What Restriction B means and how to remove it online
Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to drive safely. You can remove it by passing a new vision test, either at a DPS office in person or through an online vision exam offered by certain approved providers.
The online route exists because Texas allows remote vision testing through licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists who use approved video conferencing systems. If you pass an online vision exam without the correction requirement, you can submit the results to DPS and have the restriction removed from your record without visiting an office.
The process takes longer than an in-person test — typically two to four weeks from submission to removal — because DPS must receive the exam results, verify the provider's credentials, and update your license record. In-person removal at a DPS office usually happens the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts while driving; it can only be removed by passing a vision test that shows you no longer need correction.
- Online vision exams through licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists are legal in Texas, but you must use a provider who meets DPS standards for remote testing.
- After passing an online exam, the provider sends results directly to DPS; you do not submit them yourself, and you should not pay DPS a fee for this removal.
- If you fail an online vision test or the provider's system does not meet DPS requirements, you will need to visit a DPS office or eye care provider in person.
- Driving without corrective lenses while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, even if you believe you can see well enough.
Finding an approved online vision provider in Texas
Not every optometrist or ophthalmologist offers remote vision testing, and not all remote systems meet DPS standards. Start by calling your current eye doctor and asking whether they offer online vision exams for Texas driver license restrictions. If they do, ask them to confirm they are set up to send results directly to DPS — this is the key detail that separates an approved provider from one who is not.
If your eye doctor does not offer this service, contact the Texas Optometry Board or ask DPS directly which providers in your area are approved for remote testing. You can reach DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit the DPS website to search for approved providers by region. Some larger vision chains and telemedicine platforms have begun offering this service, but availability varies by location.
Before you book an appointment, confirm the cost. DPS does not charge a fee to remove Restriction B once you pass a vision test, but the eye care provider will charge for the exam itself — typically $50 to $150, depending on the provider and whether you are an existing patient.
Steps to take an online vision exam and submit results to DPS
Once you have found an approved provider, schedule your online vision exam. You will need a computer or tablet with a camera, a quiet space, and a stable internet connection. The exam itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The provider will ask you to read letters or symbols on a screen at various distances, test your peripheral vision, and check for color blindness and other vision issues — the same tests you would take in an office, but conducted over video.
If you pass the exam without a correction requirement, the provider's office will submit your results electronically to DPS. You do not need to do anything after the exam except wait. The provider will give you a receipt or confirmation number; keep this in case DPS asks for proof that you took the test.
DPS will update your license record once they receive and process the results. This can take two to four weeks. You will not receive a new physical license card in the mail — the restriction is removed from your digital record, and the next time you renew your license, the new card will not show Restriction B. If you need proof that the restriction has been removed before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license or check your record online through the DPS website.
What happens if you fail the online vision exam
If the online exam shows you still need corrective lenses, the restriction stays on your license. The provider will tell you the results when ready after the test. You have two options: continue wearing corrective lenses and keep Restriction B on your license, or schedule an in-person exam with an eye care provider to explore other options (such as contact lenses, different glasses prescription, or medical treatment for an underlying vision problem).
Some people fail an online exam because the technology or lighting did not work properly, not because their vision actually requires correction. If you believe this happened, you can request another online exam with the same provider or try a different provider. There is no rule against taking multiple vision tests; you can take as many as you need until you pass.
Removing Restriction B in person at a DPS office
If you prefer not to use an online provider or if online testing is not available in your area, you can visit a DPS office to take a vision test in person. Bring your current Texas driver license and be prepared to pay a fee for a duplicate license (usually $11 to $16) if you want the restriction removed on a new card the same day. If you do not pay for a duplicate, DPS will remove the restriction from your record, but you will not receive a new physical card until your next renewal.
Vision tests at DPS offices are quick — usually five to ten minutes — and you will know the results when ready. If you pass, the restriction is removed on the spot. If you fail, you will need to return with corrective lenses or schedule an appointment with an eye care provider.
Why you should not ignore Restriction B
Driving without the required corrective lenses while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation in Texas. If you are pulled over and the officer sees Restriction B on your license but you are not wearing glasses or contacts, you can receive a ticket. This violation can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and higher insurance rates.
More importantly, the restriction exists because a vision test showed you need correction to drive safely. Ignoring it puts you and other drivers at risk. If you believe your vision has improved or that you no longer need correction, the only legal way to remove the restriction is to pass a new vision test — online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without glasses if Restriction B is on my license?
No. Restriction B is a legal requirement, and driving without corrective lenses while it is on your license is a traffic violation. You must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive until the restriction is removed by passing a new vision test.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B online?
The online exam itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but the full process takes two to four weeks. The provider sends results to DPS, and DPS must receive, verify, and process them before the restriction is removed from your record. In-person removal at a DPS office is faster — usually the same day.
Do I have to pay DPS to remove Restriction B?
DPS does not charge a fee to remove the restriction itself. However, you will pay the eye care provider for the vision exam (typically $50 to $150 online, or $0 to $20 in person at DPS). If you want a new physical license card with the restriction removed, you may pay a duplicate license fee ($11 to $16).
What if the online vision test system does not work during my exam?
If technical problems occur, ask the provider to reschedule your exam. You can also request a refund or credit toward a new appointment. If the provider's system repeatedly fails to meet DPS standards, contact DPS directly to report the issue and ask for a list of other approved providers in your area.
Can I remove Restriction B if I have had a vision correction surgery like LASIK?
Yes. If you have had surgery that corrected your vision, you can take a new vision test (online or in person) to show that you no longer need glasses or contacts. If you pass, the restriction will be removed. Bring documentation of your surgery if the provider asks.