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From navigating Manila's streets to exploring Cebu's scenic routes, an LTO driver's license is your key to Philippine roads. But getting behind the wheel is a huge responsibility. Before you start driving, read this guide to help you confidently meet LTO requirements and prepare for your upcoming adventure on the road!
What’s the LTO Driver's License?
Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the driver's license permits you to drive specific types of vehicles in the Philippines.
During application, the LTO will ask for the vehicle you intend to drive, which has a corresponding restriction or driver’s license (DL) code. Below are the 9 DL codes.
- A = Motorcycle
- A1 = 3-wheeler or 4-wheeler weighing 350 kg maximum
- B = Vehicle with up to 5,000 kg gross weight (not more than 8 seats)
- B1 = Passenger-carrying vehicle (8 seats and up) weighing 5,000 kg maximum
- B2 = Goods-carrying vehicle weighing 3,500 kg maximum
- C = Goods-carrying vehicle weighing between 3,500 kg and 12,000 kg
- D = Passenger-carrying vehicle weighing more than 5000 kg (8 seats and up)
- BE = Trailers weighing between 750 kg and 3,500 kg
- CE = Trailers weighing up to 10,000 kg
Image credit: LTO
Types of Driver's License and Requirements
The LTO's driver's license falls into three types: Student-Driver's Permit, Non-Professional Driver's License, and Professional Driver's License.
To get one, you have to take written and practical tests. You also have to undergo a medical exam to prove you’re physically and mentally fit to drive. LTO-accredited medical clinics will electronically transmit the medical certificate—valid for 60 days from the date issued—to LTO.
Below are the qualifications and requirements for each type of LTO driver's license.
Student-Driver's Permit
Validity: One year
A Student-Driver's Permit is a prerequisite for a Non-Professional Driver's License in the Philippines. It authorizes you to drive as long as a licensed driver accompanies you.
You must be at least 16 years old and not have any unsettled traffic violations to qualify for a student permit. You also have to take the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) at LTO Driver Education Centers or an LTO-accredited driving school.
LTO requires the following documents for a Student-Driver's Permit.
- TDC Certificate of Completion
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
- Valid government ID (authenticated birth certificate from Philippine Statistics Authority or Local Civil Registry allowed)
- Parental or guardian's notarized consent (with government-issued ID with photo and signature) if a minor
- Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) if employed
Non-Professional Driver's License
Validity: Five years
You can apply for a Non-Professional driver's license if you've had a Student-Driver's Permit for at least a month to a year. You must also be 17 years old and have a clean driving record.
LTO requires all non-pro applicants to pass the Practical Driving Course (PDC) from an LTO Driver Education Center, an LTO-accredited driving school, or a TESDA Training Center.
The Non-Professional driver's license requirements include:
- PDC Certificate of Passing
- Original valid Student-Driver's Permit
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
- Parental or guardian's notarized consent (with any valid government-issued ID with photo and signature) if a minor
- TIN if employed
Professional Driver's License
Validity: Five years
A Professional driver's license certifies you can drive a private or public motor vehicle for a living. Drivers of ride-hailing services, trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy vehicles apply for this license.
To qualify for a Professional driver's license, you must be 18 and have no unsettled traffic violations. You must have held a Non-Professional driver's license with DL codes A and A1 for at least six months or DL codes B, B1, and B2 for a year. You must also have passed the Practical Driving Course.
Here are the requirements for a Professional driver's license.
- Original Non-Professional driver's license with required DL codes
- PDC Certificate of Passing
- Medical certificate from LTO-accredited clinic
- PSA-issued birth certificate
- NBI Clearance or Police Clearance
- TIN if employed
How to Apply for an LTO Driver's License
Regardless of type, the driver's license application starts on the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) online portal. You need to create an account and schedule your LTO appointment. You’ll need a stable home connection to finish your LTMS registration and online forms. Globe AT HOME's GFiber Postpaid Plan gives you a fixed monthly setup, while GFiber Prepaid is a pay-as-you-go option you can top up anytime.
- Head to https://portal.lto.gov.ph and click "Register" to create an LTMS account.
- Tap "Accept" for the terms and agreement and enter the security code.
- Select "Enroll as an individual."
- Fill in your personal and contact information. Provide an active email address.
- Check your inbox for the verification email. It will contain your LTO Client Number, a 15-digit number that will serve as your username or ID in future LTMS Portal transactions.
- Click the verification link on the email and set a password for your LTMS Portal account.
