Without passing a series of exams and examinations, no one can obtain a driver’s license. Before an individual may lawfully drive on roadways, a particular set of qualifications must be satisfied to ensure that they will maintain safe driving and traffic laws. A driver’s license is an official document allowing a person to operate an automobile vehicle. Here’s everything you ought to understand if you want to acquire a driver’s license in the Philippines.
What is the LTO?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a government body in charge of providing driver’s licenses and car registration. Its most recent modifications make it easier for Filipinos to go about. The LTO is the government entity in charge of the Philippines’ land transportation system. Its duties include inspecting and registering automobiles, providing driver’s licenses, and enforcing regulations and laws.
What role does the LTO play in transportation?
The organization’s major purpose is to improve the efficiency of land transportation infrastructure and services while lowering the complexity of its regulations and rules. It also believes that government employees should be more conscious of their roles in shaping the country’s leadership. One of the agency’s primary goals is to offer a safe and pleasant atmosphere for land and travel.
What is a Driver’s License?
A license to drive is a document issued by the government that allows the cardholder to operate an automobile in the Philippines. This identity card also serves as a legitimate ID for a variety of activities in both the public and commercial sectors.
In the Philippines, driver’s licenses are issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a frontline government department under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The department is in charge of driver licensing and registration of automobiles in the country.
How long is the validity of a Philippine Driver’s License?
It is valid for five years. However, the student license is only good for one year. Nevertheless, upon renewal, the driver’s license validity duration can be lengthened to ten years if the motorist has no record of a traffic infraction.
Types of Philippine Driver’s Licenses
Student Driver Permit
Individuals who intend to receive a Professional or Non-Professional Driver’s License need first to get a Student Permit. The Student Permit or Student License allows its bearer to operate an automobile in the company of a person who possesses an authorized Professional or Non-Professional Driver’s License. The student permit has an annual validity period and may not be extended, altered, or reissued.
Non-Professional Driver’s License
A Non-Professional Driver’s License allows you to drive or operate private automobiles with a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of up to 4,500 pounds. This license allows holders to drive automobiles that have both manually operated and automatic transmissions. Sedans, minivans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and other family vehicles are among the vehicle types covered by the weight restriction.
Professional Driver’s License
A Professional Driver’s License authorizes the driver (whether hired or paid) to drive or operate automobiles, either for private use or for rent to the public. Professional Driver’s License holders may drive practically any vehicle, including heavy construction machinery, with a GVW of more than 4,500 pounds.
Applying for a Driver’s License in the Philippines
Student Driver Permit
This license is given to novice drivers who have little driving experience. It is mostly utilized by individuals who have yet to learn about driving. Following 30 days, this driver’s license can be changed to a non-professional driver’s license.
Qualifications for a Student Driver Permit
- The applicant must be at least seventeen (17) years old.
- In order to drive a motor vehicle, you must be physically and intellectually healthy.
- The ability to read and write in Filipino, English, or the equivalent local dialect is required.
- Furthermore, overseas applicants must be eighteen (18) years old, have been in the Philippines for at least one month, and provide proof of stay for at least six (6) months.
- There must be no outstanding traffic violations.
- An active email address is required.
- A theoretical Driving Course must be completed.
Fees for Student Driver Permit
Application Fee: ₱100.00
Computer Fee: ₱ 67.63
Student Permit Fee: ₱150.00
Theoretical Driving Course (TDC): ₱1500.00
TDC Certificate: ₱200.00
Medical Certificate: ₱480.00
TOTAL: ₱2,497.63
Required Documents for Student Driver Permit
- Accomplished Application form for Driver’s License (ADL).
- Original and photocopy of the birth certificate duly authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- If the applicant is below eighteen (18) years of age, an original copy of parental or guardian consent with original and photocopy of one (1) valid government-issued Identification Card containing the signature of the consenting parent/guardian.
- Electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO accredited medical clinic and one photocopy and presentation of the said medical certificate.
- One photocopy of any government-issued ID with the photo and signature of the applicant.
- If you are employed, provide your taxpayer identification number (TIN).
- Furthermore, foreigners must produce an original and photocopy of their passport with an entrance date of at least one (1) month and a visa validity of at least six (6) months from the date of application, or if born in the Philippines, an original and photocopy of their birth certificate validly validated by the PSA.
- Certificate of accomplishment of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) – as of 2021, this is the most recent criterion for obtaining a driver’s license. The driving school has already supplied an electronic copy, but you must additionally produce such a certificate and submit one photocopy.
Non-Professional Driver’s License
A non-professional driver’s license is equivalent to a student driver’s license. However, only student holders of a permit can change their driving license the following 30 days from the day their student permit was issued, and they must go through a screening procedure that includes an essay and technical exam.
Non-professional drivers will be able to drive motorbikes and cars weighing no more than 4,500 kilograms (with both manual or automatic gearbox), which includes hatchbacks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, compact cars, and most passenger vehicles.
Qualifications for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
- The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
- In order to drive a motor vehicle, you must be physically and intellectually healthy.
- Reading and writing skills in Filipino, English, or the equivalent local dialect are required.
