Amping kanunay sa pag-drive…

An LTO driver’s license is a government issued identification document granted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) allowing Filipinos the authority and privilege to drive and operate motor vehicles in the Philippines. This government issued document certifies that a person has both the capability and permission to drive safely, as ascertained by relevant authorities. It can also be used in various government and private transactions. 

Types of Driver’s License 

There are different types of driver’s licenses available in the Philippines: 

Student Permit 

A first-tier license that is required before obtaining a driver’s license is the student permit. Despite being called a “student’s permit,” this kind of permit already gave a person some degree of driving privileges for a full year. As long as a licensed driver is present, a student permit allows them to operate a motor vehicle. 

Non-Professional License

The LTO provides the less restrictive non-professional license, which is just above the student’s permit. This type, in contrast to the student permit, permits an individual to operate any privately licensed vehicle alone. One must maintain their student permit for six months, although they have anything from one month to a year to apply for a non-professional driver’s license, depending on when the permit was issued.

Professional License

The professional driver’s license is the most important LTO license. This is the kind you must have if you want to be compensated for running a business, whether it be private or public. Before they may apply for a professional driver’s license, they must first obtain and maintain the other license categories for a predetermined amount of time.

Validity 

Depending on the license type and the instance of license issuance, the validity period may also vary. 

Student License 

The student permit has a one-year validity duration from the date of issuance. The student permit is no longer valid for the practical driving course after a year. The bearer of the student permit will require a new permit with the same number after two years. Additionally, the holder must complete the necessary apprenticeship period, during which time all prior training course records must be kept. 

However, if the holder is not prepared to apply for the Non-Professional License, the student permit may be renewed on or before the expiration date. After keeping the student permit for a month, persons who want to obtain a non-professional driver’s license can do so.

Non-Professional Driver’s License 

Unless it has been revoked or suspended, a new non-professional driver’s license or first-time applicant’s license will be valid for five years after it is first issued. An individual who holds a responsible non-professional driver’s license and has a spotless record, or who has not committed any traffic infractions in the five years prior to the license’s expiration, is eligible to renew their license with a ten-year validity.

Professional License 

Just like the Non-Professional Driver’s license, Professional Driver’s licenses in the Philippines are valid for five years, for first-time license holders and those who renewed their license for first time license holders and those who renewed their licenses with traffic violations, or ten years for those renewing their licenses with a clean driving record. 

What are the benefits?

The licensee may enjoy the following benefits: 

• It helps avoid the potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving with or without an expired license.
• It offers a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public or private offices.
• The license renewal process becomes easier than getting a new one through the LTO Portal. 
• It takes a long time, from five to ten years, to expire, depending on the license type.
• It obliges the licensee to go for a Periodic Medical Examinations (PME) and watch their health to ensure safe driving. 

What are the qualifications in securing a license?

Getting a driver’s license does not only mean passing all the driving assessments but also passed the qualifications: 

• Must be physically and mentally fit
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino, English or any local dialects
• Must not have an unsettled traffic violations
• Must be neat, clean, and presentable
• Must be well-dressed
• Must pass written and practical driving examination
• For foreign applicants: you must have proof that you have been residing in the Philippines for at least one month and that you’ll be staying in the Philippines for at least one year from the date of application. 

What are the requirements in securing a license?

Please prepare the following documents if you are planning to get a driver’s license: 

Student License 

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) form. 
• Original and one photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic. 
• Original and one photocopy of any of the following:
• PSA/NSO Certificate of Birth
• Philippine Identification Card
• Passport 
• Local Civil Registry (for areas where there are no PSA)
• PSA Certificate of Marriage 
• For applicants below eighteen: one parent consent or a person having custody/ care or supervision over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit with the presentation of one original and submission of a photocopy of any valid government issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature. 
• Original and one photocopy of any of the following valid IDs with photo and signature of the applicant: 
• PhilID Card 
• Philippine Passport 
• SSS Card
• UMID Card 
• Philhealth ID 
• TIN Card
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• Barangay ID
• PRC ID 
• Senior Citizen ID
• OFW ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID 
• NCDA ID 
• Solo Parent ID 
• Voter’s Certification
• Government Services and Insurance System e-Card (GSIS)
• Seaman’s Book
• GOCC ID
• HMDF or PAG-IBIG ID 
• DSWD Certification
• IBP ID
• In addition, foreigners must present their Original and one photocopy of their passport with an entry date at least one month and visa duration for six months from the date of application or if born in the Philippines, one original and one photocopy submission of duly accomplished PSA birth certificate. 
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed. 
• Original and one photocopy of the Certificate of Completion of the 15 hours Theoretical Driving Course (Electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school/ LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center)

