If you are applying for a new driver’s license in the Philippines, you need to follow the steps listed in this article.
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license is considered unlawful in the Philippines and can result in a penalty of PHP 3,000. As per the regulations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an agency under the Department of Transportation, all drivers of motorcycles, tricycles, or other motor vehicles are required to have a legitimate and government-issued license. It is crucial to comply with this mandate to ensure the safety of all motorists on the road and avoid any legal consequences.
TYPES OF DRIVER’S LICENSE
In the Philippines, there are different types of driver’s licenses namely:
STUDENT DRIVER’S PERMIT (SP)
- It is an authorization granted by the LTO to any driver / cardholder who is allowed to drive a motor vehicle (MV) when accompanied by another duly licensed driver, acting as the driving instructor.
- It is only valid for 1 year from the date the permit was issued. It can then be used to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).
- It is given to any Filipino citizen aged 16 years old and older.
CONDUCTOR’S LICENSE (CL)
- It is an authorization granted by the LTO to any driver / cardholder who will assist the driver of a public utility vehicle (PUV) in fare collection and safe handling of passengers and/or cargo.
- A new CL is valid for five (5) years from the date of birth of the licensee. A CL cardholder can get a ten (10) years validity when a holder has not committed any violation preceding its expiration.
DRIVER’S LICENSE (DL)
It is an authorization granted by the LTO to any driver/cardholder who is allowed to drive a motor vehicle depending on the allowed category whether Professional Driver’s License (PDL) or Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).
NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (NPDL)
An authorization granted by the LTO to drive and operate a private motor vehicle.
PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (PDL)
An authorization granted by the LTO to any driver hired or paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle whether for private use or for hire to the public.
COMPLETE GUIDE FOR GETTING A DRIVER’S LICENSE
1. TAKE A THEORETICAL DRIVING COURSE
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) requires ALL first-time applicants to finish a mandatory 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and pass the written exam consisting of 100 questions from any accredited driving school and certified instructors before taking a student permit. This aims to guide new drivers on road safety, laws, traffic rules, violations, penalties/fines, and any other special road regulations.
2. APPLY FOR A STUDENT PERMIT
With your Certificate of Completion from the TDC, apply for a student permit (SP) which will only cost you PHP 300. The Student Permit is valid for 1 year.
3. TAKE A PRACTICAL DRIVING COURSE
Once you have your Student Permit (SP), enroll in an 8-hour Practical Driving Course from any LTO or TESDA-accredited driving school.
4. UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Complete a medical examination and get a clearance & medical certificate from a doctor in any LTO-accredited clinic which can be found near an LTO branch office.
5. APPLY FOR THE LICENSE
A. REQUIREMENTS VALIDATION
Bring all the required documents to any LTO branch office which includes the following:
NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (NPDL)
- Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form
- Medical Certificate
- Original Student Permit (SP)
- Original and Photocopy of PSA-authenticated birth certificate
- Practical Driving Course Certificate
- FOR FOREIGNERS ONLY: Original and Photocopy of Passport
- FOR APPLICANTS AGED 17 YEARS OLD
- Notarized Parent’s Consent
- Valid ID of the Parent/Guardian
PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (PDL)
- Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form
- Medical Certificate
- Any of the following:
- Original Student Permit (SP)
- Original Non-Professional Driver’s License
- Any of the following:
- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Original and Photocopy of PSA-authenticated birth certificate
- Practical Driving Course Certificate
- FOR FOREIGNERS ONLY: Original and Photocopy of Passport
B. BIOMETRICS
LTO will take your biometrics, personal information, requirements, and photo to start the application process.
C. LTO WRITTEN EXAM
Pass the online LTO written exam consisting of 60 questions and available in both English and Filipino language. You need to answer 48 out of the 60 questions correctly to pass the exam.
D. PRACTICAL DRIVING EXAM
Pass the practical driving exam through a practical driving test with an examiner. You can use your own vehicle or rent any vehicle within the LTO premises.
E. FEES
Once you pass both the written exam and the practical driving exam, pay the corresponding fees:
- License Fee: PHP 585
- Application Fee: PHP 100
F. DRIVER’S LICENSE PRINTING
Wait for your Driver’s License to be printed and handed over to you.
IMAGE GALLERY
