Restriction G limits you to driving only vehicles with automatic transmissions
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you are legally restricted to operating only automatic transmission vehicles. You cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) transmission vehicle while this restriction is active on your license. The restriction appears on your physical license card and in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) database.
This restriction is typically issued when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Texas allows you to take your road test in either an automatic or manual vehicle, and the transmission type you use during testing determines whether Restriction G is added to your license. If you test in an automatic, you get the restriction. If you test in a manual, you do not.
The restriction stays on your license until you remove it by passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. There is no time limit — you can remove it whenever you choose to take the test again.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual vehicle violates the restriction.
- The restriction is added when you pass your road test in an automatic vehicle and remains until you pass a new test in a manual vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction G by scheduling a new road test with the Texas DPS and demonstrating manual transmission operation skills.
- Driving a manual vehicle with Restriction G on your license can result in a traffic citation and is considered driving outside the scope of your license.
How Restriction G gets added to your license
When you take your Texas road test, the examiner notes which transmission type the test vehicle has. If you pass the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, the DPS automatically adds Restriction G to your license. This happens whether you took the test at a DPS office or through a third-party examiner.
The restriction is not optional — it is a standard part of the licensing process. You do not need to request it or sign anything specific. The DPS straightforward applies it based on the vehicle used during your test.
If you took your test in a manual vehicle and passed, you will not have Restriction G. Your license will have no transmission restriction, meaning you can legally drive either automatic or manual vehicles.
What happens if you drive a manual vehicle with Restriction G
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction G is on your license is a traffic violation in Texas. A law enforcement officer can cite you for driving outside the scope of your license restrictions. This is typically classified as a minor traffic offense, but it creates a record and can result in a fine.
The violation does not automatically suspend your license, but it does go on your driving record. If you accumulate multiple violations, your insurance rates may increase, and you could face license suspension through the point system or other enforcement actions.
If you are stopped and the officer discovers you are driving a manual vehicle with Restriction G, be honest about the situation. Explain that you did not realize the restriction applied or that you are working to remove it. Having a plan to remove the restriction (such as a scheduled road test) may help in conversations with law enforcement, though it does not eliminate the violation itself.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
To remove Restriction G, you must pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Contact your local Texas DPS office or an authorized third-party examiner to schedule the test. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the manual transmission vehicle you will use for the test.
The road test for removing a restriction is the same as a standard road test — you will demonstrate basic driving skills including starting, stopping, turning, parking, and highway driving. The examiner will specifically observe your manual transmission operation, including clutch control, gear shifting, and smooth acceleration.
Once you pass the test, the DPS will remove Restriction G from your license. This typically happens within a few days, though you should receive a new license card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can drive manual vehicles legally as soon as the restriction is removed from the system, even before your new card arrives.
Cost and timeline for removing the restriction
The road test fee in Texas is currently $16 for a Class C (passenger vehicle) license test, though this amount can change. You pay this fee when you schedule or take the test, depending on the examiner's process. There are no additional fees specifically for removing a restriction.
Scheduling a road test typically takes one to four weeks depending on your location and how busy the local DPS office is. Rural areas may have longer wait times. Once you pass the test, the restriction is removed from the system within one to three business days.
If you use a third-party examiner, fees may be higher — typically $25 to $50 — but scheduling is often faster. Check the Texas DPS website for a list of authorized third-party examiners in your area.
Restriction G versus other license restrictions
Texas driver's licenses can carry several different restrictions, each limiting how you can drive. Restriction G is one of the most common and is purely about transmission type. Other restrictions might limit you to daytime driving only, require corrective lenses, restrict you to vehicles with automatic transmissions and power steering, or limit you to certain roads or speeds.
Some restrictions are temporary — for example, restrictions related to medical conditions or age can expire on a set date. Restriction G does not have an expiration date; it remains until you actively remove it by passing a new road test.
If you have multiple restrictions on your license, each one is listed separately on your card and in the DPS system. Removing one restriction does not affect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual vehicle if I have Restriction G?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction G on your license is a traffic violation. You are legally restricted to automatic transmission vehicles only. If you need to drive a manual vehicle, you must first remove the restriction by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
How long does Restriction G stay on my license?
Restriction G remains on your license indefinitely until you remove it. There is no automatic expiration date. You can remove it at any time by scheduling and passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
Do I need to own a manual vehicle to remove the restriction?
No. You only need access to a manual transmission vehicle for the road test itself. You can borrow a friend's or family member's manual vehicle, rent one from a car rental company, or use a vehicle provided by a third-party examiner if available. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe operating condition.
Will removing Restriction G cost me anything besides the test fee?
The only cost is the road test fee, which is $16 at a DPS office or $25 to $50 at a third-party examiner. There are no additional fees for removing the restriction itself. You will receive a new license card in the mail at no extra charge.
What if I fail the road test when trying to remove Restriction G?
If you fail the test, you can schedule another test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. You will pay the test fee each time you attempt it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing manual transmission operation.