Step by Step Guide on How to Get a Driver's License in the Philippines 2020

Table of Contents

In this post, we’ll talk about the step by step procedures on how to get a driver’s license in the Philippines. I’ll also include some of my experiences when I got my driver’s license last June 2020.

The process of getting a driver’s license in the Philippines can be pretty daunting; but you have to keep in mind that getting a driver’s license is a privilege and not a right. So it is highly imperative for a new driver to hone his/her skills and to know all the rules and regulations before jumping in head-first.

If you follow all the steps in this guide, I’m sure you’ll be able to pass in no time!

No to fixers!

Keep our roads safe for everyone by saying no to fixers!

Fixers are people who claim to help you get and renew your driver’s license hassle-free, without having to wait in line.

There are a lot of fixers offering expedited driver’s license processing services via social media like Facebook and Twitter. Not only is seeking their services illegal, but they are also unreasonably expensive. Some fixers ask for a processing fee of 4500 Php, which is ridiculous because you don’t have to spend that much on top of the application fees.

You’ll also be potentially facing criminal, civil suits and fines. And worst case scenario, if you’re caught driving with a fake license issued by a fixer, you can face up to six (6) months in prison!

Please do not perpetuate this culture of corruption. Avoid fixers at all costs!

What are the 3 types of licenses in the Philippines?

There are three (3) types of licenses in the Philippines:

1. Student Driver Permit

A Student Driver Permit is a requirement before you can get a Non-Professional Driver’s License or a Professional Driver’s License.

With this license, you are permitted to drive as long as you are accompanied by a driver with a Non-Professional Driver’s License or a Professional Driver’s License.

2. Non-Professional Driver’s License

A Non-Professional Driver’s License holder is permitted to drive motorcycles, and manual and automatic vehicles that has a gross weight of not exceeding 4,500 kg for personal use only.

3. Professional Driver’s License

A Professional Driver’s License holder is permitted to drive any PUV or Public Utility Vehicle or be hired or employed to drive for profit-making purposes.

What is the validity of a driver’s license?

A new law has been signed by the Senate extending the validity of driver’s licenses (except Student Permits) to 5 years.

“Except for student permits, all drivers’ licenses shall be valid for five years reckoned from the birth date of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended”
source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/919780/duterte-signs-law-extending-validity-of-drivers-licenses-to-5-years

Who can apply for a driver’s license?

Student Driver Permit

The applicant must be at least 17 years old
Must be mentally and physically fit to drive a vehicle
Must be literate in English or Filipino or his/her local dialect
For foreigners, he/she must be 18 years old and must have been residing in the Philippines for no less than one (1) year from the date of the application

2. Non-Professional Driver’s license

The applicant must be at least 18 years old
Must be mentally and physically fit to drive a vehicle
Must be literate in English or Filipino or his/her local dialect
Must be a valid Student Driver Permit holder issued 30 days prior the application of the Non-Professional Driver’s license
For foreigners, he/she must be 18 years old and must have been residing in the Philippines for no less than one (1) month and must show proof that he/she will stay in the country for at least one (1) year from the date of the application

3. Professional Driver’s license

The applicant must be at least 18 years old
Must be mentally and physically fit to drive a vehicle
Must be literate in English or Filipino or his/her local dialect
For Restrictions 1,2, 4 and 6, the applicant must hold a valid Student Driver Permit issued at least six (6) months prior to the application
For Restrictions 3,5,7 and 8, the applicant must hold a valid Non-Professional Driver’s license issued at least one (1) year prior to the application; or a holder of a Professional Drivers license for Restrictions 1,2,4,6 issued six (6) months prior to the application
For foreigners, he/she must be 18 years old and must have been residing in the Philippines for no less than one (1) month and must show proof that he/she will stay in the country for at least one (1) year from the date of the application

What are the requirements for a driver’s license?

Student Driver Permit Requirements:

*LTO announced additional requirements for those who are applying for Student Driver Permits after August 3, 2020. The new list of requirements are as follows:

A duly accomplished DLA (Driver’s License Application) form. Click here to download.
Birth Certificate and Marriage Contract (for married women). Must bring original and photocopy duly authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA)
For minors
– original copy of duly notarised parent’s consent or affidavit of a person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant authorising the applicant to secure a student permit
-original and photocopy of one (1) valid government issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature
Original and one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant
Electronically transmitted medical certificate issued by LTO accredited clinic
Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion for 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) issued by LTO Driver’s Education Centers or any LTO accredited driving schools
Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
For foreigners
-original and photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from the date of the application

2. Non-Professional Driver’s License Requirements:

A duly accomplished DLA (Driver’s License Application) form. Click here to download.
Original copy of valid Student Permit
Presentation of copy of the medical certificate (electronically transmitted to LTO by an accredited medical clinic)
Presentation of copy of Practical Driving Course (PDC) (electronically transmitted to LTO by an accredited driving school)
**a Practical Driving Course (PDC) is not required for Student Driver Permit issued before August 3, 2020
For foreigners
-original and photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from the date of the application

3. Professional Driver’s License Requirements:

A duly accomplished DLA (Driver’s License Application) form. Click here to download.
Original copy of valid Student Permit
Presentation of copy of the medical certificate (electronically transmitted to LTO by an accredited medical clinic)
Presentation of copy of Practical Driving Course (PDC) (electronically transmitted to LTO by an accredited driving school)
**a Practical Driving Course (PDC) is not required for Student Driver Permit issued before August 3, 2020
For foreigners
-original and photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from the date of the application
For Filipinos
-original and photocopy of Birth certificate duly authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
Valid NBI clearance or valid police clearance
Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Step by step application process to getting a driver’s license in the Philippines

