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
  • Pangilinan-led expressways to waive toll fees for holidays
    Pangilinan-led expressways to waive toll fees for holidays
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • CAMPI-TMA hits 425k-unit mark for Jan.-Nov. 2024
    CAMPI-TMA hits 425k-unit mark for Jan.-Nov. 2024
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Ford YES promo introduces exclusive deals this weekend
    Ford YES promo introduces exclusive deals this weekend
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 20, 2024
  • Porsche introduces 4 AWD, GTS variants for Taycan
    Porsche introduces 4 AWD, GTS variants for Taycan
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 20, 2024
  • Jetour Auto PH hails top sales ambassadors for 2024
    Jetour Auto PH hails top sales ambassadors for 2024
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 19, 2024
  • Here are the VinFast VF 3's 9 energetic shades
    Here are the VinFast VF 3's 9 energetic shades
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 19, 2024
  • Hyundai Stargazer X vs. the competition
    Hyundai Stargazer X vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 18, 2024
  • Cushy crossover clash: MG One vs. Ford Territory
    Cushy crossover clash: MG One vs. Ford Territory
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 18, 2024
  • Changan CS15 vs. the competition
    Changan CS15 vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 16, 2024
  • Hyundai Custin: 3 conservative colors
    Hyundai Custin: 3 conservative colors
    Paulo Papa . Dec 16, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • Land Rover Defender 110 S D250: King of versatility
    Land Rover Defender 110 S D250: King of versatility
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 12, 2024
  • 2024 Ford Explorer Limited: reliable 6th man
    2024 Ford Explorer Limited: reliable 6th man
    Ruben Manahan IV . Dec 02, 2024
  • Honda Civic RS e:HEV: refined, athletic
    Honda Civic RS e:HEV: refined, athletic
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 28, 2024
  • Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined
    Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined
    Paulo Papa . Nov 19, 2024
  • MG One Lux: smooth operator
    MG One Lux: smooth operator
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 15, 2024