Three Types of Driver's License in the Philippines - UPDATED 2020

Before you can take home that brand new or used car you got from the dealer’s showroom, you must have the proper authorization to drive a vehicle. If you do not have a license, then this article will explain in detail about the three types of driver's license in the Philippines, the coverage of each and how you can apply for one.

There are three types of driver's license in the country: student permit, non-professional permit and professional permit. People as young as 16 years old can qualify for a student permit. This can then be upgraded to a non-professional license one month after acquiring the student permit and a professional license after 6 months.

The application process, however, can be quite lengthy. It often requires passing a written exam and a driving exam for a non-professional or professional license. Below is a general explanation of each permit.

Student driver permit

© greenscorpio.wordpress.com © greenscorpio.wordpress.com

Anyone who is 16 years of age and above can apply for a student driver's permit. Other requirements include that the applicant can speak and understand English and Tagalog and is physically and mentally fit to drive a vehicle.

Requirements:

  1. Notarized parental consent for minors
  2. Valid ID to prove identity and age
  3. Completed student driver’s license application form
  4. A fee of P317.63 to be paid in the LTO office

For more detailed steps, read this post on the procedures to get your student permit from your local LTO. Note that when you get your student driver’s license you can only drive a car if you are accompanied by an adult who has a non-professional or professional driver’s license.

Non-professional driver’s license

© abcdeyv.tumblr.com © abcdeyv.tumblr.com

A non-professional permit requires you to be 17 years old and above and has the same qualifications as the student driver’s license. Additional requirements include that the applicant is not an alcoholic and does not use illegal drugs.

Requirements:

  1. Drug test result (negative) from government hospitals, which is accredited by the DOH.
  2. Medical certificate with official receipt from LTO accredited centers or government physicians
  3. Valid student driver's license at least a month in possession
  4. Completed non-professional driver’s license form
  5. Tax identification number (TIN)
  6. Passing the practical and written examinations conducted by the LTO
  7. A fee amounting to P417.63

A non-professional driver can drive motorcycles and vehicles with a gross weight no higher than 4500 kilograms (with either manual or automatic transmission) such as sedans, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), pickups, minivans and most passenger vehicles.

Professional driver’s license

Drivers-License

An applicants for this type of permit is required to be at least 18 years old, a non-alcoholic and a non-drug user, physically and mentally fit, and is not afflicted with contagious diseases or a sickness that could hamper driving such as epilepsy.

Requirements:

  1. A valid student permit acquired at least five months before applying.
  2. The negative result of drug test from government medical facilities or DOH accredited hospitals
  3. Medical certificates from physicians or LTO accredited centers
  4. NBI or police court clearance
  5. Tax identification number (TIN)
  6. Passing the written and actual examinations conducted by the LTO
  7. Completed professional driver’s license application form
  8. A fee amounting to P417.63

By obtaining a professional license, a driver can drive almost all types of vehicle in the country including those which weighs more than 4600 kilograms and above, such as trucks and heavy construction equipment.

Did you know?

You can also use your Philippine driver’s license in different countries such as Spain and Australia. Take note however that some of these territories usually have an opposite driving orientation; right hand drive as opposed to our left hand drive. 

Updated on September 15, 2020 by Gail Alcabaza

Also Read:

LTO releases initial batch of license plates for motorcycles

10-year valid driver's licenses only for those with clean records

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • ACMobility holds first-ever BYD Tech Tour for Mindanao
    ACMobility holds first-ever BYD Tech Tour for Mindanao
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025