Public commuters are now having difficulties going to work due to the pandemic. That is why private transportation became a necessity for some.
But before you can drive, you need to have a Driver’s License since it’s one of the most effective forms of identification here in the Philippines. Although, getting a driver’s license in the Philippines is quite a challenge, it’s still fulfilling once you’ve got yours because you’re ready to drive.
Just this August 2020, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has modified their qualifications and requirements for acquiring a Student Permit as well as renewing the Non-Professional and Professional Driver’s License. One of these changes is that the medical certificate will now be submitted online from accredited doctors, clinics, and hospitals which was quite disappointing for some but then reasonable for others.
There are actually three types of driver’s license in the country: Student Permit, Non-Professional and Professional. However, if you’re a first timer, please be reminded that before you can get a Professional or Non-Professional Driver’s License, you must obtain a Student Permit first.
So here are the new qualifications in obtaining a student permit:
For Student Permit:
- You must be a Filipino or foreign citizen whose age is 16 years old and above. However, since the country is still facing the COVID-19 pandemic, only those who are 21 to 59 years old can apply and drive. LTO will adhere to its official age requirement once the pandemic is gone.
- You also need to be physically and mentally fit to be able to drive a motor vehicle.
- You are required to apply for a student permit again once your driver’s license has been expired for 10 years or more.
- You need to able to read and write in English, Filipino, or any applicable local dialect.
- You must have attended at least 15 hours of theoretical driving lessons or seminars from any LTO-accredited driving school.
- If you’re a foreigner and you need to drive, you should be least one (1) month resident here in the country and should stay here for at least one (1) year from the date of application.
For Non-Pro and Professional:
- You must be a Filipino or foreign citizen whose age is 17 years old and above.
- You should also be physically and mentally fit as well.
- You must be able to read and write English, Filipino, or any applicable local dialect.
- For Non-Pro, you need to be a holder of a valid Student Permit issued at least thirty (30) days before the Non-Professional Driver’s License application.
- For Professional, you must be a holder of a Non-Professional Driver’s License for at least a year.
- You must have completed a minimum of 8 hours of practical driving lessons given by an LTO-accredited and TESDA-certified driving school (LTO will be offering the same services but at a lower rate for those who cannot afford to enroll in a driving school). This additional qualification is part of a new LTO policy implemented in early 2020.
- You should also have passed the required written and practical exam after completing the 8-hour practical driving course.
- If you’re a foreigner and you need to drive, you should be least one (1) month resident here in the country and should stay here for at least one (1) year from the date of application.
Here are the other qualifications for obtaining a Professional Permit:
- For Restriction Codes 1, 2, 4, and 6: You must be a holder of a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License issued at least one (1) year before the date of application.
- For Restriction Codes 3, 5, 7, and 8: You must be a holder of a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License at least one (1) year before the date of the application or You must be a holder of a Professional Driver’s License with Restriction Codes 1, 2, 4, and 6 at least six (6) months before the date of application.
Currently, these are the basic requirements needed to get a Student Permit:
- Completely filled-out Driver’s License Application or the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.
- PSA-authenticated birth certificate (original and photocopy).
- Original and photocopy of any government-issued ID with photo and your signature.
- Medical examination certificate (online only/electronically transmitted by the clinic).
- If you’re employed, you are required to provide your Taxpayer’s Identification Number or TIN.
- Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificates (electronically transmitted).
- If you’re a minor, you are required to provide an original copy of the duly notarized parent’s consent and 1 valid ID.
- If you’re married, you need to provide your PSA-authenticated marriage contract.
- If you’re a foreigner and was not born in the Philippines, you are required to provide your passport containing the following (original and photocopy): (a) Entry date of at least one (1) month; and (b) Visa duration of at least one (1) year from the date of application and if born in the Philippines, submit PSA-authenticated birth certificate (original and photocopy).
Here are the requirements to get a Non-Pro and Professional Driver’s License:
- Completely filled-out Driver’s License Application Form.
- For Non-Pro, valid Student Permit issued at least thirty (30) days before the date of application.
- For Professional, Valid Non-Professional Driver’s License issued at least one year before the date of application.
- Medical examination certificate (online only/electronically transmitted by the clinic).
- Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificates (electronically transmitted.
- If you’re a foreigner, you are required to provide your passport containing the following (original and photocopy): (a) Entry date of at least one (1) month; and (b) Visa duration of at least one (1) year from the date of application and if born in the Philippines, submit a PSA-Authenticated Birth Certificate (Original and Photocopy).
- If holder of a valid foreign driver’s license, you are required to provide your valid foreign driver’s license (Original and Photocopy) and if the ID is not in English, you need to provide the Official English translation of your foreign driver’s license from Embassy of the issuing country (original and photocopy).
- Additional requirement for Professional will be the clearance from both the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and PNP (Philippine National Police), indicating that the applicant has not been convicted in any offense that involves moral turpitude or reckless imprudence resulting from reckless driving.
So, there you have it. If you’re applying or renewing your Driver’s License, then it’s better to know all these new policies before heading out to the Land Transportation Office quarters.
It’s really a matter of time for this pandemic to be over, but if you’re looking out to gain a new skill, driving could be one that you can acquire this year. Therefore, having a driver’s license is a must especially when you rely solely on commuting for work. It could also be the first step in your journey of going places.
Source: How to Get LTO Driver’s License in 2021: Application and Requirements (filipiknow.net)