A TXT restriction limits what you can drive
A TXT code on your driver's license means you are restricted from driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission — you can only operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle. This restriction appears on your license as a condition or limitation, usually printed on the back or in a codes section.
The restriction exists because your driving test was conducted in a manual transmission vehicle. Most licensing authorities assume that if you passed your test in an automatic, you can drive either type. But if you passed in a manual, they restrict you to manual only, since automatic transmissions work differently and you have not demonstrated competency with them.
The practical effect is straightforward: if you rent a car, borrow a vehicle, or drive someone else's car, it must have a manual transmission. Driving an automatic while under a TXT restriction can result in a citation, even if you are otherwise driving safely and legally.
Key Takeaways
- A TXT code means your license restricts you to manual transmission vehicles only.
- The restriction appears because you took your driving test in a manual transmission car.
- Driving an automatic transmission vehicle while under this restriction is a violation, regardless of your actual driving ability.
- You can remove the restriction by retaking your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- Different states and countries use different code systems, so the exact label may vary where you live.
Why licensing authorities use transmission restrictions
Transmission restrictions exist because manual and automatic vehicles require different physical skills and muscle memory. In a manual transmission car, you must coordinate the clutch pedal, gear shift, and accelerator simultaneously — a skill that takes practice to develop smoothly. An automatic transmission removes the clutch and gear-shifting requirement, making the vehicle simpler to operate in some ways but requiring different judgment about engine braking and downshifting.
Licensing authorities treat these as separate competencies. If you learned and tested in a manual, the assumption is that you have not practiced the specific techniques needed for an automatic. Conversely, most people who test in an automatic are assumed capable of learning manual transmission driving later, so no restriction is placed on them.
This approach varies by country and region. Some places are stricter than others, and some have phased out manual transmission testing altogether as automatics have become dominant. Where you took your test determines whether the restriction appears on your license.
How to remove a TXT restriction from your license
To remove the restriction, you must retake your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent licensing authority and request to schedule a new driving test. When you book the test, specify that you want to test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
The test itself is usually the same as your original test — the examiner is checking your ability to operate the vehicle safely, not your overall driving skill. Since you already hold a valid license, you may only need to take the practical driving portion, not a written exam. Some jurisdictions allow you to take the test in a rental car or a vehicle you bring yourself, while others require you to use a vehicle provided by the testing facility.
Once you pass the test in an automatic, the licensing authority will issue you a new license without the TXT restriction. The process typically takes a few weeks from the time you pass the test. You will receive your updated license in the mail or can pick it up at the DMV office, depending on your location's procedures.
What happens if you drive an automatic with a TXT restriction
Driving an automatic transmission vehicle while your license carries a TXT restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the officer can cite you for driving in violation of your license restrictions. The severity of the citation varies by jurisdiction — some treat it as a minor infraction similar to a seatbelt violation, while others classify it as a more serious offense.
The violation goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. It may also complicate future license renewals or applications for other driving privileges. Even if you are an experienced driver and the automatic vehicle is straightforward for you to operate, the violation stands because you drove outside the terms of your license.
If you regularly need to drive automatic transmission vehicles — for work, family situations, or personal reasons — removing the restriction through retesting is more practical than managing the risk of citations.
TXT codes in different places
The TXT code system is used in several countries, particularly in Europe and some Commonwealth nations. The United States does not typically use a TXT code; instead, some states use different labeling systems or do not restrict based on transmission type at all. In Canada, the restriction exists in some provinces but not others.
If you moved to a new country or state and your license was issued elsewhere, the restrictions from your original license may or may not transfer. Some places recognize foreign restrictions and carry them over to a new license, while others issue a new license without restrictions. When you renew your license or convert a foreign license, ask the licensing authority whether transmission restrictions will explore.
If you are unsure whether your license carries a TXT restriction, check the back of your license card or the codes section. Your license document should list all restrictions clearly. If you cannot find it or are uncertain how to read the codes, the DMV or licensing authority can explain what restrictions explore to your specific license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive an automatic if I have a TXT code in an emergency?
No. Traffic laws do not make exceptions for emergencies regarding license restrictions. If you need to drive an automatic regularly, retaking the test is the proper solution. If you face a genuine emergency, calling emergency services is safer than driving in violation of your license.
Do I have to retake the entire driving test to remove TXT, or just the practical part?
Most jurisdictions only require the practical driving test, not the written exam, since you already hold a valid license. However, this varies by location. Contact your local DMV or licensing authority to confirm what you will need to do when you schedule your test.
How much does it cost to retake the driving test to remove the restriction?
Testing fees vary by location and typically range from $20 to $100 for a practical driving test. Some places charge additional fees if you use a vehicle provided by the testing facility. Check your local DMV website or call ahead to learn the exact cost in your area.
If I learned to drive in an automatic, will my license have a TXT code?
No. The TXT restriction only appears if you took your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. If you tested in an automatic, no restriction is placed on your license, and you can legally drive either transmission type.
What if I moved and my new country does not use TXT codes?
When you convert your license to a new country's system, the new licensing authority decides whether to carry over restrictions. Some places recognize foreign restrictions, while others do not. Ask the licensing authority when you explore for a new license in your new location.