Philippine Driver’s License

by Ronel Forbes

March 31, 2022

Administrative Order No. 1 of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Filipinos living abroad who have an authentic Philippine driver’s license can now renew their expired license through their authorized representative in the Philippines under the RIB-2008-011 Series of 2007.

The applicant’s authorized agent must produce the following documentation to LTO:

1. Original driver’s license and receipt (as well as a photocopy of each);

2. Photocopy of Philippine passport (initial page, visa page, and pages indicating departure from the Philippines and latest arrival outside of the Philippines);

3. The licensee submits a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to the LTO, requesting the renewal and appointing a representative to renew the license on his or her behalf. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate General must certify the SPA (please refer to Authentication procedures and requirements in the list of Consular Services).

Applicants in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila can apply for renewal at the LTO’s Central Office in Quezon City’s License Section. Representatives who live outside of the NCR can apply at any LTO field office.

Fixers should be avoided

Just don’t do it. It’s against the law and will cost you additional money.

Worse, there’s a good risk you’ll be given a forged document. The government has been cracking down on fixers in recent years, so you should see fewer of them (I hope).

Even so, stay cautious and ignore them; it won’t help you.

New Legislation Extending the Validity of the LTO Driver’s License (Updated 2021)

Finally, some encouraging news. The Senate passed a bill in 2017 that extended the validity of driver’s licenses to five years. This is a good initiative that will help all Filipino drivers.

The LTO’s main office in Quezon City began issuing licenses with a 10-year validity on October 28, 2021. On November 3, satellite offices across the NCR will begin adopting and issuing 10-year driver licenses, while provincial branches will begin implementing and issuing 10-year driver licenses by December 2021.

This extended validity is only available to people who have not had any offenses prior to renewing their driver’s license. Those with demerits will face a 5-year license validity period. It’s unclear whether this applies to penalties that have previously been resolved.

Driver’s License Types

In the Philippines, there are three different types of driver’s licenses. Their distinctions are primarily determined by the license’s requirements and purpose.

Student Driver Permit

Allows someone to operate a car if they are accompanied by a licensed driver.

Non-professional Driver’s license

Individuals are permitted to drive for personal or private purposes solely.

Professional Driver’s license

Allows people to drive vehicles for a living or for a fee.

How to Schedule an LTO Online Appointment

The LTO will offer “LTO Online Services” in 2020. It tries to speed up some of these procedures by utilizing the web’s capabilities.

Step 1: Go to LTO Online and select an LTO Online Pass.
Step 2: Select Driver’s License Renewal Online Appointment from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Before clicking “Continue,” complete the CAPTCHA portion at the bottom.
Step 4: On the next page, fill in the required fields.
Step 5: When you click Next, your information will be sent to the LTO.
Step 6: Wait for LTO to send you a confirmation email.

Questionnaire and Preparation for the Driver’s Exam

Years ago, I spent a whole day filling out an application for a non-professional driver’s license. Even if it’s a fairly simple procedure, it wouldn’t hurt to obtain some pointers to make things go more smoothly.

Here are some things to keep in mind and expect.

Non-professional license applicants must pass the written exam with a score of 30 out of 40.
Applicants for a professional license must obtain a 45 out of 60 scores.
You must complete one full round of driving at the LTO’s course in order to pass the practical driving exam.
The cost of renting a car for the practical exam is Php 250. (150 for motorcycles). If you like, you can also bring your own vehicle. It’s worth noting that getting a parking spot there can be challenging.
Don’t be concerned. The written and practical exams are both simple.
Check out the list of topics below to get a sense of what to anticipate.
Bring enough money to cover the fees. For pricing, see the Fees section below.
Just in case, bring some water and food. Though there are frequently food canteens and merchants within or beyond the vicinity from which you can purchase food.

The following subjects make up the LTO Written Exam:

Markings and signs
Parking Restrictions and Rules
In case of an emergency (what to do)
Positioning of the road
Driving and handling
Violations and penalties
General information

Pro Hint:

On its official website, the LTO offers free reviewers. I strongly advise you to take a look at it. It will give you an idea of the kinds of questions you might expect on the written exam.

When I looked over the questions on the site, I noticed that many of them were on the test when I took it years ago. If you want to achieve good grades, download their reviews and use them.

Procedures and Fees for Obtaining an LTO Driver’s License

The stages for applying for a driver’s license, as well as the fees associated with each, are shown below.

Student License

Visit the LTO licensing center of your choice.
Obtain an application for a driver’s license.
Hold your breath and wait for your number to be called. All documents, including the requirements specified previously, will be sent.
You’ll have to wait once more for your photo to be taken. You’ll also be prompted to sign the document.
Make your way to the cashier to pay. Obtain an official receipt (OR).
The Releasing area is the next destination. To obtain your student driver’s permit, provide your OR.

Non-professional

Visit the LTO licensing center of your choice.
Obtain an application for a driver’s license.
Hold your breath and wait for your number to be called. All documents, including the requirements specified previously, will be sent.
You’ll have to wait once more for your photo to be taken. You’ll also be prompted to sign the document.
Make your way to the cashier to pay. Obtain an official receipt (OR).
The written exam, in the form of a Basic Driving Theory Test, is the next step. The results will be announced right away.
The practical driving examination is the next phase.
After passing the practical exam, you can get your license and an official receipt.

Professional

Visit the LTO licensing center of your choice.
Obtain an application for a driver’s license.
Hold your breath and wait for your number to be called. All documents, including the requirements specified previously, will be sent.
You’ll have to wait once more for your photo to be taken. You’ll also be prompted to sign the document.
Make your way to the cashier to pay. Obtain an official receipt (OR).
The written exam, in the form of a Basic Driving Theory Test, is the next step. The results will be announced right away.
The practical driving examination is the next phase.
After passing the practical exam, you can get your license and an official receipt.