Restriction G stops you from driving alone until you meet certain conditions
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you cannot drive by yourself. You must have a licensed driver in the front seat with you at all times — someone at least 21 years old with a valid license. This restriction is most commonly placed on new teen drivers and on people who have failed the road test multiple times before passing.
The restriction stays on your license until you meet the requirements to have it removed. Those requirements depend on why you received it in the first place. For most teen drivers, Restriction G comes off automatically on your 18th birthday or after you have held your license for a certain period without violations — whichever comes first. If you received it for other reasons, you may need to take additional steps to remove it.
You can still drive to school, work, and other necessary places. The rule is about who sits in the car with you, not where you go. If you are caught driving alone with Restriction G on your license, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, which is a separate offense from any traffic violation.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G requires a licensed driver at least 21 years old to sit in the front seat whenever you drive.
- Teen drivers typically receive Restriction G automatically when they get their license and it is removed on their 18th birthday or after holding the license violation-free for a set time.
- Driving alone with Restriction G on your license is a violation and can result in a citation separate from any traffic ticket.
- The restriction does not limit where you can drive — only who must be in the car with you.
- If you received Restriction G for reasons other than being a new teen driver, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to learn how to have it removed.
Why Texas places Restriction G on new driver licenses
Texas uses Restriction G as a safety measure for drivers who have not yet proven they can handle the road independently. Teen drivers who receive their license through the graduated licensing system start with this restriction. The state's reasoning is that new drivers benefit from having an experienced driver present to provide guidance and help in emergencies.
You may also receive Restriction G if you took the road test multiple times before passing. In this case, the restriction signals that you need additional supervised driving experience before you are ready to drive alone. The restriction gives you a chance to build confidence and skill with someone experienced in the car.
Restriction G is not a punishment — it is a condition of your license that reflects your status as a new or developing driver. It exists alongside other restrictions that may appear on your license, such as corrective lenses requirements or restrictions on driving during certain hours.
When Restriction G comes off your license automatically
For most teen drivers in Texas, Restriction G is removed automatically on your 18th birthday. You do not need to visit the Department of Public Safety or request anything — the restriction straightforward expires when you turn 18. Your license remains valid; the restriction just no longer applies.
Some teen drivers may have Restriction G removed earlier if they meet other conditions set by the state. If you received your license through the graduated licensing program and have held it for a certain period without traffic violations or crashes, you may be may be able to access for early removal. The exact timeline depends on the type of license you hold and when you received it.
Check your license to see the exact restriction code and any notes about when it expires. If you are unsure whether your Restriction G will come off automatically or if you need to take action, contact your local Texas Department of Public Safety office or check your license documents from when you received it.
How to remove Restriction G if it does not come off automatically
If you received Restriction G for reasons other than being a new teen driver — such as failing the road test several times — you may need to take steps to have it removed. Start by contacting the Texas Department of Public Safety to understand exactly why the restriction was placed on your license and what conditions must be met to remove it.
In some cases, you may need to retake the road test or pass a written test to show you have the knowledge and skills to drive alone. The DPS office can tell you whether this is required for your situation. You may also need to provide proof that you have completed additional driver training or that a certain amount of time has passed since you received your license.
Once you have met the requirements, visit a DPS office in person with your license and any required documents. Bring identification and be prepared to pay a fee for the license modification. The restriction will be removed from your license on the spot or within a few business days, depending on how the office processes the change.
What happens if you drive alone with Restriction G
Driving alone while Restriction G is on your license is a violation of your license conditions. If a police officer stops you and you are alone in the car, they can cite you for violating the restriction. This citation is separate from any other traffic ticket you might receive — you could be cited both for the restriction violation and for whatever traffic offense prompted the stop.
A Restriction G violation can result in a fine and may be reported to your insurance company. It can also affect your driving record and may impact your ability to remove the restriction on schedule. If you are a teen driver, a violation could delay the automatic removal of the restriction or result in additional requirements before it can be removed.
The best approach is to follow the restriction until it is removed. If you need to drive somewhere and cannot find a licensed driver to accompany you, consider asking a family member, friend, or trusted adult. Many communities also offer ride-sharing services or public transportation as alternatives.
Other restrictions that may appear alongside Restriction G
Your Texas license may have multiple restrictions at the same time. For example, you might have Restriction G (must have a licensed driver with you) and also a restriction requiring corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts while driving). Both restrictions explore to your license simultaneously, and you must follow all of them.
Teen drivers sometimes also have restrictions on driving during certain hours — for instance, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is for school, work, or an emergency. These time-based restrictions work alongside Restriction G. You still need a licensed driver in the front seat, and you also cannot drive during the restricted hours.
Check your license carefully to see all the restrictions and conditions that explore to you. If you are unsure what a code means or when it expires, the Texas Department of Public Safety website has a guide to license restrictions, or you can call your local DPS office for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school or work alone if I have Restriction G?
No. Restriction G means you cannot drive alone under any circumstances — not to school, work, or anywhere else. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you every time you drive. There are no exceptions for specific destinations or reasons.
What if the person in the car with me does not have their license on them?
They still need to be a licensed driver, but they should carry their license whenever they drive. If you are stopped and the person with you cannot show a valid license, you could both face citations. Make sure anyone driving with you has their license available.
Does Restriction G come off at midnight on my 18th birthday?
The restriction is removed on your 18th birthday, though the exact time may depend on how the Department of Public Safety processes the change. To be safe, assume the restriction is still in effect until you have confirmed it has been removed. You can check your license status online or call a DPS office to verify.
Can I get Restriction G removed early if I take a defensive driving course?
Defensive driving courses do not automatically remove Restriction G. However, they may help if you are working to have the restriction removed for reasons other than being a new teen driver. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to ask whether additional training or coursework can help in your specific situation.
What is the difference between Restriction G and other license restrictions?
Restriction G specifically requires a licensed driver in the front seat. Other restrictions might limit when you can drive (time-based), require corrective lenses, or restrict certain types of vehicles. You can have multiple restrictions on one license, and you must follow all of them.