Wanting to get a driver’s license? Be sure to secure your student’s license/permit before getting one. Getting an official driver's license means you have to take care of your student permit first. Here's a quick guide on LTO student license requirements and other important information about getting a license.
Land Transportation Office or LTO is an agency under the Department of Transportation of the Philippine government. In addition, the work of LTO includes registration and inspection of motor vehicles. Additionally, they handle the issuance of permits and licenses, enforcement of land transportation rules and regulations, and investigating traffic cases.
To be able to drive here in the Philippines, you need to have a license issued by the LTO.
What is a Student's License?
An LTO student permit or student license is an official document that authorizes the holder to drive a vehicle in the Philippines. Moreover, a person with a student permit should operate in the presence of someone with a professional or non-professional driver's license.
The student permit is valid for a year from the date of issuance, providing ample time to learn traffic signs and regulations, hone driving techniques, and prepare for the LTO driving exams, which must be passed in order to apply for a driver's license. Furthermore, this agreement is final and cannot be changed, amended, or renewed.
How to get your LTO Student Permit
LTO student permit requirements
Before preparing for your LTO student license requirements, you need to make sure that you meet their qualifications. You must be:
- A Filipino citizen at least 16 years of age and above
- For foreign citizens, at least 18 years old. Must have been in the Philippines for 1 month and present proof of stay for at least 6 months.
- Physically and mentally fit
- Be able to read in English and Filipino
- No traffic violation
Requirements for student license | After meeting the qualifications, here is a checklist of LTO student license requirements:
- Accomplished application form for Driver's License (ADL).
- Present the original document and submit one (1) photocopy of your birth certificate and marriage contract (for married women) authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). *Valid passport is also accepted if you do not have your original PSA birth certificate.
- For applicants below 18 years of age, you will need one (1) parent's or guardian's consent over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit with presentation of one (1) original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any valid government-issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature.
- Present an original and submit one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant.
- Get a medical certificate.
- For foreigners, submit an original and one (1) photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of six (6) months from date of application.
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed
If born in the Philippines, present an original and submit one (1) photocopy of the birth certificate authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
LTO student license requirements | List of accepted government ID’s for your student's license:
- Philippine passport, Social Security System (SSS) Card, UMID Card, PhilHealth ID, TIN Card, Postal ID and Voter’s ID.
- You may also present Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Senior Citizen, OFW , Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) Solo Parent.
- Voter’s Certification, Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card, Seaman's Book, Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID.
- Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) IDs, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- In areas where there is no PSA branch, presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of birth certificate validated by the Office of the Local Civil Registry with attached Official Receipt.
Offices or branches that you can visit for your student's license:
- District Office/Licensing Center authorized by the Regional Offices except NCR will be handled by the License Section, Central Office (For foreigner applicants)
- Licensing Centers, DLROs, District / Extension Offices, E-Patrol
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After completing your LTO student license requirements, let us take a look at the next procedure.
LTO student license requirements Philippines: A step-by-step guide
- Proceed to the nearest LTO branch or district office around you. (The guards and the staff may be able to assist you. Moreover, proceed to the window assigned to pass your requirements.)
- Once you submit your documents, wait for the LTO staff to encode your details in the system.
- Pay for the 15-hour mandatory driving course.
Note: Some LTO district offices or branches already have accredited centers for the driving course inside their premises. You can also take the mandatory driving course outside their premises as long as it is an accredited driving center of LTO.
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After the verification, you may need to attend the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course of the LTO.
What is the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course of LTO?
LTO student license requirements Philippines
Any student's license applicant requesting a driver's license is now required to go through a 15-hour theoretical driving course under certified instructors. This mandate is in regards to the Memorandum Circular 2019-2176 implemented by the LTO last year.
Last April 6, 2020, LTO has approved a new mandate for drivers. New drivers applying for a student permit must undergo a 15-hour theoretical driving course program.
This ensures that licenses are given to disciplined individuals with more than average driving skills, extensive road safety knowledge, and knowing established laws.
The course will be divided into three sessions. It will cover everything from traffic regulations to LTO mandated special laws.
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After completing the mandatory 15-hour driving course, you should take the test.
The test is all about the things that will be discussed in the 15-hour seminar.
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After passing the test, you may proceed to an authorized staff for verification and get the certificate.
Note: If you took the 15-hour theoretical course outside the LTO premises, directly present your certificate from an accredited LTO center and pay the fees.
- Present the certificate and pay for the necessary fees (student permit fee).
- After the payment, wait until someone calls you to take your picture and signature.
- After the process, a card or receipt that will be given will serve as your student permit.
The student permit is valid for 1 year from the date of its issuance.
After securing a student’s license from the LTO, you need to think of what type of license you're getting.
- Non-professional license - This license type allows an individual to drive a vehicle for personal or private use only.
- Professional license - This license type allows an individual to drive vehicles for a living or paid purpose. This 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 public utility vehicles (PUV) such as jeepney, taxi, tricycle, bus, and truck.
One month after receiving a student permit, you can apply for a non-professional driver's license. After holding a student license for at least six months, you can apply for a professional license.
Getting these types of licenses also requires certain tests and requirements. Visit the LTO website to know more about getting these licenses.
Driving tips for beginners
Be mentally prepared
As a newbie, checking the road and traffic signs, looking at the mirrors, and maintaining the proper distance is the most important thing. You might feel overwhelmed with all the rules that you have to remember.
One wrong decision and your life will be at stake. Do not overthink the situation, relax and take a deep breath.
Be defensive, not aggressive
Being defensive does not mean you will argue with other drivers on the road. It simply means being aware of potential hazards and other road users' actions around you, enabling you to take proactive action to avoid an incident.
Take control of your temper and calm your nerves. Be attentive to what is happening around you, but always focus on what's ahead of you.
Practice makes perfect
You won't move forward until you practice driving. No one is good on their first try but continuous practice will make you a better driver. Practicing can help you learn and pass your driving test.
There is a reason that the learning time you can only drive with another adult in the car is always required. It is essential before you are issued a driver’s license.
After getting your license, always remember to be a good driver.
This is a simple reminder to maintain the calmness of your mind. Always focus your head on the road. Always be alert and ready for unexpected situations.
Drive safe!