Performance on the driving test generally establishes what effect physical disabilities may have on an applicant's driving. To assist the examining officer in arriving at a competent judgment, disabilities that are often encountered and the aids that are generally considered applicable for such conditions are outlined as follows.

1. (1) Disabilities.

   1. (A) Limbs.

      1. (i) Either arm or hand missing or useless. In some cases when the right arm is off or useless, the shift lever should be restricted to the left side of the steering wheel. Aids applicable: steering wheel knob; signal device; artificial arm.
      2. (ii) Either leg or foot missing or useless. An applicant with a leg off above the knee will ordinarily require other restrictions even though he may use an artificial leg. An amputee should not be permitted to use his hands to lift his leg to apply the brakes. Aids applicable: artificial leg; automatic transmission; other applicable mechanical devices, such as pedal bars or extensions; manual brake, clutch, dimmer or throttle; power controls; or other devices.
      3. (iii) Multiple limb disabilities. Aids applicable: special equipment as previously indicated.

   2. (B) General.

      1. (i) Joints stiff. Body or limbs shaky or wobbly. Aids applicable: none, solely on the basis of these defects.
      2. (ii) Strength too weak for legal stop. Aids applicable: power brakes or other special equipment.
      3. (iii) Stature too small for legal stop. Aids applicable: adjustable seat or other special equipment.
   3. (C) Hearing. Deaf or considerably subnormal. Aids applicable: outside rearview mirror or hearing aid.

2. (2) Personal restrictions.

   1. (A) With corrective lenses. This is the most common restriction and simply means that the applicant must wear corrective glasses or contact lenses while driving.
   2. (B) Driver devices. Drivers may be restricted to artificial legs, arms, braces, or other equipment.
   3. (C) Time. Some drivers may be restricted to daytime driving only, particularly drivers whose vision may be very bad. Other drivers may be restricted to only the times when it is necessary for them to drive to and from work, school, etc.
   4. (D) Place. Restrictions may also be imposed as to areas of driving.
   5. (E) Speed. A license may be issued restricted to driving within certain speeds.
   6. (F) Vehicle devices. A variety of devices may be installed on cars to compensate for personal handicaps.

3. (3) Vehicle restrictions and endorsements.

   1. (A) Unusual vehicles. If a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or other motor vehicle of unusual design which requires altogether different basic skills for driving is used for taking the road test, the applicant will be restricted to such vehicle.
   2. (B) Horsepower. Driver's licenses issued to minors ages 15 to 18 on the basis of parental authorization only are restricted to "motorcycle only not to exceed 125 cubic centimeter piston displacement" or "Moped only of less than 50 cubic centimeter piston displacement."

4. (4) Other restrictions and information. Restrictions may be imposed in certain cases for reasons other than failure to meet standard examination requirements.

   1. (A) Request restrictions. When the application of a child must be signed by the parent, or guardian, any restriction requested will be imposed.
   2. (B) Eye specialist recommendations. An eye specialist may recommend restriction to daytime driving.
   3. (C) Restriction limits. When examining disabled applicants, only the special equipment needed to qualify on the road test will be required in the restriction.

Source Note:The provisions of this §15.57 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976; amended to be effective January 29, 1985, 10 TexReg 173.