A G restriction means you can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission
A G restriction on your Texas driver's license limits you to operating vehicles with automatic transmissions only. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle while this restriction is active. The restriction appears on your license as a code and is enforced by law enforcement during traffic stops.
This restriction is typically issued when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle but not in a manual one. Texas allows you to take your road test in whichever type of vehicle you choose, and your license restriction reflects what you demonstrated competency in during that test.
Key Takeaways
- A G restriction means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles in Texas.
- The restriction is placed on your license if you passed your road test in an automatic but not a manual transmission vehicle.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle at any Texas Department of Public Safety office.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle with a G restriction on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
- The restriction does not affect your ability to drive automatic vehicles or your license validity in other ways.
How the G restriction gets placed on your license
When you take your road test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, you must bring the vehicle you will test in. If you bring an automatic transmission vehicle, you test in an automatic. If you bring a manual transmission vehicle, you test in a manual. Your license restriction is based on what type of vehicle you used during the test.
If you pass your test in an automatic vehicle, the examiner will note this on your test results. The DPS then issues your license with the G restriction code, which means you have not demonstrated the ability to operate a manual transmission safely. This is not a penalty — it is straightforward a record of what you were tested on.
If you initially received a G restriction and later want to remove it, you do not need to retake your entire written test or vision screening. You only need to pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
Removing a G restriction from your license
To remove the G restriction, you must schedule a road test appointment at your local Texas DPS office and bring a manual transmission vehicle. You will take the same road test you took originally, but this time in the manual vehicle. If you pass, the examiner will note the removal of the restriction, and your new license will be issued without the G code.
The cost of a road test in Texas is the same regardless of whether you are taking it for the first time or to remove a restriction. You will need to pay the test fee at the time of your appointment. Processing time for your new license after passing the test is typically one to two weeks.
You can schedule your road test appointment online through the Texas DPS website, by phone, or in person at your local DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the manual transmission vehicle you will be testing in.
What happens if you drive a manual vehicle with a G restriction
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while your license has a G restriction is a traffic violation in Texas. If a law enforcement officer stops you and discovers the restriction during a license check, you can receive a citation. The violation is typically classified as a minor offense, but it creates a record and can result in fines.
The officer may also impound the vehicle or issue you a warning depending on the circumstances and their discretion. The safest approach is to only drive automatic transmission vehicles until you have the restriction removed through a passing road test.
G restriction versus other Texas license codes
Texas uses several restriction codes on driver's licenses, each indicating a specific limitation. The G restriction is one of the most common and is purely about transmission type. Other restrictions might limit you to daytime driving only, require corrective lenses, or restrict you to vehicles with hand controls.
You can see all active restrictions on your license by looking at the back of your physical license card or by checking your license information through the Texas DPS online portal. If you have questions about a specific code, the DPS website lists all restriction definitions, or you can call your local DPS office for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive an automatic vehicle with a G restriction?
Yes. A G restriction only limits you to automatic transmission vehicles. You can legally drive any automatic vehicle without any issue. The restriction does not affect your driving privileges for automatics in any way.
Do I have to remove the G restriction?
No, you are not required to remove it. If you only drive automatic vehicles and have no need to drive manual transmission vehicles, you can keep the restriction on your license indefinitely. Removing it is optional and only necessary if you want to drive manual vehicles.
How long does it take to get a new license after passing the manual transmission road test?
After you pass the road test, the examiner processes your results and sends them to the DPS. Your new license is typically mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can check the status of your license online through the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number.
Can I take my road test in a rental manual transmission vehicle?
Yes, you can use a rental vehicle for your road test as long as it is a manual transmission and is properly registered and insured. Bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration along with your current license and identification to your test appointment.
What if I fail the manual transmission road test?
If you do not pass the road test in a manual vehicle, the G restriction remains on your license. You can schedule another road 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.