What restrictions come with your Texas license type
Texas driver licenses come with different restrictions depending on your age, the type of license you hold, and whether you are a new driver. A restriction is a rule that limits how, when, or where you can drive. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire once you reach a certain age or pass a test. Others are permanent and tied to your specific license class.
The restrictions you face depend on which license you have. A Class C license (the standard passenger vehicle license) has different rules than a commercial Class A or B license. Teen drivers face the most restrictions, while adult drivers with a standard Class C license face very few. Understanding your specific restrictions matters because violating them can result in a ticket, a fine, or suspension of your license.
Key Takeaways
- Teen drivers in Texas face restrictions on when they can drive, who can ride with them, and how they can use their phone — these restrictions ease as they age.
- Graduated driver licenses (GDL) have three stages: learner permit, intermediate license, and full license, each with different rules.
- Commercial driver licenses (CDL) restrict what vehicles you can operate and require endorsements for hazmat, passenger transport, or tanker driving.
- Restrictions for medical conditions, vision problems, or hearing loss are noted on your license and must be followed to keep your license valid.
- Violating a restriction can result in a traffic ticket, fine, or license suspension even if you were driving safely otherwise.
Teen driver restrictions under the Graduated Driver License system
If you are under 18 in Texas, you are in the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, which has three stages. Each stage removes restrictions as you prove you can drive safely. The restrictions are strictest at the learner permit stage and loosen as you move to the intermediate license and then the full Class C license.
At the learner permit stage, you must have a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone for any reason, including hands-free calling or texting. You are limited to one passenger under 21 (unless they are a family member). These rules explore whether you are driving in a parking lot or on the highway.
Once you pass your road test and turn 16, you move to the intermediate license stage. The midnight-to-5 a.m. driving ban stays in place. You can now drive with up to three passengers under 21, but only if a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat — unless all your passengers are family members. The cell phone ban remains absolute: no texting, no calling, no social media, even at a red light. These restrictions stay until you turn 18.
At 18, you move to the full Class C license and the GDL restrictions end. You can drive any time of day or night, carry any number of passengers, and use your phone (though Texas law still bans texting while driving for all ages). This is the standard adult license with no age-based restrictions.
Restrictions for commercial driver licenses and endorsements
A commercial driver license (CDL) restricts what vehicles you can legally operate. A Class A CDL lets you drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) over 26,001 pounds. A Class B CDL limits you to single vehicles over 26,001 pounds. A Class C CDL is for vehicles under that weight but carrying hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers.
Beyond the vehicle class, CDL restrictions come in the form of endorsements — permissions you must have to do certain jobs. If you want to haul hazardous materials, you need an H endorsement. If you want to carry passengers for hire, you need a P endorsement. If you want to operate a tanker truck, you need an N endorsement. Without the right endorsement, you cannot legally perform that work, even if you have the right license class.
CDL holders also face restrictions on medical fitness. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam and carry a medical certificate. If your vision, hearing, or health changes, you may lose your CDL or have restrictions added. Some CDL holders are restricted to daylight driving only or to vehicles with automatic transmissions if they fail certain tests.
Medical and vision restrictions on your license
If you have a medical condition, vision problem, or hearing loss that affects your ability to drive safely, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may add a restriction code to your license. These codes appear on the back of your card and describe exactly what you must do to drive legally. Common restriction codes include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only.
A restriction for corrective lenses means you cannot legally drive without your glasses or contacts, even for a short trip. A restriction for an automatic transmission means you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. A hearing aid restriction means you must wear your hearing aid while driving. These restrictions are not suggestions — driving without following them is a violation and can result in a ticket.
If your condition improves or changes, you can request that a restriction be removed. You will need to visit a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test, medical exam, or road test depending on the restriction. If your condition worsens, DPS may add new restrictions or suspend your license until you can demonstrate you are still safe to drive.
Restrictions for drivers with suspended or revoked licenses
If your license is suspended, you cannot drive at all during the suspension period. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored after you meet certain conditions, such as paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a set time period. During a suspension, driving is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
A revoked license is more serious. Revocation means your license has been permanently cancelled and you must reapply from scratch — usually after a waiting period of one to five years. You cannot drive during a revocation. Once the waiting period ends, you must pass the written test, vision test, and road test again to get a new license.
Some drivers are placed on probation instead of suspension. This means you can drive, but only under strict conditions: perhaps only to work and back, only during daylight hours, or only in a vehicle with an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer that prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected). Violating probation conditions can lead to suspension or revocation.
Restrictions on vehicle type and equipment
Some restrictions limit what kind of vehicle you can drive. A restriction for automatic transmission only means you cannot legally operate a manual transmission car, truck, or motorcycle. A restriction for daylight driving only means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. A restriction for in-state driving only means you cannot cross state lines.
Certain restrictions require special equipment. An ignition interlock device restriction means a breathalyzer must be installed in your vehicle and you must blow into it before the engine will start. A mobility device restriction might mean you can only drive a vehicle with hand controls if you have a leg injury. These restrictions are tied to your specific situation and are noted on your license so law enforcement can verify you are following them.
How to find out what restrictions explore to you
Your Texas driver license lists all restrictions on the back of the card in a section labeled "Restrictions." Each restriction is shown as a code and a description. If you cannot read the text or do not understand what a code means, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office.
You can also check your license record online through the Texas DPS website. Log in with your license number and date of birth to see your current license status, restrictions, and any pending suspensions or revocations. If you believe a restriction is wrong or no longer applies, you can request a hearing or visit a DPS office to discuss removing it.
If you receive a ticket for violating a restriction, the ticket will specify which restriction you violated. You have the right to contest the ticket in traffic court. If you believe the restriction itself is unfair or no longer necessary, you can request that DPS review it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a learner permit if I am alone?
No. With a learner permit in Texas, you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times. This applies even if you are driving in an empty parking lot or on a quiet road. The adult must be awake and able to help if needed.
What happens if I violate a restriction on my license?
Violating a restriction is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket and fine. Depending on the restriction and how many times you have violated it, you may also face license suspension or points on your driving record. A conviction for violating a restriction can affect your insurance rates.
Can I drive a manual transmission car if my license says automatic transmission only?
No. If your license has an automatic transmission restriction, you cannot legally drive a manual transmission vehicle. Doing so is a violation. If you need to drive a manual transmission, you must request that DPS remove the restriction, which may require passing a road test in a manual vehicle.
Do restrictions on my Texas license explore in other states?
Most restrictions explore only in Texas. However, some restrictions — like corrective lenses or hearing aid requirements — are standard across all states and are expected to follow you. If you move to another state, you will need to get a new license in that state, and restrictions may be different.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction. Teen driver restrictions expire automatically when you reach 18. Medical or vision restrictions stay until your condition improves or changes. Restrictions tied to a suspension or revocation end when the suspension or revocation ends. You can request that a restriction be removed at any time by visiting a DPS office.