Since the pandemic started, a lot of government offices are not open to the public to ensure safety. However, following the status of quarantine in the Philippines, more agencies have opened while following strict protection guidelines.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has released new requirements on how to get a student’s permit and eventually a non-professional driver’s license amid the country’s current situation. Compared to the old ways, LTO now requires 15 hours of theoretical driving course for student drivers and 8 hours of practical driving course before getting a license.
With that, here are the steps to get a driver’s license from scratch:
STUDENT’S PERMIT
The first step is to get a student’s permit.
Here are the pointers on how to get a student’s permit in 2021.
Qualifications
• At least 16 years old and above
• Physically and mentally fit
• Able to read and write in English and Filipino
• Attend 15 hours of Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)
Requirements
• Application form
• Birth certificate/Passport
• 1 Valid ID with signature
• Medical Certificate (This is valid for 2 months)
• If employed, tin or tax number
• Theoretical Driving Course Certificate of Completion
Process
1. Go to any LTO Branch in proper attire
2. Pass all the requirements
3. Encoding process – take a picture, biometrics, and digital signature
4. Proceed to cashier to pay for student permit fee
5. Release of student’s permit
The student’s permit is valid for one year. After 31 days from receipt of permit, one can apply for a non-professional driver’s license already.
NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE
A non-professional driver’s license is for any person operating any vehicle except those driving a public utility vehicle or earning from this type of work.
What you need to know to get a non-professional driver’s license:
Qualifications
• At least 17 years old and above
• Physically and mentally fit
• Able to read and write in English and Filipino
• Pass the written and practical exam
• Holder of student permit for at least for 31 days
• Completed 8 hours of Practical Driving Course (PDC) in any LTO Branch or LTO accredited driving school*
*If one has a student permit issued before August 2020 and has not yet expired, PDC is no longer needed.
Requirements
• Application form
• Original student permit
• Medical Certificate
• Practical Driving Course Certificate of Completion
• If below 18, letter of parental consent and valid ID of guardian
Process
1. Go to any LTO Licensing Center in proper attire. Although walk-ins are allowed, it is better to schedule an appointment online.
Pass requirements to evaluator
2. Go to the cashier to pay the exam fee
3. Proceed to the examination room for the written test. There are two systems – old and new. The old system still uses paper and pen as you manually answer while the new system is computerized.
4. Take the practical exam. Use your own car or the one provided in LTO for the exam.
5. Go to the cashier to pay the drivers license processing fee
6. Encoding process – take a picture, biometrics, and digital signature
7. Release of ID
Tip: Go to LTO early as it is a longer process compared to getting your student’s license.
Follow LTO’s Facebook page for updates regarding the process and scheduling of appointments.