What Restriction B means and how to remove it
Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. To remove it, you need to pass a vision test that shows you can see well enough to drive without correction, then visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to update your license.
The restriction appears on your license because your vision did not meet the standard requirement when you last renewed or obtained it. Texas requires drivers to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction to hold an unrestricted license. If you could only meet that standard with glasses or contacts, DPS added Restriction B to your license as a condition of driving.
Removing the restriction is straightforward: you take a vision test, pass it without correction, and pay a fee to update your license. The entire process typically takes one visit to a DPS office, though you may need to schedule an appointment depending on your location.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses while driving and is added when your uncorrected vision does not meet Texas standards.
- To remove the restriction, you must pass a vision test showing you can see 20/40 or better in each eye without glasses or contacts.
- You will need to visit a Texas DPS office in person, bring your current driver license, and pay a fee (typically $11 to $27 depending on license type and expiration date).
- If you cannot pass the vision test without correction, the restriction remains on your license and you must continue wearing corrective lenses while driving.
Understand why the restriction is on your license
Restriction B was added to your license because your vision at the time of issuance or renewal did not meet Texas standards without correction. This does not mean your vision is poor — it means that without glasses or contacts, you did not see clearly enough to drive safely according to state law.
Texas uses a standard of 20/40 vision in each eye as the minimum for driving without restriction. If you saw 20/50 or worse in either eye without correction, but could reach 20/40 or better with glasses or contacts, DPS issued your license with Restriction B. This protects you and other drivers by ensuring you wear the correction you need.
Vision can change over time. If your eyes have improved — perhaps through surgery, a change in your prescription, or natural variation — you may now be able to pass the vision test without correction. That is the only way to remove the restriction.
Get a vision test before visiting DPS
You do not have to get a vision test from an eye doctor before visiting DPS, but doing so first can save you a wasted trip. If you visit DPS and fail the vision test there, you will have to return after getting corrective surgery or waiting for your eyes to change naturally.
Visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist and ask them to test your vision without correction. Tell them you need to know whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye without glasses or contacts. If you can, you are ready to visit DPS. If you cannot, you know the restriction will remain on your license for now.
Some DPS offices offer vision testing on-site, so you could also visit DPS directly and take the test there. However, calling ahead to confirm your local office offers this service will prevent a wasted trip if they do not.
Visit a Texas DPS office with required documents
Locate your nearest Texas DPS Driver License office by visiting the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and using their office locator tool. You can also call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to find the closest office and ask about wait times.
Bring your current Texas driver license with you. You do not need to bring anything else — DPS will conduct the vision test at the office. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments. Check the DPS website or call ahead to see whether your location requires an appointment and how to schedule one.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early. The vision test itself takes only a few minutes. The staff member will have you read letters or numbers on a chart from a standard distance, testing each eye separately without correction.
Pass the vision test at the DPS office
The vision test at DPS uses a standard eye chart. You will stand or sit at a marked distance and read progressively smaller lines of letters or numbers. The examiner tests each eye separately and records whether you can see 20/40 or better without correction.
If you pass — meaning you see 20/40 or better in each eye without glasses or contacts — the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You will then proceed to pay the fee and update your license. The restriction will be removed when ready, and you will receive your updated license on the spot or by mail depending on the type of update.
If you do not pass the vision test, the restriction remains on your license. You cannot remove it until your uncorrected vision improves. This might happen through refractive surgery (like LASIK), a change in your natural vision over time, or other medical intervention. You would need to return to DPS after your vision has changed.
Pay the fee and complete the license update
The fee to update your license and remove Restriction B varies depending on your license type and how much time remains before expiration. A standard update typically costs between $11 and $27. DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most offices.
After you pass the vision test and pay the fee, DPS will issue you an updated license. If your license is expiring soon, you may be offered the option to renew it at the same time, which would cost additional fees. Ask the staff member whether renewal is necessary or whether you can straightforward remove the restriction.
You will receive your updated license either when ready (if DPS issues it on-site) or by mail within one to two weeks. Once you have the updated license in hand, Restriction B is removed and you are no longer required to wear corrective lenses while driving.
What happens if you cannot pass the vision test
If your uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/40 standard, you cannot remove Restriction B at that time. The restriction will remain on your license, and you must continue wearing corrective lenses while driving. Driving without the required correction while the restriction is on your license is a violation and can result in a ticket.
Your options at that point depend on your situation. If you are interested in refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK, you could explore that with an eye surgeon. If you believe your vision may improve naturally over time, you can return to DPS in the future to test again. There is no waiting period — you can return as soon as you believe your vision has changed.
If you have questions about whether your vision might improve or what options are available to you, an eye doctor can provide guidance specific to your eyes and health history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if Restriction B is on my license?
No. Restriction B is a legal requirement on your license. Driving without the required corrective lenses while the restriction is active is a violation and can result in a traffic citation. You must wear your glasses or contacts while driving until the restriction is removed.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B?
The process itself takes one visit to a DPS office, usually 15 to 30 minutes including the vision test and paperwork. You will receive your updated license when ready at some offices or by mail within one to two weeks at others. The entire process from start to finish is typically completed in one to two weeks.
Do I need an eye doctor's letter to remove the restriction?
No. DPS will conduct the vision test themselves at the office. You do not need documentation from an eye doctor, though getting a private vision test first can help you know whether you are likely to pass before you visit DPS.
What if my vision is 20/40 in one eye but worse in the other?
Both eyes must meet the 20/40 standard without correction for the restriction to be removed. If one eye sees worse than 20/40, Restriction B will remain on your license. You would need to return after your vision in that eye has improved.
Can I remove Restriction B by mail or online?
No. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person to take the vision test and update your license. There is no mail-in or online process for removing this restriction.