How to get Drivers’ License in the Philippines
Before one can drive any motorized vehicle on the road, one should first acquire a driving license. A license is very important for it signifies and assured that you know how to drive and more importantly, you understand traffic rules and signs.
The Land Transportation Office or LTO is a government organization that provides driving licenses to drivers in the Philippines. They also execute traffic rules and regulations. They are also in charge of penalizing traffic violators. Anything that relates to traffic, they are responsible for it.
LTO has several office locations around the country. Every province should have one to provide convenience to people of their border. But anyone can have their licenses from any branch offices from different provinces.
A Student Driver’s License is a pre-requisite to a Non-Professional or Professional Driver’s license. In acquiring this, here are some tips.
- Prepare the requirements. Go to LTO site and look for the requirements. Make sure you have them with you when you go to an LTO branch to avoid inceonvenience. Accomplished application form, Birth certificate and ID picture are the most important you should have. Make sure that your Bith certificate is NSO certified. Have a photocopy so you can keep the original in future needs.
- Be early as possible. LTO operations start at 8:00 AM. The offices are usually crowded everyday and you do not want to wait long , do you? If your papers will be the first on their queue, you would decrease the chance of paying extras to fasten the processing. You know what I mean. Need I explain more?
- Show respect to the officers. Eventhough you are paying for their sevice, they usually do not observe the principle of ‘Customer is always right.’ Not even if you pay under-the-table cash. So the only way to have their good mood on you is keep them respected.
After you have your student license, you have to wait for a month to be able to acquire a Non-Professional or Professional license. Do not forget to bring the requirements when applying for one.
These tips are more appropriate for Filipino citizens acquiring licenses only. If you are not a filipino who wants to acquire driving license here, please check the requirements from LTO site.
Written by A. Cantos on June 11, 2007 | 19 Comments Leave a Comment
Hello Aldrin,
You should have heard me rolling in laughter when I read “Need I explain more?” – hilarious story. You made my day. I normally dislike reading people’s long story but your story kept my eyes on while laughing my guts out!
Thank heavens, I no longer live in the Philippines. At least being in UK, clerks over the counter work faster and don’t expect extra money (bribery) from customers. Simply say “Thank you.” makes a difference in their daily routine work dealing with diverse customers in thousands.
Cheers,
Lanie
Thanks. I’m glad to know that my post was able to make your day. You are lucky indeed to not be in here. ‘Only in the Philippines’.
How long does it take to get a nonprofessional license, if u have already had a student license for 1 month?
it usually take about 3 hrs including medical exams, drug test etc.
I intend to drive in the Philippines during my 4 weeks stay. Can I use my UK Driver’s License instead of getting a Philippine driver’s License?
Thanks. Your reply is highly expected and appreciated.
Foreign licenses are allowed to be used temporarily up to 3 months from date of arrival.
hello, can anyone please tell me, how much it costs to have an international driving license in the philippine and what should i prepare before i go?
thanx in advance!
please answer me at samuel82@live.it
Hi, I’m 16 and an american citizen..gonna stay in the philippines for a year…can I get a student drivers license? If so,will that let me drive by myself anywhere? Becuz here I can get my learners permit but I need an adult with a license in the same vehicle everytime I drive…..
You might be able to get a student’s license BUT you need to have a licensed driver with you when you drive…
Hi,
I plan to mve to the Philippines in July, I have a full
british licence is this ok if i take my other relevant
documents to LTO
Regards Lloyd
.i just wanna know what does STUDENTS permit actually means how is it different from the others?
pls answer.
thank yOu:]
Yes, your British license and other documents will suffice. In fact, you can easily get a Philippine driver’s license at any LTO Branch. Good luck!
@baby, when you avail a student permit, it means you are a student driver which requires to be accompanied by a professional when driving. After a month you’ll be eligible to avail Non-pro or Professional license.
I am a Filipino who has 2 driver’s licenses from 2 different Middle East countries, which are still valid. I am coming home for only 3 weeks for vacation and everytime I come home, I do not have enough time to ungo to get a student license firsth and then go for exams. Is it possible for me to transfer one of the said licenses into a non-professional one?
I am not sure, but it might depend on the country which issued your license. For more information, try LTO’s web site.
hey there nice with all the information about it… I just wonder if I got a liciense form another country then how do I change it to a filipino liciense so I can drive there forever? if I know choose to live there the rest of my life.
thanks a lot for help and your time
You just need to go to the nearest LTO branch and tell them you want to get a Philippine drivers’ license. You should have to take the test (written and practical), have a drug test, and pay the regular fees. Good luck!
i already have my students license but it has not been a month yet since I get it (20 days actually). will LTO let me rush my non prof license? Thanks!
In fairness to LTO, I don’t think I’ve bribed anyone there for the past three license renewals.
I think I’m down to bribing traffic policemen (they insist you give them anyway).