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Driver’s License Requirements: 5-Step Guide Philippines
Planning to get a car soon? You’ll have to secure a Philippine driver’s license first! Here’s a five-step guide to get your engine started.
Driver’s License Must-Knows
In this modern age, one of the most important life skills to have is driving. It lets you go anywhere you want, from your condo in Baguio to your luxury house and lot in Tagaytay, you name it. It’s convenient to have your own mode of transportation.
At least for those who already have their driver’s license. But before you become a licensed driver, these are the driver’s license must-knows in the Philippines.
Driver’s License Official Distributor
To operate any vehicle in the Philippines, a driver’s license is needed. This ID is only issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a government institution. They issue student permits that are good for a year of driving lessons and official driving licenses that can be validated for up to 10 years.
Driver’s License Official Requirements
Driver’s license application includes requirements that can be time-consuming to gather due to the multiple conditions and procedures involved. The requirement needed for the application depends on what type of license you will be getting, whether for a professional driver’s license application or non pro driver’s license. Keep reading to know which license suits you and the qualifications to get one.
Importance of LTO Driver’s License in the Philippines
New drivers often find themselves experiencing a combination of eagerness and nervousness as they drive for the first time. But before you set off to visit your luxury real estate somewhere, make sure you have a valid driver’s license. Your driving rights are established by your license. In the Philippines, it is against the law to drive without a valid license. You’ll get a 3,000 fine for that offense. So better get a driver’s license.
Types of Philippine Driver’s Licenses
Student permits, non-professional licenses, and professional licenses are the three types of driver licenses recognized by the LTO. Each category requires specific qualifications and driver’s license requirements as stated below:
Student Permit Application
A valid student permit is required for those who want to complete their Professional or Non-Professional Driver’s License requirements. A valid student permit issued can’t be changed, altered, or renewed after their first year of validity.
Qualifications:
- Filipino nationals must be at least 16 years old.
- Foreigners must be of age 18 or older and have one year of continuous residence in the Philippines
- Physically and psychologically capable of driving a car
- Can read and write both English and Filipino
- Achieved the necessary 15-hour theoretical driving course qualification
- Unsettled traffic violations
Requirements:
- Application for Permits and Licenses form completed
- One photocopy and original version of each of the following:
- Birth Certificate, PSA/NSO
- Valid Government-issued ID
- Passport
- Local Civil Registry (in the absence of PSA regions)
- ID with the photo and signature (for candidates aged 18 and under) and one parent/guardian consent for the minor applicant to get a student permit
- Applicant’s identification with a picture
- Certificate of the 15-hour theoretical driving course from a driving school recognized by the LTO
- Medical certificate from any facility authorized by the LTO
- PSA Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- TIN, if applicable
Just to be clear, a student permit is not yet a license. It’s not used for solo driving yet. Student permits will only allow you to get driving experience under the guidance of a driving instructor.
Non-Professional License
Non Professional Driver’s Licenses are applicable for drivers who drive for personal or private use only. This license allows a driver to only drive a licensed private automobile up to 4,500 gross vehicle weight.
Qualifications:
- Aged at least 17 years old
- Physically and psychologically capable of driving a car
- Able to read and write both English and Filipino
- Must have successfully completed both the theoretical and practical driving course pdc.
Requirements:
- Completely filled out Application for Driver’s License (ADL)
- Copy of medical certificate issued by a facility with LTO accreditation
- Original student driver’s license
- One photocopy of the ID with the photo and signature (for candidates aged 18 and under) and one parent/guardian consent for the minor applicant
Professional License
A Professional License is required for drivers who make a living out of driving. This license allows a driver to drive a public or private vehicle over 4,500 gross vehicle weight.
Qualifications:
- 18 years old or older
- Physically and psychologically capable of driving a car
- Able to read and write both English and Filipino
Requirements:
- Completely filled out Application for Driver’s License (ADL)
- For small cars, a student permit; for heavy vehicles, a non-professional driver’s license is valid for at least a year.
- A copy of the medical certificate issued by a facility with LTO accreditation
- Police Clearance or NBI
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number, if applicable
5 Steps to Take When Applying for a Driver’s License
Now that you have a better idea of the qualifications and driver’s license requirements, here are five steps to take when applying for a Driver’s License Philippines.
Note that you can apply for a driver’s license online through the land transportation management system with your preferred lto office.
Take a Theoretical Driving Course
Before requesting a student permit, you must complete a mandatory theoretical driving course (TDC) at lto accredited driving schools. As part of driver’s license requirements Philippines, LTO enforces strict standards to ensure that drivers are well-versed in vehicle accessories, parking techniques, existing laws, and road safety in the country.
You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion once you’ve finished the TDC and passed the written test. This along with other driver’s license requirements will have to be submitted as prerequisites to process your application for a student permit.
Secure Your Student Permit
Next, you can apply for a valid student driver’s permit from the LTO in order to be qualified for a non-professional or professional license.
You will spend about 300php and an hour at the LTO office for one of the needed driver’s license requirements. Once obtained, you must spend the one-year validity of the permit to practice and enhance your driving abilities.
Enroll in a Practical Driving Course
Third, enroll and take at least eight hours of practical driving lessons with your student permit from any LTO-accredited driving school in the Philippines. After finishing your driving lessons and passing the practical driving test, you’ll receive a Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate.
A PDC certificate is one of the driver’s license requirements for a non-professional or professional driver’s license.
Undergo Medical Examination
Fourth, you’re gonna need to provide evidence that you are physically and mentally fit to drive as part of the driver’s license requirements. Get an electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited facility.
Apply for a Driver’s License
Finally, for the application itself, visit your preferred LTO branch and present your accomplished driver’s license requirements. To prevent any hassles, be sure to bring all the necessary aforementioned documentation.
More Tips For A Driver’s License Application Process
To make your application procedure hassle-free, here are more tips to consider when applying for a Driver’s License:
- Other applicants often arrive at the Land Transportation Office LTO site before 6 a.m. If you want to finish your application before people start to swarm the site, go to your selected LTO office early.
- Bring your own vehicle if you have.
- Be sure to dress appropriately. Avoid dressing in shorts, slippers, and sleeveless tops.
- Avoid interacting with fixers. It’s against the law and you’ll only end up paying more than what you should.
With all things considered, it should now be easy for you to secure your driver’s license requirements PH for your future road trips. Planning to take a trip to your vacation home? Just drive your way there starting now! Drive safe and follow traffic rules.
Speaking of vacation homes, Brittany Corporation offers luxury real estate in different parts of the country that you can easily drive to. Check out their luxury house and lot in Tagaytay, condo in Baguio or houses in Brittany Santa Rosa. You can also buy luxury lots in Villar Land and build your next vacation house there.
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