testing location.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B on your license can result in a traffic citation and insurance complications.
- The restriction does not affect your ability to own a manual transmission vehicle; it only affects whether you can legally drive it.
How Restriction B gets placed on your license
Restriction B is added to your license in two main situations. The first is when you take your driving test (the road test portion) in an automatic transmission vehicle. If you pass the test using only an automatic, DPS automatically adds the restriction to your license record. You do not have to request it; it happens as part of the licensing process.
The second situation is less common: if you take your test in a manual transmission vehicle but DPS determines you cannot safely operate it, an examiner may recommend or impose the restriction. This is rare and typically happens only if you demonstrate unsafe handling of the clutch or gear shifts during the test.
If you obtained your license in another state without Restriction B and then moved to Texas, your Texas license will not automatically have the restriction. However, if you renew your Texas license and take a new driving test in an automatic, the restriction will be added at that time.
What you cannot do with Restriction B
With Restriction B on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with a manual transmission on public roads. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle requiring manual gear shifting. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is active on your license is a traffic violation.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving a manual transmission vehicle, the officer will see the restriction on your license during the traffic stop. You can be cited for violating your license restrictions, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation. This citation can affect your driving record and insurance rates.
The restriction also matters if you are involved in an accident. Insurance companies check license restrictions as part of claims investigation. If you were driving a manual transmission vehicle at the time of an accident and Restriction B was on your license, the insurer may deny your claim or reduce your coverage based on the violation.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at a DPS testing location. You do not need to retake the written test or the vision screening—only the road test. Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office and request to take the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.
Bring a manual transmission vehicle to your test appointment. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. You can use a friend's or family member's vehicle, a rental car with a manual transmission, or your own if you own one. The examiner will conduct the same road test as a standard driving test, evaluating your ability to safely operate the clutch, shift gears, and control the vehicle.
If you pass the test, DPS will remove Restriction B from your license when ready. Your updated license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, though you can request an interim license at the testing location that shows the restriction has been removed. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test and try again.
Cost and timing for removing the restriction
The cost to take a driving test in Texas varies by location but typically ranges from $7 to $15 for the test fee itself. Some DPS offices charge additional fees for scheduling or for an interim license. Call your local DPS office or check the Texas DPS website to confirm the exact fee for your location.
Scheduling a test appointment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how busy your local DPS office is. During peak times (summer months, around holidays), wait times are longer. You can schedule online through the Texas DPS website, by phone, or in person at your local office.
Once you pass the test, the restriction is removed from your record when ready. Your new license card reflecting the removal will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive a manual transmission vehicle before the new card arrives, request an interim license at the testing location—this document shows the restriction has been removed and is valid for driving.
Restriction B and vehicle ownership
Restriction B does not prevent you from owning a manual transmission vehicle. You can purchase, register, and insure a manual transmission car or truck without any legal issue. The restriction only controls who can legally drive the vehicle, not who can own it.
If you own a manual transmission vehicle but have Restriction B on your license, you cannot drive it yourself. You can allow other licensed drivers without the restriction to operate it, or you can have someone else drive it when you need transportation. Once you remove the restriction by passing the manual transmission driving test, you can legally drive your own vehicle.
What happens if you drive with Restriction B active
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. The specific charge varies by jurisdiction but is typically cited as "violation of license restrictions" or "driving in violation of license conditions." This is a separate violation from any other traffic offense you might commit at the same time.
A violation of license restrictions can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates. The fine amount varies by county and court but typically ranges from $100 to $300. Points added to your record can affect your insurance premiums for three to five years.
If you receive a citation for violating Restriction B, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that the restriction was placed in error, that you were unaware of it, or that you were driving an automatic transmission vehicle (if the officer made a mistake). Consult with a traffic attorney in your area if you want to challenge the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's manual transmission vehicle if I have Restriction B?
No. Restriction B applies to you as a driver, not to specific vehicles. You cannot legally operate any manual transmission vehicle, regardless of who owns it. Driving someone else's manual transmission car while Restriction B is on your license is the same violation as driving your own.
Will Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not directly affect your rates. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction by driving a manual transmission vehicle, that citation will appear on your driving record and your insurer will see it. The violation can increase your rates for three to five years.
Can I remove Restriction B by mail or online?
No. You must take a driving test in person at a DPS testing location to remove the restriction. There is no online or mail-in option. You must schedule an appointment, bring a manual transmission vehicle, and pass the road test with a DPS examiner.
What if I fail the manual transmission driving test?
If you do not pass the test, Restriction B remains on your license. You can schedule another test appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Does Restriction B appear on my license card?
Yes. Your Texas driver's license card shows all restrictions in the restrictions section. Restriction B will be printed on your card and will be visible to law enforcement during traffic stops. When you remove the restriction, your new license card will not show it.