Your complete guide to a Non-Professional Driver’s License

Congratulations, you finally own a car, and now it’s time to get your hands on a driver’s license which will make you legally permissible to use your vehicle on the public roads. By now, you must be aware of the fact that a driver’s journey in the Philippines begins with securing a student permit, which we believe you have already obtained (now that you are reading about obtaining a NPDL).

In this article, we’ll be discussing all about the Non-Professional Driver’s License, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, requirements, fees, application process, and other key details.

Also Read: Here’s why you should not be driving without a license in the Philippines

So, without any delay, let’s begin.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - An overview

There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines, namely the Student Permit, Non-Professional Driver’s License, and Professional Driver’s License. In terms of hierarchy, the NPDL sits just above the student permit. Here are a few facts about the NPDL you must know -

• Unlike other LTO license types, the NPDL has a less restrictive condition.
• With an NPDL in hand, an individual can drive any private vehicle on their own.
• Only after keeping a student permit for at least six months can an applicant apply for NPDL.
• Depending on the date of issue of the student permit, an applicant has one to 12 months to apply for NPDL and get an upgrade from a student permit.
• Drivers with an NPDL are allowed to drive vehicles with a 4,500 kg GVW (Gross Value Weight), with either a manual or automatic gearbox.

Also Read: From Non-Professional to Professional: Easily update your driver’s license

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Advantages of owning one

There are several benefits of owning a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines. For instance -

• You avoid all the potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license or with an expired license.
• An NPDL serves as a valid government-issued photo ID in the Philippines, accepted both in public and private spaces.
• An NPDL takes a long time to expire, 5 to 10 years; plus, the renewal process is pretty straightforward.
• Applicants get an update on their health and general well-being, as LTO requires them to undergo a Periodic Medical Examination to secure an NPDL.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Qualifications required

When you want to take a jump from a student permit to NPDL, you need to check certain boxes, including passing the driving assessments. The table below mentions all the qualifications you need to get an NPDL, so keep reading.

Qualification - You must be physically and mentally fit.  You must be able to read & write in English, Filipino, or any local dialect. There must be no undetected traffic violation. You must keep yourself neat, clean, and presentable.  You must be well-dressed. You must clear the LTO written and practical driving exams. For foreign applicants - Must present proof that you have been residing in the Philippines for at least a month.  Must present proof that you will be staying in the Philippines for at least a year from the date of application.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Eligibility criteria

An applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements to be able to secure a non-professional driver’s license. The table below gives all the detailed information on the same.

NPDL	Eligibility
Age	Filipino applicant: at least 17 years  Foreigner applicant: at least 18 years
Previous LTO license requirement	Student Driver’s Permit
Exam	Must attend & pass - Practical Driving Course from LTO-accredited licensed driver, LTO Driver’s Education Centre, LTO-accredited Driving School or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Centre Automated Theoretical Examination & Practical Driving Test

Also Read: All you need to know about different license-related exams conducted by LTO

LTO exams for NPDL

Practical Driving Course - This course will get you the PDC certificate, which is a mandatory documentary requirement for an LTO driver’s license. This one is an 8-hour training where an applicant learns several driving-related skills like pre-driving checkup (check tires & batteries, check hand & foot brake, adjust mirrors, lights, & windshield, disengage clutch), driving skills (steering, engine control, parking, speed control, etc.), observance of traffic rules (right of way to other vehicles, stop lights/signals, right of way for emergency, pedestrian, and others). This course costs anywhere from PHP 1,400 to PHP 8,000 at an LTO-accredited Driver Education Centre.

Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam - This exam tests an applicant's knowledge on topics related to traffic rules, safe driving practices, and road signs. It is conducted after the end of a 15-hour TDC seminar, which covers several topics. The applicant can give this exam at any of the following centres: LTO branch, LTO-accredited centre,  LTO Driver Education Centre, or online via the LTMS Portal. Here, the applicant is asked 40 multiple-choice questions, of which 30 should be answered correctly. For preparation, we’d recommend reading the LTO driving manual and taking online practice tests. 

LTO Written Exam - Before proceeding to the practical exam, an applicant must pass the LTO Written Exam. Here applicant's knowledge is tested over subjects like road safety, license, parking, road emergencies, mechanical failure, traffic signs & signals, lane marking, etc. For a non-professional driver’s license, the exam includes 40 multiple-choice questions, out of which 35 need to be answered correctly. For prep, check the LTO reviewers and videos on YouTube and the LTMS Portal.

Practical Driving Exam - The last exam an NPDL applicant needs to give is the Practical Driving Exam, which tests your driving skills, ability to handle the vehicle, and knowledge of traffic laws. Here you’ll be asked to drive on a flat and elevated road, park, and make tight turns. To pass, you must score 70 marks out of 100. The exam is followed by instant feedback and results. 

What if you fail?

Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam	Retake it where you took the exam originally (the place where you completed the 15-hour lecture session), and do so until you pass.
LTO Written Exam	Re-take the exam after a month; re-enter the exam room for more details
Practical Driving Exam	Re-take the exam after a month

Note that if an applicant fails the LTO exam a second time, then he/she would need to wait for a year to re-take the exam. If someone fails to pass the LTO exam a third time, then they’ll need to wait two years to retake the exam.