- Log in with your LTO Client Number and password.
- On your dashboard, tap "Licensing" and select the driver's license you're applying for.
- Fill out the LTO application form.
- Indicate your preferred LTO branch, date, and time.
- Pay the ₱100 application fee. You can enjoy the convenience of cashless payments for your government service fees with GCash.
Note: The transaction may include a service fee.
What Happens During the LTO Appointment?
When you get to LTO, complete an Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form. Then, submit the APL and the rest of your requirements to an officer for evaluation. Here's an overview of the next steps based on LTO’s driver's license application.
If You're a Student-Driver's Permit Applicant
- Proceed to the cashier to pay the ₱150 fee for the permit. Hold on to your official receipt.
- Get your photo and biometrics captured.
- Show the official receipt to claim your student permit.
If You're a Non-Professional Driver's License Applicant
- Proceed to the examination area for the theoretical exam. If you pass, an actual driving test follows.
- Once you pass the tests, go to the cashier to pay ₱585 for the license fee. Don't forget the official receipt.
- Get your photo and biometrics captured.
- Show your official receipt to claim your driver's license.
If You're a Professional Driver's License Applicant
- Proceed to the examination area for the theoretical exam. If you fail, you must wait a month before retaking the test and proceeding with your application.
- If you pass the theoretical exam, head to the cashier to pay ₱585 for the license fee.
- Get your photo and biometrics captured.
- Show your official receipt to claim your driver's license.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License
Professional or non-pro driver's license holders can apply for renewal at least one month before the license expires. Drivers with clean records can qualify for a license with a 10-year validity.
To renew your LTO driver's license:
- Log in to your LTMS Portal.
- Go to the "E-learning" menu and select the “Comprehensive Driver's Education (CDE) Online Validation Exam,” which is available in English and Filipino. The CDE is a mandatory refresher course.
- If you pass, you can print the CDE Certificate. You should also receive it by email.
You must get 20 correct answers out of 25 to continue your renewal application. If you fail, don't worry. There are no limits to retaking CDE. You can take it as early as 60 days before your renewal date.
Once you pass your CDE, go to the nearest LTO branch to submit these requirements.
- CDE Certificate
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
- Original Professional or Non-Professional driver’s license
Once an LTO officer confirms your documents are valid and complete, pay ₱585 for the license fee at the cashier. After having your biometrics and photo taken, wait for your name to be called to claim your driver's license.
Philippine Driver's License FAQs
Before going through the frequently asked questions about applying for a driver's license, you may want to check out LTMS Portal's E-Learning section. This resource contains materials to help you review driving fundamentals, road safety rules, and your rights and responsibilities as a driver.
Can I go to LTO without an appointment?
Driver's license renewals don’t need an appointment. Walk-ins for new applications depend on the LTO branch. Some may accept, but allot limited slots.
How much do driving schools charge for the Theoretical Driving Course?
The fee can start at ₱1,100 but LTO Driver's Education Centers offer the Theoretical Driving Course for free. If you prefer a driving school, enroll at one of these LTO-accredited driving schools.
How much does the medical certificate cost?
LTO sets a maximum fee of ₱300 on the cost of medical examinations for driver's license and student permit applications. However, the price can vary depending on location.
Can I take the LTO exam online at home?
The only LTO exam available online is the Comprehensive Driver's Education test, which applies to license renewal.
Can I get a driver's license without a student permit?
Applying for a Professional driver's license doesn't require a student permit. But you'll need it if you’re applying for a non-professional driver's license for the first time or if your license expired 10 years ago.
Is there a penalty for late renewal of driver's license?
Yes, there is. Here are the corresponding penalty fees.
- ₱75 - expired for 1 day to 1 year
- ₱150 - expired 1 year and 1 day to 2 years
- ₱225 - expired for 2 years and up
Other fees may also apply for revision of records, change of classification, additional DL codes, etc.
What do I do if I lose my driver's license?
Secure an affidavit of loss. Then, head to the LTMS Portal and apply for a duplicate or replacement license. Upload a scanned copy of your affidavit of loss and book an appointment. You can also walk in at any LTO branch, fill out a driver’s license application form, and submit the rest of the requirements.
Secure a License for a Secure Ride
As the LTO reminds people, driving is a privilege, not a right. Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. You now play a role in making the roads safe for everyone. Now that you're prepared, you can drive with confidence as you navigate city streets or explore scenic routes. Drive safely and enjoy the journey!
