An AB restriction limits you to driving automatic transmission vehicles only
If your Texas driver's license shows an AB restriction, you are legally permitted to drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle, even if you own one or are borrowing it. The restriction appears on your license as a condition code and is enforced the same way other license restrictions are — a police officer can cite you for violating it.
This restriction is placed on your license during the driving test itself. If you take your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) automatically adds the AB code to your license. The restriction stays on your record until you remove it by retesting in a manual transmission vehicle.
The AB restriction does not affect your ability to drive in other states or to rent vehicles — rental companies will rent you an automatic without question. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement while driving a manual transmission vehicle in Texas, you can be cited for driving with a restriction violation, which is a traffic offense.
Key Takeaways
- An AB restriction means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles in Texas; driving a manual transmission vehicle violates the restriction.
- The restriction is added to your license automatically if you pass your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- You can remove the restriction by scheduling a new road test with the DPS and passing it in a manual transmission vehicle.
- The restriction appears on your license record and can result in a traffic citation if you are caught driving a manual transmission vehicle.
- Other states do not recognize Texas license restrictions, so the AB code does not limit you outside of Texas.
How the AB restriction gets added to your license
When you take your road test at a DPS office, you must bring a vehicle to use for the test. The examiner will note the transmission type of that vehicle. If it is an automatic, the examiner codes your license with the AB restriction at the moment you pass. This is not a penalty — it is a standard notation that you demonstrated driving ability in an automatic vehicle only.
The restriction is added whether you are a new driver getting your first license or an adult renewing an expired license and taking the road test for the first time. The vehicle you use for the test determines the code on your license going forward.
If you took your test in a manual transmission vehicle and passed, no AB restriction appears on your license. You are then permitted to drive both automatic and manual vehicles in Texas.
Removing the AB restriction through retesting
To remove the AB restriction, you must schedule a new road test appointment with the Texas DPS and pass the test using a manual transmission vehicle. You do not need to renew your license or pay a separate fee — the restriction is removed and your license is updated at the time you pass the retest.
Contact your local DPS office to schedule the road test. You will need to bring a manual transmission vehicle, proof of insurance, and your current driver's license. The test itself follows the same format as your original road test: the examiner will observe your ability to operate the vehicle, including starting, stopping, turning, and parking.
Once you pass, the AB restriction is removed from your license when ready. Your license card itself does not change — the restriction code is removed from the DPS database, and any new license you receive in the future will not carry the AB notation.
What happens if you drive a manual transmission vehicle with an AB restriction
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while your license carries an AB restriction is a traffic violation in Texas. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, they can issue you a citation for violating your license restriction. This is treated as a moving violation and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates.
The violation does not automatically suspend your license, but it becomes part of your driving history. If you accumulate multiple violations, your license can be suspended by the DPS.
The safest approach is to avoid driving manual transmission vehicles until you have removed the restriction through retesting.
AB restrictions and vehicle rentals or borrowing
Rental car companies will rent you an automatic transmission vehicle without issue. When you provide your driver's license, they see the AB restriction and understand it means you can only drive automatics — they will not offer you a manual transmission vehicle. This is standard practice across all major rental companies.
If you borrow a vehicle from a friend or family member, you are responsible for knowing the transmission type before you drive it. Borrowing a manual transmission vehicle and driving it violates your license restriction, regardless of who owns the vehicle or whether the owner gave you permission.
AB restrictions and driving in other states
Texas license restrictions, including the AB code, are recognized only in Texas. If you travel to another state and are stopped by law enforcement, the officer will see your Texas license but will not enforce the AB restriction — other states do not have the authority to enforce conditions placed on licenses from other states.
However, you should still follow the restriction while in Texas. Once you cross the state border, the restriction no longer has legal force, but returning to Texas means the restriction is in effect again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the AB restriction removed without retesting?
No. The only way to remove the restriction is to pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. The DPS does not remove restrictions based on written requests or other documentation. You must demonstrate the ability to operate a manual transmission vehicle to an examiner.
Will the AB restriction affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not affect your rates. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction by driving a manual transmission vehicle, that citation becomes a moving violation on your record and can increase your rates.
What if I fail the manual transmission road test?
If you fail, the AB restriction 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 need to pay the test fee each time.
Does the AB restriction show up on background checks?
License restrictions are part of your driving record but are not typically included in criminal background checks. They appear on driving record checks conducted by insurance companies, employers who require driving, or law enforcement during traffic stops.
Can I get an AB restriction if I am renewing my license?
If you are renewing your license without taking a new road test, your existing restrictions carry over to the new license. If you are required to take a road test as part of renewal and you take it in an automatic vehicle, the AB restriction will be on your renewed license.