Restriction G limits you to driving vehicles with an automatic transmission only
If you see a Restriction G on your Texas driver's license, it means the state has determined you can only legally drive a car with an automatic transmission. You cannot drive a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle. This restriction appears as a code on the back of your license and is enforced the same way any other license restriction is — if you're caught driving a manual car, you're driving with a violation on your record.
Restriction G is typically placed on your license after you pass your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle. Texas allows you to test in either type of transmission, but the vehicle you use for your exam determines what you're restricted to afterward. If you want to remove this restriction later, you have to retake the driving test in a manual transmission car and pass.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles in Texas.
- The restriction is added based on which type of transmission vehicle you used during your driving test.
- You can remove Restriction G by retaking your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and passing.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction G is on your license is a violation and can result in a ticket.
- The restriction code appears on the back of your physical license card.
How Restriction G gets placed on your license
When you take your Texas driving test, you choose which type of transmission vehicle to use. Most people test in an automatic because they learned to drive that way. If you pass your test in an automatic transmission car, the Texas Department of Public Safety automatically adds Restriction G to your new license. This happens without any additional paperwork or request from you — it's the default outcome of testing in an automatic.
The restriction is meant to match your demonstrated driving ability to the vehicle type you've actually practiced in. Texas assumes that if you haven't shown you can handle a manual transmission during your test, you shouldn't be driving one on public roads. The restriction stays on your license indefinitely until you take action to remove it.
What you cannot do with Restriction G
With Restriction G on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with a manual transmission. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle where you have to shift gears manually. If a police officer pulls you over while you're driving a manual car and sees Restriction G on your license, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense. Even if you were driving safely and following all other traffic laws, the restriction violation itself is a ticketable offense. This can result in a fine and points on your driving record, which may affect your insurance rates.
How to remove Restriction G from your Texas license
To remove Restriction G, you must retake your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass. You cannot straightforward pay a fee or submit paperwork — you have to demonstrate that you can drive a stick shift safely. Contact your local Texas Department of Public Safety office or an approved driving test location to schedule a new exam.
When you schedule, tell the examiner that you want to test in a manual transmission vehicle specifically to remove the restriction. Bring a manual transmission car to your test appointment. If you pass, the examiner will note this on your test results, and your new license will be issued without Restriction G. If you fail, you'll need to schedule another test and try again.
The cost of retesting varies slightly by location, but Texas charges a standard fee for each driving test attempt. You may also need to pay for a replacement license card once the restriction is removed, though some locations waive this fee if you're removing a restriction.
Why Texas uses Restriction G
The restriction exists because manual transmission vehicles require a different skill set than automatics. You have to coordinate the clutch pedal, gear shift, and throttle simultaneously while steering and managing traffic. Texas treats this as a separate driving competency — if you haven't demonstrated it during your test, the state doesn't assume you have it.
In practice, Restriction G matters most if you ever need to borrow or rent a manual transmission vehicle, or if you want to drive a manual car you own. For most drivers in Texas, this restriction has little impact because automatic transmissions are far more common. However, if you plan to drive manual vehicles regularly, removing the restriction is worth doing sooner rather than later.
Other restrictions on Texas driver's licenses
Restriction G is one of several codes that can appear on a Texas license. Other common restrictions include Restriction B (corrective lenses required), Restriction C (hearing aid required), and Restriction E (automatic transmission with power steering). Each restriction limits how or what you can drive based on your physical abilities or test performance.
Some restrictions, like Restriction B for glasses, are medical and stay on your license as long as the condition exists. Others, like Restriction G, are based on your test performance and can be removed by retesting. Understanding which type of restriction you have helps you know whether it's permanent or changeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if I have Restriction G?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction G is on your license is a violation. You can be cited and fined, even if you drive safely otherwise. The only legal way to drive a manual car is to remove the restriction first by retaking your driving test in a manual vehicle.
What happens if I get pulled over driving a manual car with Restriction G?
You can receive a citation for violating your license restrictions. This is a separate offense from any traffic violation you might also be cited for. The ticket will result in a fine and points added to your driving record, which can increase your insurance rates.
Do I have to remove Restriction G if I never plan to drive a manual car?
No. If you only drive automatic transmission vehicles, Restriction G has no practical effect on you. You can keep it on your license indefinitely. However, if your circumstances change and you later want to drive a manual car, you'll need to remove it at that time.
How long does it take to remove Restriction G?
The process itself is quick — you schedule a driving test, take it, and if you pass, your new license is typically issued within one to two weeks. However, scheduling the test appointment may take longer depending on how busy your local DPS office is. Plan ahead if you need the restriction removed by a specific date.
Can I remove Restriction G online or by mail?
No. You must take a driving test in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office or approved testing location. There is no online or mail-in option for removing this restriction. You have to physically demonstrate that you can drive a manual transmission vehicle.