Navigating LTO Driver’s License Registration in 2024: From Student Permit to Non-Professional & Professional License
Acquiring a driver’s license in the Philippines can be a difficult and confusing task for many especially to those without prior knowledge and experiences. But with the optimal amount of information, tips, and directives, the stressful process can be a seamless and easily handled experience. From a first-timer who wants to get their license or those who would like to upgrade their existing license, it is highly important to understand the procedures, conditions, and criteria that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has set for 2024.
Registering a driver’s license is not just a verification that you have gained permission to steer a vehicle but it is also a real-life demonstration that you are knowledgeable enough when it comes to ensuring road safety not just for you, but also for other motorists and pedestrians. The Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) licensing process involves examining the applicant’s knowledge and awareness in handling different road situations and regulations.
Acting as your handbook, this article will delve into the different types of licenses provided by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) along with the sequential instructions starting from submitting an application for Student Permit, to securing a Non-Professional License or Professional Licenses as every step requires thoroughness and compliance to protocols. In addition, this can also help you to be familiarized and have a smooth flow in completing the necessary and required documents.
WHAT IS A STUDENT PERMIT?
A Student Permit is the initial step and document before getting a Non-Professional or Professional Driver’s License. It is a temporary piece of paper released by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that allows individuals to learn and practice how to drive from an authorized driving school or under the guidance of a licensed driver.
Because a student permit is valid for one (1) year from the issuance date, individuals are granted enough time to comprehend the different road signs, traffic rules and regulations, road safety, and enough time to improve their driving skills and learn techniques before taking the licensure examination.
Here are the LTO’s Student Permit Requirements for 2024:
✅ APL Form for Driver’s License – APL form or ADL form is an application form for Driver’s License that is used to collect personal and contact information about the applicant. This form is available at any LTO offices nationwide. Last January 2021, LTO created an online downloadable APL form to make the processes of application more convenient.
Should you choose to download the form, you can utilize this link provided by the LTO: https://lto.gov.ph/downloadable-forms/
✅ Medical Certificate – This is to verify that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. Usually, LTO requires an individual to undergo medical tests from authorized clinics or hospitals which typically includes tests such as eyesight tests, hearing, and overall physical and mental health tests.
✅ PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy) – A photocopy of your birth certificate is necessary to confirm your identity and citizenship. This document is mandatory to confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement for securing a driver’s license.
✅ Valid IDs – Aside from your birth certificate, a valid ID is necessary to verify your identity. Valid IDs that are acceptable include the following:
- Philippine Identification Card (PHIL ID)
- UMID Card
- Social Security System Card (SSS)
- Philhealth ID
- TIN Card
- Postal ID
✅ Parent/Guardian’s Consent (if applicable) – A parent or guardian’s affidavit consent is required for applicants who are under 18 years old. This is to make sure that the applicant’s parents or legal guardians are aware and informed about their intention to apply for a driver’s license.
✅ For foreigners: A copy of the applicant’s passport and visa is required.
✅ Certificate of Completion – Certificate of completion verifying that the applicant has successfully completed the 15-hour theoretical driving course/seminar from an accredited driving school.
✅ Payment of necessary fees – In the applicant’s application process, fees are associated including application and seminar fees, as well as other additional administrative fees. For your reference:
- Student permit fee: P150.00
+
- Application fee: P100.00
+
- Computer fee: P67.63
TOTAL: P317.63
HOW TO GET A STUDENT PERMIT?
Guide for Walk-in Applicants for LTO Student Permit
| ➡ ️ Fill out the Application Form for Driver’s License that you can obtain from the LTO office.
➡ Prepare and submit the required documents: ● Medical Certificate ● PSA Birth Certificate (photocopy) ● Valid IDs ● Legal Guardian’s Consent (if applicable) ● Copy of passport and visa (for foreigners); and ● Theoretical Driving Seminar’s Certificate of Completion ➡ Undergo Biometric Capture: this includes photo taking, fingerprints, and signatures. This is mandatory for LTO’s database. ➡ Pay your application fees at the LTO branch’s cashier. ➡ Take the written exam that will test your knowledge about the different road signs, traffic rules, and other driving principles. To prepare for the exam, LTO will be providing a driver’s handbook. ➡ Once you pass the exam, you can now receive your student permit. This can be issued to you on the same day of your written examination. |
Steps for Online Application of LTO Student Permit
| ➡ If you wish to apply online, visit LTO’s portal through this link: https://portal.lto.gov.ph
➡ Click ‘Register Now’ if you don’t have an account yet; click ‘Log In’ if you already registered an account on the portal. ➡ Be sure to read the ‘Terms of Agreement’ and click ‘I Accept’ to proceed on the next steps. ➡ Complete the online application before heading to the LTO office for your exam, biometrics, and claiming of permits. |
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO GET A STUDENT PERMIT?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has set certain qualifications that the applicant must meet in order to receive a student permit. Here are the required qualifications:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age (for foreigners: at least 18 years old with six months proof of stay).
- Applicants must be mentally and physically prepared to drive. This can be verified through the medical certificate that is required to submit.
- Applicants must have the ability to read and write both in Filipino and English languages.
- Applicants must have a basic knowledge and understanding of the road signs and traffic rules as this is necessary.
