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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §15.57 adopted to be effective May 19, 2021, 46 TexReg 3144