There’s this indescribable mix of excitement and anxiety for first-time drivers and first-time car owners. But to take things on a legal point, you definitely need a driver’s license before you bring your wheels on the major roads. Spare yourself from spending your first thousand of pesos to the MMDA for driving without license.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), is responsible in drivers licensing and motor vehicle registrations. According to the Official Gazette (gov.ph), a driver’s license is “an official document authorizing an individual to drive a motorized vehicle in the Philippines.
LTO has three classifications of drivers licensing: student permit, non-professional driver’s license, and professional driver’s license. Before going to any branch, you have to decide what kind of license you will get. As the name implies, a Professional Driver’s License entitles you to drive a vehicle for a living. Apply for Professional license if you will drive any public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as jeepneys, tricycles, taxi, etc. On the other hand, a Non-Professional Driver’s License allows you to drive private vehicles. In both licenses, a prerequisite is a valid student’s permit, which is “an official document authorizing a person to operate a motorized vehicle in the presence of a duly licensed driver.”
Eligibility for Drivers Licensing:
- You must be at least seventeen (17) years old.
- You must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
- You must not be a drug user or alcoholic.
- You must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
- You must be clean, neat and presentable.
For Non-Pro driver’s license, take note of these steps:
List of Driver’s License Requirements
- Duly accomplished Application form for Driver’s License (ADL).
- Valid Student Permit (at least 1 month old)
- Medical Certificate with Official Receipt (from LTO accredited or Government physician)
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
- Passing score in the written and practical examinations
1. Get a Student Permit
Before applying, you should accomplish a Student Permit also from LTO. When testing your driving skills on the road on your first few tries, you’ll need to present this permit to authorities who might issue you a ticket. A student permit will cost you around PHP 300 for 2-3 hours of processing. The one-month-old student permit is your time to really practice your driving.
2. Medical Examination
Before filing your application for a driver’s license on the same day, you will be required to get a medical examination which will cost around PHP500. Make sure that you only deal with LTO-accredited clinics, usually near the LTO branch.
3. Road Signs and Major Traffic Rules
As early as the thought of driving pops in your head, be wary of the road signs. In your exam, you will be asked for around 50 questions of road signs. If you pass the exam, you will get in to the next step.
4. Practice driving
When you apply for any of the two driver’s license, your skills will be test through a practical exam facilitated by an LTO officer and gauge if you’re capable of driving. It is notable though that a lot of people brags about getting a license without undergoing this process. But in reality, these people are the ones who get caught in vehicular mishaps because of foolish risks. No one is worthy to be on the road without any driving knowledge.
Here’s a run-through of your expense for that day:
|
Transaction |
Cost |
| Medical Examination | Php 100.00 |
| Application Fee + Computer Fee | Php 167.63 |
| Driving Test Fee | Php 400.00 |
| License Fee + Computer Fee | Php 417.63 |
| TOTAL COST | Php 1,085.26 |
Source: http://www.lto.gov.ph/index.php/services/drivers-licensing/115-summary-of-drivers-license-and-permits-fees-and-charges
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