Restriction G limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you are restricted to operating only automatic transmission vehicles. You cannot legally drive a manual (stick shift) transmission vehicle while this restriction is on your license. The restriction appears on your physical license card and in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) database.
This restriction is typically placed on your license when you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Texas allows you to take your road test in whichever type of transmission you choose, and the restriction reflects what you actually tested in. If you took your test in a manual vehicle, you would not have this restriction. If you took it in an automatic, you do. The restriction stays on your license until you remove it by passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You do not need to renew your entire license — you only need to pass the driving portion of the test again, this time in a manual vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G means you can only drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual vehicle with this restriction is a violation.
- The restriction is placed on your license based on which transmission type you used when you passed your original road test.
- You can remove the restriction by scheduling a new road test with the DPS and passing it in a manual transmission vehicle.
- Removing the restriction requires only the driving test portion, not a full license renewal or written exam.
How the restriction gets placed on your license
When you take your road test at a DPS office, you bring a vehicle to test in. The examiner notes the transmission type of that vehicle. If it is automatic, the DPS records Restriction G on your license. This happens automatically — you do not request it, and the examiner does not ask your permission.
The restriction applies whether you are a new driver getting your first license or an adult taking a road test for the first time. It also applies if you are renewing a license that already had the restriction and you do not take a new road test to remove it. Some people do not realize the restriction is on their license until they try to drive someone else's manual vehicle or explore for a job that requires manual transmission driving.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
To remove Restriction G, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You cannot remove it by written request, by paying a fee, or by taking an online course. The only way is to demonstrate to a DPS examiner that you can safely operate a manual vehicle.
Schedule a road test appointment through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. When you book, you do not need to tell them you are removing a restriction — just schedule a standard road test. On test day, bring a manual transmission vehicle. The examiner will conduct the same road test they would for any driver, but in your manual vehicle. If you pass, the DPS removes Restriction G from your license on the spot. You will receive an updated license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you do not pass, the restriction remains, and you can schedule another test to try again.
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. A police officer who stops you and discovers the violation can issue you a citation. The violation is typically classified as a minor offense, but it goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
If you are in an accident while driving a manual vehicle with this restriction, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout, since you were violating the terms of your license. This is one reason removing the restriction is worth doing if you regularly drive manual vehicles. Even a minor fender-bender can become expensive if your insurer uses the restriction violation as grounds to refuse coverage.
Renting or borrowing a manual vehicle with Restriction G
If you have Restriction G and need to drive a manual vehicle temporarily — to borrow a friend's car or rent one — you cannot do so legally. The restriction applies to all manual vehicles, regardless of ownership or the reason you are driving.
If you know you will need to drive manual vehicles, removing the restriction before that situation arises is the safest approach. If you are in a situation where you must drive a manual vehicle when ready and cannot schedule a road test in time, your only legal option is to not drive that vehicle and find an alternative with an automatic transmission. Some car rental companies offer only automatic vehicles, which can be a workaround if you need to rent temporarily.
Restriction G and commercial driver's licenses
Restriction G applies only to regular passenger vehicle licenses. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), different rules explore, and Restriction G does not carry over from a regular license to a CDL. However, a CDL has its own set of restrictions based on the vehicle class and type you tested in.
If you currently have Restriction G on a regular license and later obtain a CDL, you will take a separate road test for the CDL in a commercial vehicle. That test will determine what restrictions, if any, explore to your commercial license. The two licenses operate independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove Restriction G online or by mail?
No. You must pass a road test in person at a DPS office with a manual transmission vehicle present. There is no online or mail-based process to remove this restriction.
Do I have to take the written test again to remove Restriction G?
No. You only take the road test portion. The written exam is not required when you are removing a transmission restriction.
What if I fail the road test in a manual vehicle?
The restriction stays on your license. You can schedule another road test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can test, and you can schedule your next attempt as soon as you are ready.
Does Restriction G affect my ability to get a job as a driver?
Some employers require drivers to have no restrictions or to be able to drive any vehicle type. If a job requires manual transmission driving, you would need to remove Restriction G first. Check the job posting or ask the employer about their requirements.
If I move to another state, does Restriction G transfer?
When you get a license in a new state, that state issues a new license based on your road test in that state. Restriction G from Texas does not automatically transfer. However, if you take your new state's road test in an automatic vehicle, that state may place its own equivalent restriction on your new license.