Student Driver Permit Application Process

Visit your preferred Land Transportation Office (LTO) licensing centre
Wait for your number to be called
Submit all the documents and requirements to the receiving officer. The officer will check the completeness of the documents which will be sent to an evaluator
An evaluator will encode the application in the LTO system
The encoding shall be approved by an Approving Officer
Wait to have your picture and signature taken
Proceed to the cashier for payment of the required fees. Get the official receipt (OR)
Go to the releasing area and show your official receipt to the officer to get your student driver’s permit. You will have to write your name and affix your signature in the Release Form

2. Non-Professional Driver’s License Application Process

Before going to an LTO office, make sure that you’ve already registered your personal information via the LTO portal.
Visit your preferred Land Transportation Office (LTO) licensing centre.
Show all requirements at the booth by the entrance.
If you don’t have a duly accomplished driver’s license form, you can get it by the entrance.
Submit all documents and requirements to the receiving officer.
Wait for your number to be called to have your picture and signature taken.
Proceed to the cashier for payment of the required fees. Get the official receipt (OR). Receipts will also be sent to your email address.
Take the computerised Basic Driving Theory Test. It is a computerised exam and results will be out immediately after you’ve finished the exam.
If you passed the Basic Driving Theory Test, you can proceed to the Practical Driving Exam according to the Restriction Code/s you applied for. You will immediately be informed if you passed or failed the driving test.
Claim your Professional Driving License and Official Receipt. You will be asked to write your name and affix your signature in the Release Form.

Important Notes:

If you are planning to go to LTO East Avenue licensing centre, visit their facebook page to set an appointment. They usually post available time slots and updates in this page. You can also walk-in on your preferred date but keep in mind that due to the high volume of applicants, there’s a chance that you won’t be accommodated. Some people with no appointments queue in as early as 5 in the morning.
For the Basic Driving Theory Test, you can choose between an English or Filipino exam.
The scope of the exam will be about the restriction code/s you applied for.
If you failed the written exam you will NOT be allowed to take the same exam within a period of one (1) month after the date of the last examination. If you fail the written exam TWICE within a period of one (1) year, you will not be allowed to apply for one (1) year after the date of your last exam. If you fail thrice, you will not be allowed to apply within two (2) years after the date of your last exam.
Some applicants who failed the Practical Driving Test were asked to retake the practical test a week after the date of their last exam.

3. Professional Driver’s License Application Process

Before going to an LTO office, make sure that you’ve already registered your personal information via the LTO portal.
Visit your preferred Land Transportation Office (LTO) licensing centre.
Show all requirements at the booth by the entrance.
If you don’t have a duly accomplished driver’s license form, you can get it by the entrance.
Submit all documents and requirements to the receiving officer.
Wait for your number to be called to have your picture and signature taken.
Proceed to the cashier for payment of the required fees. Get the official receipt (OR). Receipts will also be sent to your email address.
Take the computerised Basic Driving Theory Test. It is a computerised exam and results will be out immediately after you’ve finished the exam.
If you passed the Basic Driving Theory Test, you can proceed to the Practical Driving Exam according to the Restriction Code/s you applied for. You will immediately be informed if you passed or failed the driving test.
Claim your Professional Driving License and Official Receipt. You will be asked to write your name and affix your signature in the Release Form.

Important Notes:

If you are planning to go to LTO East Avenue licensing centre, visit their facebook page to set an appointment. They usually post available time slots and updates in this page. You can also walk-in on your preferred date but keep in mind that due to the high volume of applicants, there’s a chance that you won’t be accommodated. Some people with no appointments queue in as early as 5 in the morning.
For the Basic Driving Theory Test, you can choose between an English or Filipino exam.
The scope of the exam will be about the restriction code/s you applied for.
If you failed the written exam you will NOT be allowed to take the same exam within a period of one (1) month after the date of the last examination. If you fail the written exam TWICE within a period of one (1) year, you will not be allowed to apply for one (1) year after the date of your last exam. If you fail thrice, you will not be allowed to apply within two (2) years after the date of your last exam.
Some applicants who failed the Practical Driving Test were asked to retake the practical test a week after the date of their last exam.

How much are the fees for the driver’s license application process?

Student Driver’s Permit Application Fees (Updated for 2020)

Application Fee	100
Student Permit Fee	150
Computer Fee	67.63
Medical Fee	500-550
Theoretical Driving Course Certificate (Manual Guide book, Certificate, Transaction Fee)	1500-2000
Total	approx. 2300-3000 Php

2. Non-Professional Driver’s License

Driver’s License Application Fee	100
Computer Fee	67.63
License Fee	585
Computer Fee	67.63
Medical Fee	500-550
Rent (optional if you brought your own vehicle)
Motorcycle	150
4 Wheels	250
Total	approx. 1400-1500 Php

3. Professional Driver’s License

Driver’s License Application Fee	100
Computer Fee	67.63
License Fee	585
Computer Fee	67.63
Medical Fee	500-550
NBI or Police Clearance	350 or 160
Rent (optional if you brought your own vehicle)
Motorcycle	150
4 Wheels	250
6 Wheels	300
Total	approx. 2000-2500 Php

Tips on how to pass the theory exam and practical driving test

For the written exam, most of the exam questions are from the LTO portal. Take the sample exam more than once as new questions show-up. Review everything from the portal.

Go to the LTO Portal -> E-Learning -> Theoretical Exam -> Click on your License Type -> Restriction Category -> Take the sample exam

For the practical driving exam, make sure that you’ve practiced the basics from checking your side mirrors, to proper braking, uphill driving, and reverse parking. If you hit the curb, cones or a car parked nearby, that’s an automatic fail.