- Applicants are mandated to accomplish a theoretical driving course set by the LTO; and
- Applicants must NOT have any outstanding traffic or road violations.
WHAT IS A NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
A Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) is a type of driver’s license that an individual can get after a student permit. This time, unlike the student permit, the Non-Professional Driver’s License is already considered as a valid ID with less restrictive conditions. Together with the license, it allows the individual to drive a vehicle on their own without supervision.
NPDL is only valid for motorists who drive private vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, and SUVs but only for personal and private purposes. As for its validity period, NPDL is typically valid for 5 years. Before its expiry date, individuals must apply for a license renewal to avoid license revocation.
Here are the additional requirements to obtain LTO’s Non-Professional Driver’s License:
The requirements for NPDL are nearly identical to those for obtaining student permits, which include the following:
✅Accomplished APL form
✅Medical Certificate from authorized clinics and hospitals
✅Valid IDs
✅Parents/Legal Guardian’s Consent Form (for minors)
✅PSA Birth Certificate
✅Required Fees
But this time, NPDL has additional requirements that you need to fulfill aside from the mentioned requirements above. Here are the additional requirements you need:
✅Practical driving course completion certificate – A certificate of completion that the applicant has finished taking a practical driving course is necessary before getting a NPDL. This serves as a verification that the applicant has the required abilities to operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly.
✅Valid student driver’s permit – A valid student’s driver permit is a legal requirement that demonstrates that the applicant has completed the initial steps which are drive-training and driving experiences.
✅TIN ID (for employed applicants) – TIN ID, or the Tax Identification Number ID, is another requirement in verifying the applicant’s identification before getting NPDL. This is also necessary for taxation purposes and will serve as a reminder of the financial responsibilities of the applicant.
✅Negative Drug Test Result – A negative drug test result from an authorized testing clinic is necessary to ensure that the applicant will not drive under the influence of drugs which can harm not just himself, but also the other motorists and even pedestrians.
HOW TO GET A NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
In order to obtain the NPDL, one must fulfill the following application process and criterias:
| ➡ The applicant must be at least 17 years of age and at least 18 years old for foreigners
➡ Must have a student-driver’s permit that is valid for at least one month after the issuance date ➡ After getting the student permit, the applicant must have completed and passed the practical driving course offered by LTO’s driving schools; and ➡ Must have succeeded in both written and practical driving tests (licensure examination). |
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR A NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has established specific criterias that applicants must fulfill to obtain an NPDL. Below are the necessary qualifications:
- Must be in good physical and mental health
- Ability to read and write in both English and Filipino languages
- Must ensure that there are no unresolved traffic and road violations
- Must be able to look neat and presentable; and
- Must obtain passing scores in both the written and practical driving assessments (licensure examination)
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
A Professional Driver’s License or PDL is a specialized permit that authorizes individuals to drive not just a private vehicle but also vehicles used for commercial purposes. Driving with PDL includes driving public utility vehicles such as taxis, jeepneys, trucks, buses, and more.
PDLs are categorized depending on the type of commercial activity that the individual wishes to perform. Remember, you need to acquire a Non-Professional Driver’s License first before you can upgrade your license to a Professional Driver’s License.
Here are the requirements needed to obtain LTO’s Professional Driver’s License:
✅Accomplished Application Form
✅Medical Certificate from an authorized clinic/hospital
✅Non-Professional Driver’s License – Present your valid Non-Professional Driver’s License as you will be required to surrender this ID to the LTO upon the issuance of your Professional Driver’s License.
✅TIN ID or Taxpayer Identification Number ID
HOW TO CONVERT YOUR NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE TO A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE?
| ➡ Upon visiting the nearest LTO, accomplish the application form and submit it along with the other required documents.
➡ Pay the required fees ➡ Pass the written or computer-based examination (an applicant can retake this exam the next day if failed the exam) ➡ Receive a brand new Professional Driver’s License |
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A DRIVER’S LICENSE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Having a driver’s license in the Philippines provides numerous benefits which includes the following:
- Mobility and Convenience – a driver’s license gives individuals the freedom to drive legally and privately. Licenses offer convenience especially when traveling to school, work, and other destinations as there is minimal need to rely on public transportations.
- Additional Valid ID – driver’s license can be used when transacting on both public and private offices in the Philippines. This is considered as one of the valid IDs that can be used for different purposes.
- Sense of Achievement – having a driver’s license can be a key accomplishment to some.
- Longer Expiration – the expiration period for driver’s licenses varies depending on the license type, ranging from 5 to 10 years.
While obtaining a driver’s license can involve stressful and repetitive requirements, from acquiring a student permit to non-professional and professional licenses, the process promises numerous benefits, knowledge, and enhanced safety to us. Adhering to LTO’s guidelines is essential for ensuring a successful and safe trip ahead of us. Holding a professional driver’s license signifies that the individual has met the necessary qualifications and legal requirements to engage in commercial driving activities, ensuring competency, safety, and professionalism on the road.
References:
https://ltoportalph.com/lto-professional-drivers-license-application/
https://ltoportal.ph/non-pro-to-pro-license/
https://ltoportal.ph/requirements-non-professional-drivers-license/