Driving, as we’ve covered in a previous article, is a privilege. That said, one has to be deserving of the benefit of using the road — for the safety of others, and of themselves. Hence, a driver is required to secure a license to exercise this privilege.

Join us as we look at how one can secure a driver’s license in the Philippines, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Student permit

The first step to obtaining a driver’s license is to apply for a student permit. At your nearest LTO office, request and accomplish an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) then submit it — along with all the necessary requirements to the corresponding “window.”

Here’s a list of the requirements one has to secure when applying for a student permit, per LTO.

Wait for your name to be called, get your picture and signature taken, and pay for the necessary fees. When completed, an applicant will receive his or her student permit as well as an official receipt from the LTO branch.

A student permit is only valid for one year from the date of its issuance.

New driver’s license

Like the student permit, the steps in securing a driver’s license start with requesting an ADL although you also have to make sure to secure the necessary requirements. Below is a checklist from LTO, just in case you don’t know.

After an applicant accomplishes and submits the ADL, he or she will be asked to take a written examination. After passing the written test, the applicant will be asked to take a practical driving test. Once accomplished, the applicant will be asked to pay the corresponding fees, have his or her data encoded and biometrics taken.

The applicant will then receive the actual driver’s license and the official receipt of the transaction.

New drivers and those renewing without any record of traffic violations, will have a license valid for 10 years.  

Now that you have secured your license, it’s time to start hunting for a car. And those looking for affordable entry-level cars can check out our selection of second-hand cars here at Carmudi Philippines.

Photos from LTO

Also read:

In the know: Traffic violations that merit a license suspension

In the know: How to properly settle or contest traffic violations in the Philippines