LTO Student Permit Requirements Philippines

It's exciting to get your driver's license for the first time. Not only does it indicate that you've reached a certain level of skill that allows you to drive a used or brand new vehicle, it also reminds you to always be responsible and safe when driving down the road.

Of course, we also like to point out the most important thing that happens when you now have your driver's license: it gives you the freedom to choose which vehicle you want  to use.

It is is the reason why getting your driver's license is so important*. And while it may take some time to undergo each process, doing it becomes all the more less painstaking when you keep in mind the following guidelines:

Driver's License for First Time Applicants

There are two kinds of driver's license that are available today: 'Non-Professional' for private motorists and 'Professional' for those who drive for-hire or public utility vehicles. for those who drive public utility vehicles. To get a license though, one has to obtain a student permit first. The student permit is the first "license" that's issued to first-time applicants and it can be upgraded to a non-professional license after one month, provided you pass the Land Transportation Office's (LTO) written and practical exam. Note that it will take you six months to upgrade a student’s permit if you plan to get a professional license.  

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a student permit:

LTO Student’s Permit Requirements 2020

LTO requires the applicant to be 16 years old (or above) before they can get a student permit. Aside from the 16-year old age qualification, there are two other requirements that an applicant should meet before he or she can qualify for a student’s permit in the Philippine. They should have these two things:  

• Be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
• Be able to read and write in Filipino or English

  If you meet the above criteria, then you can accomplish the following documents and submit them to the LTO location most convenient to you:  

• Original and photocopy of birth certificate
• If employed, Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN)
• A filled-out application for driver’s license.  (You can download it here)
• If you are under 18 years old, you will need to include a parent or guardian’s written consent together with a photocopy of any valid Government-issued ID (with signature) of your consenting parent/guardian. If a parent or guardian is unavailable, you may obtain a written consent from a notary public or lawyer.
• A hard copy of your medical certificate stating that you are physically and mentally fit to drive a vehicle. Make sure that's issued by an accredited LTO medical clinic and registered physician. They will have to upload electronically a copy of your certificate to LTO's IT system. 

Student Driver's License Application Procedure

Step #1: With your complete student driver’s license requirements, go to your nearest LTO branch or office and proceed to the customer service window. Get your number and wait for it to be called.  

Step #2: When they call your number, head to the evaluator counter and hand over all your requirements. The evaluator will check these for completeness and authenticity. Once verified, you will be asked to sit down and wait for your name to be called again.

Step #3: When your name is called, you will be directed to a booth where your photo and signature will be taken.

Step #4: Pay all the fees at the cashier and obtain an official receipt.

Step #5: Present the receipt at the releasing counter and obtain your student driver’s permit.  

Make sure you appear neat and presentable when you are inside the LTO's premises. Avoid wearing sando, shorts, and slippers, since you will take the test in front of an LTO examiner. What’s more, you might pose for a picture near the end of the application process if you pass the written and practical tests.  

Student Driver's License Fees and Charges

There are three types of fees that the LTO charges to those applying for a student permit.  These are:

• Application Fee – PHP100.00
• Computer Fee – PHP67.63
• Student Permit Fee – PHP150.00

Add them all up and the total cost of your fees will be P317.63. Be sure to bring exact change to avoid delays at the cashier.  

Reminders

* As of July 1, LTO has currently suspended the issuance of student driver's permit in the country. LTO Chief Edgar Galvante advises student driver applicants to take LTO's theoretical driving course in the agency or in any LTO-accredited driving school. The course will start on August 3. 

Make sure to check for directions so you know which LTO branch is nearest to your residence.

Do a thorough inspection of all your documents prior to going to the LTO branch. This is more efficient, and saves you a lot of time--should you forget them and are asked to come back again tomorrow.

Check if you have all your student driver's license requirements with you before stepping outside.

Some LTO branches don't provide ballpens, so make sure to bring one with you (to be sure).

Take some extra money with you to buy water and food. Although the process of obtaining a student permit has been sped up considerably with the LTO’s latest updates and improvements--some are saying it can now be done in under 30 minutes!--you never know when an issue arises and further delays the application process.  

Don't use fixers--only transact with LTO officers inside the building. If you have a question, then simply head to the information desk to ask your queries.

 

Updated as of July 2, 2020 by Cherryl Anne Cruz