Also Read: Here’s how to add and verify a medical certificate on the LTMS portal.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Step-by-step guide

The procedure to apply for a driver’s license remains the same regardless of the classification. So, here are the common steps to follow -

Step 1: Visit the LTMS Portal.

Step 2: If you already have an account, access it by clicking on the Login Button or otherwise, click on the Register Now tab and create an account.

Step 3: Click on the Licensing icon on the dashboard.

Step 4: Carefully read and accept the Terms of Use.

Step 5: Select the license type you want to apply for; in this case, the NPDL.

Step 6: Click on the Add Medical Certificate button and mention the medical certificate number. Next, verify the number.

Step 7: Choose either New or Renewal, depending on the license application

Step 8: Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents, which include the following -

Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form Electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic - Original & one photocopy  Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate - Original & one photocopy  Valid Student Driver’s Permit  If the applicant is 17 years old - Parental or guardian’s consent along with valid government ID with photo & signature; this could be any of the following - Philippine Identification Card, Philippine passport, Social Security System Card, UMID Card, PhilHealth ID, TIN Card, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Barangay ID, Senior Citizen ID, Professional Regulation Commission ID, OFW ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID, National Council of Disabled Affairs ID, Solo Parent ID, Voter’s Certification, Government Services and Insurance System e-Card, Seaman’s Book, Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations ID, Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG ID, Department of Social Welfare and Development Certification, Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed A negative drug test result from a Department of Health-accredited testing centre and/or government hospital

Step 9: Get your LTO appointment, select the date and time

Step 10: Click Proceed to Summary, read the disclaimers, and click Accept

Step 11: Go through the order summary and billing information and agree to the terms and conditions

Step 12: Choose the desired payment method, and click on the Continue button

Step 13: Complete the payment at the third-party site that goes as followers -

NPDL status	Fees
New driver’s license	PHP 685
Renew a valid/unexpired license	PHP 585
Renew an expired license	PHP 685 + penalty (if applicable)

Penalty charges go as follows -

If expired, 1 day to 1 year	PHP 75
If expired 1 year and 2 years	PHP 150
If expired 2 years and 1 day to 10 years	PHP 225

Other fees include 

Additional Restriction Code	PHP 100
Change Classification	PHP 100

Note that after paying the applicable fees, all you need to do is wait for your turn at the release counter, where your license will be released. Sometimes, the completion process takes more than a day, which will require you to come again another day to pick up your license.

Note that after paying the applicable fees, all you need to do is wait for your turn at the release counter where your license will be released. Sometimes, the completion process takes more than a day, which will require you to come again another day to pick up your license.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Validity

Classification of NPDL	Validity
First application or new NPDL	5 years from the initial issuance unless revoked or suspended
NPDL due for renewal	10 years, given that the holder has a clean record, committed no traffic violations during the initial 5-year period

Where to process the application?

Need an NPDL? You can head to any of the following LTO offices -

• LTO Licensing Centres
• Authorised LTO District Offices (DO)
• Authorised LTO Extension Offices (EO)

Also Read: Here's how you can get an Electronic Driver's License (edl)

Upgrade or conversion to another DL classification

Many ask if it is possible to upgrade or convert a Non-Professional Driver’s License to a Professional Driver’s License. Well, the answer is yes, after a few years of clean driving experience, if the need arises, you can do the following -

• Convert your NPDL to a Professional Driver’s License
• Get more restriction codes added to your license for heavier vehicles

Note that the above upgrade or conversion requires you to undergo additional tests and submission of additional documents, depending on the vehicle.

Common mistakes to avoid

• To avoid any delays in the process, make sure to prepare the required documents.
• Reach the LTO office early to avoid delays.
• Don’t go unprepared to pass the exam, prepare for reviewers, LTO or others.
• Avoid wearing sports shorts, slippers, and underskirts; instead, go well-dressed.
• If you wear eyeglasses, don’t forget to carry them with you during the practical driving test.
• Do not forget the PDC and PDC Certificate from an LTO-accredited driving school.

A few facts

• If you fail the LTO Driving or Practical test, you will be entitled to retake the exams.
• If your DL has expired for 10 years or more, you are not eligible to drive anymore. Here, you’ll have to apply for a student permit again.
• Have a DL with 5-year validity? You need to take the PME within 60 days before the 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.
• Have a DL with 10-year validity? You need to take the PME  before the 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of the license.

Also Read: Here's how you can get an Electronic Driver's License (eDL)

Bottom line 

If you are a car owner in the Philippines, then you must do certain things, like getting the car registered, securing CTPL insurance, and applying for a driver’s license. 

Talking about the latter, a Filipino’s legal driving journey begins by applying for a student’s permit, followed by a non-professional driver’s license after 30 days. To get an NPDL, you need to fulfil certain requirements and pass the LTO exams. Just do what’s required and enjoy your driving journey.

Also Read: Fixing errors or updating info? How to revise your driver’s license