Restriction G means you can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you are limited to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions only. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle. This restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and violating it — by driving a manual vehicle — is a traffic violation.
The restriction is placed on your license during the testing or renewal process, usually because you took your driving test in an automatic vehicle or because Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) determined you cannot safely operate a manual transmission. Once the restriction is on your license, it stays there until you remove it through a formal process.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears as a condition printed on your physical license card.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at a Texas DPS office.
- Driving a manual vehicle while Restriction G is on your license is a traffic violation, even if you are capable of driving one.
- The restriction does not affect your ability to drive automatic vehicles or your overall license validity.
How Restriction G gets added to your license
Restriction G is added when you take your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. If you pass your test in an automatic, DPS automatically places this restriction on your license. This happens whether you chose to test in an automatic or whether an automatic was the only vehicle available to you at the time.
The restriction can also appear if you renew your license and DPS notes that your previous license carried the restriction. It carries forward unless you take action to remove it. Some people receive the restriction because they requested it — for example, if they wanted to limit themselves to automatic vehicles for safety or comfort reasons — but most receive it straightforward because that is the vehicle they tested in.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
To remove Restriction G, you must pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at a Texas DPS office. You cannot remove the restriction by mail, online, or through any other method — you must demonstrate to an examiner that you can safely operate a stick shift.
Schedule a driving test appointment through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test — this is the vehicle you will be tested in. You will drive the same route and follow the same rules as a standard driving test. If you pass, the examiner will note that Restriction G has been removed, and your new license will be issued without the restriction.
If you fail the test, you can schedule another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you will need to pay the test fee each time. The fee varies by location but is typically under $10.
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. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the officer can cite you for violating the terms of your license, even if you drove safely and broke no other traffic laws.
The violation can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and potentially higher insurance rates. It does not automatically result in license suspension, but repeated violations could lead to more serious consequences. The safest approach is to stick to automatic vehicles until you have the restriction removed.
Restriction G versus other Texas license restrictions
Texas uses letter codes to mark different restrictions on a driver's license. Restriction G is one of the most common and is purely about transmission type. Other restrictions might limit you to daylight driving only, require corrective lenses, restrict you to vehicles with hand controls, or limit you to certain roads or speeds.
Each restriction is tied to a specific condition or test result. Restriction G is unique because it is the only one that is automatically applied based on which type of vehicle you tested in, rather than a medical condition or safety concern. You can have multiple restrictions on one license — for example, Restriction G plus a requirement to wear glasses.
Can you get a license without Restriction G
Yes. If you want to avoid Restriction G from the start, take your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. You must provide your own vehicle for the test, and it must be in safe working condition and properly registered and insured. If you pass the test in a manual vehicle, no restriction will be placed on your license.
This approach works if you own or have access to a manual vehicle and feel confident driving one. If you do not own a manual vehicle, borrowing one specifically for the test is an option many people use. Some driving schools also offer manual transmission vehicles for testing purposes, though you will need to contact them directly to confirm availability and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Restriction G affect my ability to rent a car?
Most rental car companies will rent you an automatic vehicle without issue. However, if you try to rent a manual vehicle, the company may refuse because your license shows you are restricted to automatics. It is best to inform the rental company about the restriction upfront so there is no confusion at pickup.
Will Restriction G show up on my driving record?
Restriction G appears on your license itself, not on your driving record. Your driving record tracks violations, accidents, and points. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction by driving a manual vehicle, that violation will appear on your record.
How long does it take to remove Restriction G after I pass the test?
Your new license without the restriction is typically issued within one to two weeks after you pass the test. The examiner will give you a temporary paper license at the test site, and your permanent card will arrive by mail. You can drive during this waiting period using the temporary license.
Can I remove Restriction G if I took my test out of state?
If you moved to Texas from another state and your out-of-state license did not have a transmission restriction, you should not receive one when you convert to a Texas license. However, if you need to take a new driving test in Texas for any reason, you will need to test in a manual vehicle to avoid the restriction being added.
What if I cannot find a manual transmission vehicle to test in?
Manual transmission vehicles are less common than they once were, but they are still available. You can borrow from a friend or family member, rent from a car rental company that offers manuals, or contact local driving schools to ask if they have manual vehicles available for testing. Some DPS offices may have resources or referrals to help you locate a vehicle.