A B restriction means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle
A B restriction on your Texas driver's license limits you to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions only. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle while this restriction is on your license. The restriction appears as a code on your license card itself.
This restriction is placed on your license during the driving test. If you take your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will add the B restriction to your license. If you pass your test in a manual transmission vehicle, you will not have this restriction, and you can drive either type of transmission.
The restriction stays on your license until you remove it by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. There is no time limit — you can remove it whenever you choose to take the test again.
Key Takeaways
- A B restriction means you can only drive automatic transmission vehicles and cannot legally operate a manual transmission car.
- The restriction is added to your license if you pass your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- You can remove the restriction by scheduling a new road test with the DPS and passing it in a manual transmission vehicle.
- The restriction does not expire — it remains on your license until you take action to remove it.
- If you are caught driving a manual transmission vehicle with a B restriction, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions.
How the B restriction gets on your license
When you schedule your road test with the Texas DPS, you choose what vehicle to bring. The examiner will test you in that vehicle. If it has an automatic transmission, the examiner will note that on your test results, and the B restriction will be printed on your license when it is issued.
This happens automatically — you do not request the restriction. The DPS adds it based on the transmission type of the vehicle you used during your test. Many people do not realize the restriction is there until they try to rent a manual transmission car or borrow a stick shift vehicle from a friend.
Removing the B restriction from your license
To remove the restriction, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. You will need to schedule a new appointment with your local DPS office and bring a manual transmission car with you. The examiner will conduct a standard road test in that vehicle.
If you pass, the DPS will issue you a new license without the B restriction. The new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can drive either automatic or manual transmission vehicles once the new license arrives.
If you do not pass the test, the B restriction remains on your current license. You can schedule another test whenever you are ready to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test.
What happens if you drive a manual transmission vehicle with a B restriction
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while your license has a B restriction is a violation of your license restrictions. A police officer can pull you over and cite you for this violation. The citation is separate from any traffic violation — it is specifically for violating the terms of your license.
The penalty varies but can include a fine and points on your driving record. In some cases, it may affect your insurance rates. The safest approach is to remove the restriction before driving a manual transmission vehicle, even if you are borrowing a friend's car or renting one.
Why the B restriction exists
The B restriction exists because manual transmission vehicles require different driving skills than automatic transmission vehicles. The examiner wants to confirm that you have demonstrated the ability to operate the specific type of transmission you will be driving regularly. If you learned to drive in an automatic, the DPS assumes you may not be comfortable with a manual transmission.
This is a safety measure, not a punishment. It straightforward means your test results showed competency with one type of transmission, and the restriction reflects that. Removing it is straightforward — you just need to show you can handle the other type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if I have a B restriction?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with a B restriction on your license is a violation. You can be cited by law enforcement. You must remove the restriction first by passing a road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
How long does it take to remove the B restriction?
The road test itself takes about 30 minutes. If you pass, the DPS will issue a new license that arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The total time from test to new license is usually two to three weeks.
Do I have to remove the B restriction?
No. If you only drive automatic transmission vehicles, you can keep the restriction on your license indefinitely. It only matters if you want to drive a manual transmission car. Many people never remove it because they do not need to drive stick shift vehicles.
What if I fail the road test in a manual transmission vehicle?
The B restriction stays on your license. You can schedule another test whenever you want. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take the test as many times as needed.
Does a B restriction affect my insurance or driving record?
The restriction itself does not affect your insurance or record. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction by driving a manual transmission vehicle, that citation will appear on your record and may affect your insurance rates.