Restriction B limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you are legally permitted to drive only automatic transmission vehicles. You cannot operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle while this restriction is on your license. If you are stopped driving a manual transmission vehicle, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions, even if you are otherwise a safe driver.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) places this restriction on your license based on how you took your driving test. If you passed your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle, DPS issues your license with Restriction B. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle and request that it be removed.
This restriction applies every time you drive, regardless of the vehicle owner's permission or the circumstances. It is a legal condition of your driving privilege in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means your Texas license permits only automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission vehicle violates your restrictions.
- DPS places Restriction B on your license if you passed your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle and submitting a request to DPS.
- The restriction applies to all driving situations and cannot be waived by a vehicle owner or employer.
How Restriction B gets placed on your license
When you take your Texas road test for a Class C (regular passenger vehicle) license, you must bring the vehicle you will use for the test. If that vehicle has an automatic transmission, the examiner notes this during your test. When you pass and receive your license, DPS prints Restriction B on it automatically.
The restriction reflects the transmission type of the vehicle used during testing, not your actual ability to drive a manual transmission. Even if you are an experienced manual transmission driver, if you test in an automatic, you receive the restriction. Conversely, if you test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass, your license will not carry Restriction B.
This system exists because Texas law requires that your driving test demonstrate the specific vehicle type you will operate. The restriction ensures that your license matches the vehicle class you have actually been tested on.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive with Restriction B
With Restriction B on your license, you can drive any vehicle with an automatic transmission: most sedans, SUVs, trucks with automatic transmissions, vans, and rental cars. You cannot drive manual transmission vehicles, including older trucks, sports cars with stick shifts, or any vehicle where the driver operates the clutch and gear shift manually.
The restriction applies regardless of who owns the vehicle or whether the owner gives you permission. An employer cannot override the restriction, and a vehicle owner cannot waive it. If you are caught driving a manual transmission vehicle, the violation is between you and law enforcement, not between you and the vehicle owner.
Some vehicles have both automatic and manual options (for example, certain pickup trucks). You can only drive the automatic version of that model.
How to remove Restriction B from your Texas license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You cannot straightforward request removal or pay a fee; you must demonstrate to a DPS examiner that you can safely operate a manual transmission vehicle.
The process is: (1) schedule a road test appointment with DPS; (2) bring a manual transmission vehicle to your test; (3) pass the road test; (4) after passing, request that Restriction B be removed from your license. Some DPS offices allow you to request removal when ready after passing; others may require you to renew your license at your next renewal cycle. Contact your local DPS office to confirm their procedure.
You will pay the standard road test fee, which varies but is typically under $50. You do not need to renew your license early or pay an additional restriction-removal fee. Once Restriction B is removed, your license will reflect no transmission restriction.
What happens if you drive a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation of your license restrictions. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, you can be cited. The citation is typically a misdemeanor traffic offense, though the specific charge and penalty depend on your state and local jurisdiction.
A violation can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and potential license suspension. It may also affect your insurance rates. The violation is separate from any other traffic infractions you might receive during the same stop.
If you are unsure whether a vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission, ask the owner or check the vehicle's documentation before driving it. Most modern vehicles are automatic, but some trucks, sports cars, and older vehicles still use manual transmissions.
Restriction B versus other Texas license restrictions
Texas uses letter codes for different license restrictions. Restriction B specifically addresses transmission type. Other common restrictions include Restriction A (corrective lenses required), Restriction C (hearing aid required), and Restriction D (automatic transmission with power steering). Each restriction limits your driving in a specific way.
You may have multiple restrictions on a single license. For example, you could have both Restriction A (glasses) and Restriction B (automatic transmission). Each restriction is independent, and you must comply with all of them.
If you are unsure what your restrictions mean, your license card lists them in the lower left corner. You can also contact your local DPS office or visit the Texas DPS website to confirm what each code on your license requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if someone else owns it and gives me permission?
No. Restriction B is a legal condition of your driving privilege and applies to all vehicles you operate, regardless of ownership or permission. Driving a manual transmission vehicle violates your restriction even with the owner's consent.
Do I have to take the full road test again to remove Restriction B, or just a manual transmission portion?
You must take a full road test in a manual transmission vehicle. The examiner will evaluate your ability to operate the clutch, shift gears, and control the vehicle safely under normal driving conditions. There is no separate "manual transmission only" test.
What if I took my road test in a manual transmission vehicle but still have Restriction B on my license?
Contact your local DPS office when ready. This is likely an error in the system. Bring your license and the documentation from your road test (if you have it), and DPS can correct the restriction. There is no fee to correct an administrative error.
Will Restriction B affect my insurance or ability to rent a vehicle?
Most insurance companies do not charge differently based on transmission restrictions. However, rental car companies may ask about your restrictions when you rent. Some rental agencies will only rent you automatic transmission vehicles if you have Restriction B. Always disclose your restrictions to the rental company before signing a contract.
Can I get Restriction B removed without taking another road test?
No. Texas law requires that you pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle to demonstrate competency. There is no alternative method, waiver, or exemption to remove the restriction.