- Must have a valid SP that was issued at least thirty (30) days prior to the application.
- Must have completed and completed the Practical Driving Course from an LTO-accredited license driver or driving school.
- There must be no outstanding traffic violations.
- The automated Theoretical Examination and practical driving exam must be passed.
Fees for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
Application Fee: ₱100.00
Computer Fee: ₱67.63
License Fee: ₱585.00
Medical Certificate: ₱480.00
TOTAL: ₱1,232.63
Required Documents for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
- Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Completed. You can get it here.
- Valid student permit (if new driver) must be issued within thirty (30) days after application.
- Electronically sent medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical facility, as well as one photocopy and presentation of the same medical certificate.
- One photocopy of the Practical Driving Course certificate of completion must be shown and submitted.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) if hired.
Professional Driver’s License
A professional license allows a person to drive practically any sort of vehicle in the country, even those weighing more than 4,600 kg and higher, including tractors and heavy machinery used in construction.
Qualifications for a Professional Driver’s License
- The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
- To operate a motor vehicle, you must be physically and intellectually healthy.
- Reading and writing skills in Filipino, English, or the equivalent local dialect are required.
- There must be no outstanding traffic offenses.
- The automated theoretical examination must have been passed.
- For RC 1 / DL Codes A and A1, the applicant must have had a valid non-professional license for at least six months from the date of issue.
- For RC 2 or 4 / DL Codes B, B1, and B2, a valid NPDL must be held for at least one year from the date of issuance.
Fees for a Professional Driver’s License
Application Fee: ₱100.00
Replacement Fee: ₱225.00
Change Classification: ₱100.00
Computer Fee: ₱ 67.63
License Fee: ₱ 585.00
TOTAL: ₱1,077.63
Required Documents for a Professional Driver’s License
- Application for Driver’s License (ADL) duly completed. You can get it here.
- Electronically sent medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical facility, as well as one photocopy and presentation of the same medical certificate.
- Original valid/expired non-professional driver’s license presentation.
- TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number).
Manual Application Method
Step 1
Before going to an LTO Office to apply for a Student Permit, make sure you’ve finished a 15-hour online or in-person Theoretical Driving Course (TDC); if not, your request for one will be canceled.
Step 2
Arrive early at the LTO office. Preferably, transact with an LTO District Office where the majority of applicants are for renewal.
Step 3
Request an Application for Permits and License (APL) Form and the Requirements Checklist from the Customer Service Counter. You will also be assigned a queue number.
Step 4
Fill out the application form and gather the necessary documentation.
Step 5
Submit the completed application form and any accompanying papers together with your queue number. The assessor will review your application and documentation for completeness and legitimacy.
Step 6
Proceed to the appropriate photo and signature location and wait your turn.
Step 7
Your application will be reviewed and approved by the authorizing officer.
Step 8
When your number is called, proceed to the cashier and pay the applicable fees.
Step 9
Your Student Permit will be issued as an Official Receipt by the releasing clerk. After acquiring your Student Permit, fill out the log form with your name and signature.
General FAQs
How much do renewals and applications cost?
How much do applications and renewals cost?
Student permit: ₱1,000–₱5,500
Professional and Non-professional license: ₱4,000–₱8,000
Student permit renewal: ₱250–₱400
Driver’s license renewal: ₱685–₱1,000
Where and how much does the theoretical driving course cost?
On average, classroom-style theoretical driving education at an LTO-accredited driving school costs around ₱2,000.
What should I do if I misplace my driver’s license?
If you lose your present license, you can reapply at any LTO district office or licensing center.
List of LTO Branches in Metro Manila
- Ali Mall
- California Garden Square
- Eastwood
- Ever Gotesco Commonwealth
- Fisher Mall
- LTO Araneta Licensing Center
- LTO Caloocan District Office
- LTO Diliman District Office
- LTO La Loma District Office
- LTO Las Piñas District Office
- LTO Marikina District Office
- LTO Makati District Office
- LTO Mandaluyong Extension Office
- LTO Novaliches District Office
- LTO Pateros Extension Office
- LTO Pasig District Office
- LTO Quezon City District Office
- LTO Quezon City Extension Office
- LTO Quezon City Licensing Center
- LTO National Capital Region (NCR) – West
- LTO San Juan District Office
- LTO San Juan Licensing Center
- LTO Taguig Licensing Extension Office
- LTO Valenzuela District Office
- Robinsons Galleria
- Robinsons Metro East
- Robinsons Novaliches
- Shaw Mall Center
- SM North Edsa
- SM Novaliches
- Tiendesitas
- UP Town Center
- Venice Grand Canal
For updated locations and office hours of LTO offices, click here.
Having a driver’s license is the first step toward being an accountable driver, but thereby, it comes down to following traffic laws and remaining calm behind the wheel. Make the necessary preparations to ace the exams, given that you have the knowledge to acquire a driver’s license. Once you’ve completed the arduous procedure, bear in mind that your responsibilities don’t end there. Fulfilling your role as a responsible driver and law-abiding individual is at the forefront of the privilege of having a license, may you be a student, employee, or business owner of any sort.
