Acquiring a student permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a pivotal step toward gaining independence on the road. As of 2024, the process for obtaining an LTO student permit has been refined to ensure safety and efficiency for aspiring drivers.
In this article, we are going to discuss the updated steps and requirements necessary to obtain an LTO student permit in 2024.
An LTO student permit, also known as a student license or student permit, is an official document granting permission for its holder to operate a vehicle in the Philippines under the supervision of someone possessing either a professional or non-professional driver’s license.
The student permit remains valid for a year from the date of issuance, providing ample time to familiarize oneself with road signs, regulations, and enhance driving abilities in preparation for LTO driving exams required for a driver’s license application. It’s important to note that this document cannot be altered, modified, or renewed.
Curious about the cost of a student license? The total student permit fees come to ₱250, comprising a ₱150 permit fee and a ₱100 application fee.
Obtaining a student permit entails expenses beyond just the permit fee itself. You must also consider the medical examination fee, which varies from ₱350 to ₱500. It’s advisable to bring extra funds to ensure you can cover these LTO fees adequately. Alternatively, you can utilize your HMO or health card to offset the medical exam cost and save money.
Here’s a list of accepted valid IDs for your application:
Philippine Identification (Phil ID) Card Passport Social Security System (SSS) Card UMID Card PhilHealth ID TIN Card Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Barangay ID Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID Senior Citizen ID, OFW ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID Solo Parent ID Voter’s Certification Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card Seaman’s Book Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) ID Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID There are certain qualifications you must possess in order to drive a vehicle, here they are:
Filipino citizens: At least 16 years old; Foreign residents: At least 18 years old and living in the Philippines for at least one year, with proof of stay for at least six months; Physically and mentally fit to operate a vehicle; Can read and write in Filipino or English; Must have accomplished the LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course; No unsettled traffic violations. After knowing you are qualified, you must prepare these documents for your application.
1. Filled-out driver’s license application form (from LTO website);
2. Electronically transmitted medical certificate issued by any LTO-accredited medical clinic and registered physician (must include one photocopy of the original medical certificate)
3. Original and photocopy of any of the following:
Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Philippine Identification Card Passport Local Civil Registry PSA-issued marriage certificate For applicants below 18 years old: Parent or guardian’s consent letter authorizing the applicant to apply for an LTO student permit; One original and one photocopy of any valid government-issued ID of the parent or guardian, with photo and signature; 4. One original and one photocopy of any government-issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant;
5. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if applicable
6. One original and one photocopy of Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (this should be electronically transmitted to the LTO by the accredited driving school, LTO DEC, or TESDA training center)
For foreigners:
One original and one photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one month and visa duration of six months from date of application 7. LTO Client ID
Note that Starting from January 2019, the LTO mandated the online submission of medical certificates for student permit and driver’s license applications. However, there’s no need for concern as the clinic will handle the transmission of your medical exam results to the LTO IT system. Additionally, the clinic will provide you with a physical copy of your medical certificate, which you must then submit to the LTO for validation.
To start your LTO student license application, you must complete the compulsory 15-hour theoretical driving course, which is available for free at any LTO Driver’s Education Center .
Alternatively, you can opt to take the course at an LTO-accredited driving school for an additional fee, capped at ₱1,000 as per LTO Memorandum Circular 2023-2390.
It’s important to note that these sessions do not involve actual driving but instead cover topics such as traffic laws and driving etiquette. Once you fulfill all the requirements for your LTO student permit, you can proceed with your application.
Step 1: Go to any LTO licensing center or district/extension office and complete the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.
Step 2: Head to the customer service window to receive a queue number.
Step 3: Once you receive your number, provide the necessary documents for the student license. Staff will verify their completeness before passing them to an evaluator for qualification assessment. If eligible, your application will be entered into the LTO system and sent to the approving officer.
Step 4: Upon approval, you’ll be summoned for a photo and signature session.
Step 5: Submit the required fees for your student license application at the cashier and retain the official receipt provided.
Step 6: Head to the Releasing counter where you’ll need to present your receipt to receive your student permit card. Additionally, you’ll receive an LTO driving exam reviewer for obtaining a driver’s license.
Step 7: Lastly, fill out and sign the release form with your name.
Step 1: To begin, go to the website https://portal.lto.gov.ph
Step 2: After reviewing the Terms of Agreement, select “Yes, I accept.” Enter the security code and proceed by clicking “Next” at the bottom right of the page.
Step 3: Please pick your registration option. Opt for “Enroll as an Individual” and then move on to fill out the registration form.
Step 4: If you’re applying for a student permit and don’t have a driver’s license, select “No” when prompted. If you do have a driver’s license, you’ll need to provide your license number, expiry date, and answer a security question.
Step 5: Following that, submit your personal details, such as your email address, birthdate, maternal family name, and contact information.
Step 6: Proceed to confirm your email by accessing your inbox and clicking on the verification link. Ensure that you complete the email verification process within 24 hours; otherwise, your account will be deleted automatically.
Step 7: Upon confirmation, generate a robust password (minimum eight characters, containing letters and numbers, with both uppercase and lowercase characters).
Step 8: Proceed to log in to your account with your credentials.
Step 9: Access the Licensing section from your dashboard and fill out the online application form.
Step 10: Choose “Student’s License” from the service options provided.
Step 11: Fill out your LTO student permit application form, including your preferred application schedule and the LTO office you prefer. Additionally, you can upload your medical certificate and make payments through the LTO website.
Step 12: Visit your chosen LTO office to undergo biometrics capturing and claim your permit.
Certainly, you can extend your LTO student permit before it expires. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Complete the Application for Permits and License (APL) e-Form.
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