Texas Administrative Code
Title 37 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
Part 1 - TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 15 - DRIVER LICENSE RULES
Subchapter C - EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Section 15.57 - Restrictions, Physical
Universal Citation: 37 TX Admin Code § 15.57
Current through Reg. 50, No. 13; March 28, 2025
Performance on the skills examination generally establishes what effect physical limitations may have on an applicant's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Restrictions are placed on an applicant's driver license when necessary.
(1) General information. Restrictions may be imposed for reasons other than failure to meet standard examination requirements.
(A) Request restriction. The adult who
authorizes issuance of a minor applicant's driver license may request, and have
imposed, any reasonable restriction.
(B) Eye specialist recommendations. An eye
specialist may recommend restrictions such as daytime driving.
(C) Restriction limits. Only special
equipment necessary to qualify on the skills exam will be required in the
restriction(s) placed on an applicant's license.
(2) Physical Impairments. Restrictions may be required for persons with limb, hearing, strength, movement limitations, or other physical conditions that require special or assistive equipment to pass the skills examination.
(A) Limbs. Any
special equipment necessary to pass the skills examination will be included in
the restriction(s). Examples of restrictions and applicable aids for limb
impairments include but are not limited to:
(i) Arm or hand impairment. If the
applicant's right arm is not functional, the shift lever should be restricted
to the left side of the steering wheel. Aids may include; steering wheel knob,
signal device, or prosthesis.
(ii)
Leg or foot impairment. An applicant with an amputation above the knee will
ordinarily require additional restrictions even with the use of a prosthesis.
An amputee may not use his or her hands to lift the leg for applying the
brakes. Aids may include; prosthesis, automatic transmission, pedal bars or
extensions, manual brake, or power controls.
(B) General. Other common physical
limitations that may require aids.
(i) Joint
stiffness, tremors, shaking or wobbly body or limbs. Aids; none, based solely
on conditions causing these symptoms.
(ii) Not strong enough to perform legal stop.
Aids; power brakes.
(iii) Stature
too small to perform legal stop. Aids; adjustable seat.
(C) Hearing. Deaf or hard of hearing. Aids;
outside rearview mirror or hearing aid.
(3) Personal Restrictions.
(A) With corrective lenses. The applicant
must wear corrective glasses or contact lenses while driving.
(B) Driver devices. Drivers may be restricted
to prosthetic limbs, braces or other equipment.
(C) Time and place. Time restrictions,
including daytime driving only, may be necessary for vision or other medical
conditions. Some license holders may have operating restrictions for time and
place such as only to and from work or school.
(D) Speed. A license may restrict driving to
within certain speeds.
(E) Vehicle
devices. A variety of devices may be installed on vehicles to compensate for
physical limitations.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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