Restriction B limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
Restriction B on your Texas driver's license means you are legally permitted to drive only automatic transmission vehicles. You cannot legally operate a manual (stick shift) transmission vehicle, even if you know how to drive one. If you are caught driving a manual transmission car with Restriction B on your license, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license.
This restriction appears on your license as a condition code. It does not prevent you from driving — it narrows what you can drive. The restriction stays on your license until you remove it through a formal process with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means your license is valid only for automatic transmission vehicles, not manual transmissions.
- The restriction is placed on your license during your driving test if you take the test in an automatic vehicle.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle at a Texas DPS office.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
- The restriction does not affect your ability to drive automatic vehicles or your insurance rates.
How Restriction B gets placed on your license
Restriction B is added to your license during your road test (also called the driving test) if you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle. The examiner notes which type of transmission the test vehicle has. If you pass your test in an automatic, the restriction is automatically coded into your license record.
This happens whether you are a first-time driver or renewing your license after it expires. If you have never taken a road test in a manual transmission vehicle, your license will carry Restriction B.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle at a Texas DPS office. You do not need to retake the written test — only the driving portion. You will need to bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test site, or arrange to use one that the DPS office may have available (availability varies by location).
Contact your local DPS office before you schedule the test to confirm whether they have a manual transmission vehicle on site. Some offices do; others do not. If your local office does not have one, you may need to travel to an office that does, or bring your own manual vehicle to the appointment.
Once you pass the road test in a manual transmission vehicle, the restriction is removed from your license. The change is recorded in the DPS system, and your new license (or updated record) will no longer show Restriction B.
What you can and cannot do with Restriction B
With Restriction B on your license, you can drive any automatic transmission vehicle — cars, trucks, SUVs, vans — without limitation. You can rent automatic vehicles, borrow them, or own them. Your insurance and registration are not affected by the restriction.
You cannot legally drive a manual transmission vehicle. This includes rental cars with manual transmissions, borrowed vehicles, or vehicles you own. Even if you are a skilled manual driver or the owner of a manual vehicle, the restriction prevents you from driving it on public roads. Doing so is a traffic violation.
Restriction B and vehicle rentals or borrowing
If you rent a car, you must rent an automatic transmission vehicle. When you book a rental, specify automatic transmission. If you accidentally pick up a manual vehicle or the rental company gives you one by mistake, you cannot legally drive it with Restriction B on your license.
The same rule applies to borrowing a vehicle from a friend or family member. If the vehicle is manual, you cannot drive it. Make sure anyone lending you a vehicle knows about your restriction so there is no confusion.
Restriction B and your insurance or driving record
Restriction B does not affect your auto insurance rates or your ability to purchase insurance. Insurance companies do not charge more or less based on this restriction. It also does not appear on your driving record as a violation — it is straightforward a condition of your license.
However, if you are cited for driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license, that citation will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. The violation itself, not the restriction, is what impacts your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if I have Restriction B?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B on your license is a violation of your license terms. You can be cited by law enforcement. You must remove the restriction first by passing a road test in a manual vehicle.
Do I have to remove Restriction B?
No. If you only drive automatic vehicles and have no need to drive manual transmissions, you can keep Restriction B on your license indefinitely. It does not expire or require action. You only need to remove it if you want to legally drive manual vehicles.
How much does it cost to remove Restriction B?
The cost varies depending on whether you are taking a road test as part of a license renewal or as a separate test. Contact your local Texas DPS office for current fees. You may also need to pay a rental fee if you rent a manual transmission vehicle for the test.
What if I fail the road test in a manual transmission vehicle?
If you fail, Restriction B remains on your license. You can schedule another road test and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though each attempt may have a fee.
Will Restriction B show up when a police officer checks my license?
Yes. When an officer runs your license during a traffic stop, the restriction code will appear in their system. If you are driving a manual vehicle, the officer will see the violation when ready.