GUIDE: Planning to get your student’s permit or driver’s license? Here’s what you need to know first
Getting your student’s permit and driver’s license is a tedious process, but before you plan to drive legally, here are a number of things you need to remember.
Since August 2020, the Land Transporation Office (LTO) advised applicants who are planning to get student permits, driver’s licenses, and additional restriction code transactions must submit a 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificate.
In other words, applicants need to undergo a 15-hour driving course through authorized driving school instructors, LTO-accredited driving schools, and LTO Driver Education Centers before getting a certificate.
Meanwhile, new driver’s license applicants must submit also submit a practical driving course certificate to LTO aside from the needed requirements.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will require the mandatory 15-hour driving course for the processing of new student permits and driver’s licenses by August. | via Romina Cabrera pic.twitter.com/CZgj73j97j
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 2, 2020
It’s challenging to secure a student’s permit and driver’s license, especially during a pandemic. Aspiring drivers need to undergo tedious lectures, long lines, stressful driving classes, and big holes in their budget. Even so, seeing your name and photo on your newly acquired license is worth it.
Still thinking of hitting the road legally? Here’s what you need to know.
What are the qualifications before getting a student’s permit?
Applicants must be 16 years old and above, physically and mentally fit, able to read and write in Filipino and English, and submit a 15-hour TDC certificate.
What are the requirements before getting a student’s permit?
- Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. You can get this at the LTO offices or download the form on its official website;
- One photocopy of a PSA Birth Certificate. Married applicants must also submit a photocopy of their marriage certificate;
- For applicants below 18 years old, submit a consent letter from your parent or guardian;
- One copy of a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic;
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed;
- 15-hour TDC certificate from an LTO-accredited driving school or LTO driver’s education centers
How can I claim my TDC certificate?
Applicants must finish a 15-hour theoretical driving course from an LTO-accredited driving school or LTO’s driver education centers. You have to pass the TDC exam before claiming your certificate.
To schedule your TDC, just head to the nearest driving school or learning center and inquire.
What if I fail my TDC exam?
Applicants who failed their exam must schedule a retake at the same place they’ve accomplished their TDC.
How much does it cost to get a student’s permit?
Approximately P2,500: this includes the TDC fee (P1,500), TDC certificate (P200), medical certificate (P450 to P480), and processing fee (P320).
Are there LTO Learning Centers or LTO-accredited driving schools that offer TDCs for free?
It depends on the LTO learning center near you.
How long is a student’s permit valid for?
One year.
How long do I have to wait before I can apply for a non-professional driver’s license?
One month and one day.
Can I apply for a non-professional or driver’s license immediately?
No, applicants must secure an original copy of a Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate along with their needed requirements.
How can I secure a PDC certificate?
Applicants must enroll in an LTO-accredited driving school. Here is a list for your reference. You can choose from eight- to 30-hour courses to develop your driving skills. Make sure to pass the final assessment before claiming your PDC certificate.
How much do I have to pay for my chosen driving course?
It depends on the driving school and the vehicle you’ll be driving. Make sure to inquire at the nearest school to avoid being late for your scheduled class. But to give you an idea, a Toyota Innova Automatic course is worth around P16,000.
What happens in the final assessment at a driving school?
Applicants will be asked to drive their prescribed vehicles for 15 to 30 minutes. The evaluator will not assist you in your driving, whether you make a mistake or not. He or she will only react if you commit a major error (such as hitting a vehicle, overspeeding, and more).
Make sure to practice because you can either get a passing or failing mark. Once you pass, wait for a few minutes before claiming your PDC certificate.
What happens if I fail my final assessment?
It depends on the driving school. Some driving schools offer an additional two-hour driving course to polish your skills before retaking the final assessment.
What are the qualifications before getting a non-professional driver’s license?
Applicants must be at least 17 years old, physically and mentally fit, able to read and write in Filipino and English, have completed at least eight hours of PDC at the chosen driving school, pass the written/computerized exam and practical driving test, and submit a 15-hour TDC certificate.
What are the requirements before getting a non-professional driver’s license?
- Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form;
- Original copy of your student’s permit;
- Original copy of your PDC certificate;
- One photocopy of one valid ID;
- One copy of a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic;
- 17-year-old applicants must submit a consent letter from a parent or guardian.
What happens if I fail my written/computerized and practical driving exam?
Applicants must wait for at least one working day before retaking their exams.
What happens at the practical driving exam?
Applicants will undergo a practical driving exam based on the restriction code they’re applying for. Based on my experience, I took my exam using my own vehicle.
If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, you may rent a vehicle found outside the LTO office and pay the rental fee.
How much does it cost to get a non-professional driver’s license?
Approximately P1,030: this includes the written exam (P170), drive test car rental (P200), and non-professional driver’s license fee (P650).