Are you planning to buy or drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines? If yes, you need to get a driver’s license first to avoid being caught and pay the penalty of driving without a license.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is the government agencies responsible for driver’s licensing. Like in the other country the driver’s license is the official document that permits an individual to drive a motorized vehicle in the Philippines.
LTO Drivers License Classifications
According to LTO there are three classifications of driver’s license; student permit, non-professional driver’s license, and professional driver’s license.
Student Permit
Student permit is a requirement to get non-professional and professional drivers license. Anyone who is 16 years of age and above can apply for student permit. When you get a student driver’s license you can only drive a motor vehicle if you have accompanied by a person who has a non-professional or professional driver’s license.
Non-professional driver’s license
Applicant should be at least 17 years old with a valid student permit of at least 1 month old. Having a non-professional driver’s license allows you to drive a private motor vehicle with a gross weight not higher than 4500 kilograms like sedan, SUV, pickup etc.
Professional driver’s license
Applicant should be at least 18 years old with a valid student permit if at least 5 months old in possession. Having a professional driver’s license allows you to drive almost any motor vehicle depending on your license restrictions.
New restriction codes since January 2021
| Restriction Code | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A (Motorbikes)A1 (Tricycles and microcars) | L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7 | L1 = Two wheels up to 50 kph,L2 = Three wheels up to 50 kph L3 = Two wheel excess of 50 kph L4 = Sidecar tricycle up to 50 kph L5 = Three wheel symmetrical up to 50 kph L6 = 4 wheels with weight up to 350 kg and max speed of 45 kph L7 = 4 wheels with weight up to 550 kg and max speed of 45 kph |
| B, B1, B2 (Cars and light trucks) | M1, M2 , N1 | M1 = Vehicles up to 5,000 kg GVW with not more than 8 passenger seatsM2 = Vehicles up to 5,000 kg GVW with more than 8 passenger seats
N1 = Vehicles carrying goods up to 3,500 kgs GVW |
| C* (Large trucks) | N2, N3 | Vehicles carrying goods exceeding 3,500 kgs GVW |
| D* (Buses) | M3 | M3 = Passenger vehicles above 5,000 kgs GVW with more than 8 seats |
| BE* (Articulated car) | O1, O2 | O1 = Articulated vehicle not more than 750 kgs GVWO2 = Articulated vehicle exceeding 750 up to 3,500 kgs GVW |
| CE* (Articulated truck) | O3 | O3 – Articulated vehicle exceeding 3,500 kgs GVW |
*Note: DL codes C, D, BE and CE only apply to professional driver’s licenses
Before you apply for a new license know what kind of vehicle you want to drive and apply for the right driver’s license classification and restrictions. Of course you need to apply first student permit.
Eligibility Requirements for Drivers Licensing
- At least seventeen (17) years old.
- Physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
- Not a drug user or alcoholic
- Able to read and write in Filipino or English
- Clean, neat and presentable
Requirements for applying Driver’s License in the Philippines
Student Permit
- Original and photocopy of birth certificate and marriage contract (for married women) duly authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- For minors, original copy of duly notarized parent’s consent or affidavit of a person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit with original and photocopy of one (1) valid government issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature.
- Original and one copy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant.
- Electronically transmitted medical certificate in LTO prescribed form issued by LTO accredited clinic. (Present hard copy).
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
- A filled out application for driver’s license (ADL)
Non-professional
- Duly accomplished application form for driver’s license (ADL)
- Valid student permit (at least one month old)
- Medical certificate with official receipt (from LTO accredited or Government physician)
- Negative drug test result (from a DOH accredited drug testing center & Government Hospital)
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
- Must have passed the written and practical examinations
Professional
- Duly accomplished application form for driver’s license (ADL)
- Valid student permit (at least five month old / NP – four month old)
- Medical certificate with official receipt (from LTO accredited or Government physician)
- Negative drug test result (from a DOH accredited drug testing center & Government Hospital)
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
- NBI or police or court clearance
- Must have passed the written and practical examinations
How to Apply for new Driver’s License
For Student Permit
- Go to the Customer Service Counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a Driver’s License Application Form.
- When your number is called, go to the evaluator counter and submit all the required documents to have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
- Go to the cashier to pay the fees and to obtain an official receipt (OR).
- When your name is called, go to where your photo and signature will be taken.
- Proceed to the releasing counter with the OR and claim the student driver’s permit.
For Non-professional and Professional Driver’s License
- Go to the customer service counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a driver’s license application form.
- When your number is called, go to the evaluator counter and submit all the required documents and have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
- When your name is called, go to where your photo and signature will be taken.
- Go to the cashier to pay the application fee.
- Go to the Examination Room for the lecture and written exam.
- After passing the written exam, wait for your name to be called for the practical exam.
- After passing the practical exam, go to the cashier when your name is called for payment of necessary fees and obtain an official receipt (OR).
- Go to the releasing counter, wait for your name to be called and present the OR and claim the card type license.
Driver’s License Fees and Charges
Student Permit
| Application Fee | P100.00 |
| Student Permit (SP) Fee | P150.00 |
| Medical Fee (depend on the Medical Clinic | P300.00 |
| TOTAL | P550.00 |
Non-professional and Professional
| Application Fee | P100.00 |
| Driver’s License Fee | P585.00 |
| Medical Fee (Depend on Medical Clinic) | P300.00 |
| TOTAL | P985.00 |
For more information, please contact LTO Main Office on East Avenue, Quezon City 1100, Tel: (632)922-9061 to 66, Email: [email protected] or visit their website.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated or an employee of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). If you have questions and concerns, please contact LTO directly.
More Helpful tutorials from EfrenNolasco.com
- How to check SSS monthly contributions online
- Everything you need to know about the New Postal ID
- How to Register to BDO Online Banking
- How to Pay Smart Bills Online
- How to Book Online in Cebu Pacific
- How to enroll on PNB Online Banking