The topic of driving in the Philippines is one that is worth discussing. It is crucial to have a suitable, all-inclusive guide and tips. Many things about our nation are well known, including our mangoes, tropical beaches, friendly people, and terrifying traffic jams. In the vast majority of the nation's regions, traffic is pervasive and is felt in almost every city and road imaginable.
Anyone who has ever driven, though, cannot dispute the liberating sensation it offers. You're free to go wherever you want, load up your trunk however much you want, and choose your own playlist. But before you do these things, you need to get a new driver's license first.
How do I get a driver's license in the Philippines?
The crucial document you need to be able to operate a vehicle in the Philippines is a valid driver's license. It applies to both trucks and cars, and it serves as evidence that you've received the necessary training and have driving proficiency. You can get this through the Land Transportation Office.
Student Permit
In order to obtain a legitimate driver's license, you must first get your student permit. Here is a quick guide to the LTO student permit application and license requirements, as well as other crucial details for getting a full driver's license online and in the LTO office.
What is a student driver's permit?
A valid LTO student permit or student license entitles the holder to operate a motor vehicle anywhere in the Philippines. In the presence of a licensed driver, whether professional or nonprofessional, a person with a student permit can drive.
Any student’s license applicant requesting a driver’s license is required to go through a 15-hour theoretical driving course at LTO-accredited driving schools. This mandate is in regards to Memorandum Circular 2019–2176 implemented by the LTO last year. New drivers applying for a student permit must undergo at least a 15-hour theoretical driving course program. This is to make sure that licenses are given to responsible individuals with more than average driving skills and knowledge of established laws. You will also need this to pass the practical driving test. The mandatory theoretical driving course will be divided into three sessions. It will cover everything from traffic regulations to LTO-mandated special laws.
After securing a student’s license from the LTO, you need to think about what type of license you’re getting.
1. Non-professional license: This license type allows an individual to drive a vehicle for personal or private use only.
2. Professional license: This more valid license is commonly applied to those who have to drive large commercial vehicles for a living.
Note: A professional driver’s license also authorizes a person to drive private vehicles and public utility vehicles (PUV), such as taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, buses, and trucks.
Getting these types of licenses also requires certain tests and requirements.
Applying for a Non-Pro Driver's License
These steps should be taken when getting a nonprofessional license in PH.
1. Get a student driver's license from the LTO.
2. Enroll in a Practical Driving Course (PDC) at a LTO-accredited driving school. Get a PDC certificate by passing the exam.
3. Fill out and submit every requirement for your application for a non-professional driver's license.
- Application for Driver's License (ADL)
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Original copy of a valid student permit
- PDC Certificate
- Medical certificate
4. Visit the LTO office to submit
5. Pass both the written examination or computerized test and the practical driving exam in practice.
Pay the driver's license fees and receive your license.
Once the examination is completed and you have passed the necessary requirements, you will need to pay a license fee to apply for a driver's license. Once paid, you should wait, and you should have an opportunity for a license after they print it out and send it to you.
How can I convert a non-professional driver's license to a professional driver's license (and vice versa)?
The change from nonprofessional to professional is typically requested when someone needs to be allowed to drive heavier vehicles for work or commercial purposes. In contrast, a change of classification from professional to non-professional was often requested in situations where one did not have the physical ability to travel in heavier vehicles. The application is mailed to the LTO license center and district office where the driver's license transaction was filed.
When will my driver's license expire?
Your license expiration date will be shown on your driving permit. Nevertheless, it may vary according to whether you got this license before you had a birthday. During a birthday, you can still renew your driver's license and use the calendar month to calculate the current years in your validity period. Until that date, your validity period will be invalid.
Paper License
Just now, the LTO acknowledged that it was out of plastic cards. Currently, the organization has 147,000 plastic cards, but it anticipates that this will only be the case through the end of April. In the interim, the availability of ID cards will be determined by the LTO branch.
The agency intends to issue printouts of official receipts bearing the backs of the holders' licenses. It will resemble a photocopy of the official receipt of your driver's license. According to reports, the temporary driver's licenses will have QR codes that will enable authorities to confirm their validity.
Tips on how to become responsible drivers
Typically, when someone first obtains their driver's license and a vehicle, they are overjoyed at the prospect of being able to travel wherever they please. However, it's crucial to always keep in mind how much responsibility driving entails.
In addition, remember to buy a car if you have enough parking space in your house. Are you a condo-living resident and planning to buy a car? Knowing the parking laws and guidelines is the best way to prevent parking nightmares in your condo, because condo parking can be a major headache for residents.
You may visit Vista Residences if you're thinking about buying or investing in a condo with a parking space.
Either you drive public transport, a private vehicle, or a commercial vehicle. You are responsible for your move, and a single mistake could put your life and others in danger.
- You must be eligible to drive on the road.
- Make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition before you start driving.
- Keep your mind active while driving, and don’t use your mobile phone or any other distracting material.
- Fulfill your driving lesson and practice.
- Take care of your car and maintain your driving routine.
- You must know the correct route and follow traffic signals.
Someone who drives recklessly and injures or kills someone else may suffer severe repercussions, including possible prison time. Be responsible.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.