Non-Professional Driver’s License

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form
• Original and one photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic. 
• Original and one photocopy of the Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certification
• Valid Student-Driver Permit
• If the applicant is 17 years old: parental or guardian’s consent (with valid government ID with photo and signature)
• PhilID Card 
• Philippine Passport 
• SSS Card
• UMID Card 
• Philhealth ID 
• TIN Card
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• Barangay ID
• PRC ID 
• Senior Citizen ID
• OFW ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID 
• NCDA ID 
• Solo Parent ID 
• Voter’s Certification
• Government Services and Insurance System e-Card (GSIS)
• Seaman’s Book
• GOCC ID
• HMDF or PAG-IBIG ID 
• DSWD Certification
• IBP ID
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed. 
• A negative drug test result from the Department of Health – accredited testing center and/or government hospital. 

Professional Driver’s License

• Duly accomplished Permits and License (APL) Form
• Original and one photocopy of LTO-accredited medical certificate 
• Original and one photocopy of PDC
• Original valid student permit or non professional driver’s license
• Original and one photocopy of PSA birth certificate
• Valid NBI/ Police Clearance
• LTO Client ID
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed. 
• A negative drug test result from a Department of Health (DOH)- accredited testing center/government hospital. 

Application Process

When the requirements are finally ready, you can now apply for a driver’s license while following these steps: 

Student License

1. Visit the preferred LTO branch closest to the applicant’s place.
2. Request for and accomplish the Application for Permits and License (APL) Form.
3. Secure a queue number and wait for your number.
4. Once called, submit the accomplished APL and other requirements with the attached queue number. 
5. Read through the Driver’s Road Safety Pledge
6. Wait for your queue number and name to be called for a photo and signature.
7. Proceed to the cashier for payment or fees.
8. With the official receipt and the student permit to be released.
9. Claim the student permit and fill the log sheet.

Non-Professional Driver’s License

1. Visit the preferred LTO branch closest to the applicant’s place.
2. Request for and accomplish the Application for Permits and License (APL) Form.
3. Secure a queue number and wait for your number.
4. Once called, submit the accomplished APL and other requirements with the attached queue number. 
5. If approved, proceed to the Cashier and pay for the scheduled fees.
6. Take the written examination.

• Failed: You will receive a computer generated letter informing you as such. You may return on the following day to retake the test.
• Passed: Proceed to the actual driving test

7. Take the actual driving test.

• Failed: End of Transaction
• Passed: 
• Proceed to the cashier for payment and fees.
• Proceed to the encoding and biometric window and accomplished the form of encoding of complete details in the LTO-IT system, the LTMS portal.
• Receives OR and the DL Card
• Sign the release form and the LTO Log sheet

Professional License 

1. Visit the preferred LTO branch closest to the applicant’s place.
2. Request for and accomplish the Application for Permits and License (APL) Form.
3. Secure a queue number and wait for your number.
4. Submit the APL form along with the required documents at the LTO Office
5. When approved, pay for all the relevant fees at the cashier.
6. Take the written and practical exams.

• Failed: End of Transaction
• Passed: 
• Proceed to the cashier for payment and fees.
• Proceed to the encoding and biometric window and accomplished the form of encoding of complete details in the LTO-IT system, the LTMS portal.
• Get your photo taken and affix your signature
• Wait for the  OR and the DL Card to be sent to you by the LTO Office 
• Sign the release form and the LTO Log sheet