Changing the clutch type: Here's how you can modify your driver's license

If you are living in the Philippines and own a car then it is a must to have a driver’s license to drive around the country without any worry. However, having a driver’s license is not that simple and requires one to understand several important matters like the different types of driver’s licenses, validity, qualification, requirements, application procedure, and not to forget the driver’s license expiry and renewal process.

While we have already discussed all these matters in detail in our previous blogs, today we’ll be shedding light on another important matter, i.e., changing the clutch type in the license. Yes, in the Philippines, a licensed driver has the option to modify his/her license to reflect the type of vehicle transmission he/she is allowed to operate. It might seem like a small detail to many, but it matters more than one thinks.

Whether you're shifting gears in a manual transmission or cruising in an automatic, having the correct clutch type listed on your license is key to staying legal on the road. So, if you are thinking of upgrading your driving skills to a manual transmission or you have had enough of the stick and want to switch to an automatic unit, we will walk you through the entire clutch type changing process on your driver’s license. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds, and by the end of this, you’ll be ready to head to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) with confidence!

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

What are the different clutch types on a driver’s license?

Let’s get the basics right first. When we talk about the ‘clutch type’ on the driver’s license, it simply refers to the type of transmission a driver is certified to drive. There are two main types of clutch -

• MT or Manual Transmission: If a driver’s license has this designation, then he/she is allowed to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
• AT or Automatic Transmission: If the driver’s license mentions ‘AT’, the driver is permitted to only drive automatic cars.

Note, it is very important to have the right clutch type mentioned on the driver’s license. See, if you have learned to drive a manual car and passed the LTO’s driving test with a manual vehicle, your license must mention "MT". However, if you only learned to drive an automatic car, then the license must reflect “AT”. If later you decide to drive a different transmission type car, it is essential to modify the license.

Why is it important to update the driver’s license clutch type?

You must be thinking why go through the trouble of updating the clutch type on the driver’s license? Well, there is not just one but several reasons to do so including -

• To avoid fines & penalties: If a person owns a manual car and the license covers automatic transmission vehicles, he/she could get fined by the authorities during random traffic checks. And believe us no one doesn't want that.
• Stay road-safe: Having the correct transmission type mentioned on the driver’s license is more than just about legality, remember it is also about safety. Two different transmission types require separate driving skill sets, thus having a license that reflects what a driver can safely drive is crucial.
• Peace of mind: Last but not least, it is important for a driver to know that everything mentioned on the license is in line with his/her actual driving capabilities. With all the information in place, there is one less thing for a driver to worry about when behind the wheel.

Step-by-step to modify the driver’s license with the right clutch type

A Filipino driver in the country with a valid license is eligible to update the clutch type, he/she can switch from AT to MT without much hassle. The only requirement here is that the driver should know how to drive the type of vehicle he/she is switching to.

For example, if you are planning to switch from a manual to an automatic car, make sure you have the proper training to drive without the stick before the transmission.

Let us now break down the process of changing the clutch type into simple steps -

Step 1 Prepare the required documents

Here are all the documents you need to gather before starting the process:

• Application for Permit & License form: The APL form can be easily downloaded from the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal or can be grabbed from any of the LTO offices.
• Medical Certificate: Get a medical certificate from an accredited LTO medical clinic and make sure to electronically submit it to the LTO office. Remember, if you are updating the license as part of the renewal process, the medical certificate is a must.
• Current driver’s license: Do not forget to carry your valid license if you want to get the clutch type updated. And yes, do carry the original license and not the photocopy.

Step 2 Register or log in to the LTMS portal

If you don’t have an LTMS account, first create one by following the below-mentioned steps -

• Head over to the LTMS portal
• Click Register, and follow the prompts to create a profile
• Once registered, log in and head over to the Licensing section

Step 3 Start clutch type change application

• After logging into the LTMS portal, go to Licensing from the dashboard and select the Change of Clutch Type option under license transaction.
• Enter driver’s license number and expiration date.
• Select the desired clutch type - Manual Transmission (MT) or Automatic Transmission (AT).

Step 4 Book an appointment

• Once the application is submitted online, the driver needs to book an appointment at the nearest LTO branch.
• Choose the most convenient LTO branch and pick an appropriate appointment date
• Once the appointment is confirmed, take note of the date and time because it is important to show up at the LTO in person to finalize the process.

Step 5 Pay the processing fee

Now it is time to settle the processing fee to modify the clutch type on the license.

If you are ONLY changing the clutch type	PHP 425
If you are UPDATING the clutch type & RENEWING the license	PHP 785

Note, applicants can pay the processing fees through the LTMS portal or at a select payment center.

Step 6 Head to the LTO office for your appointment

• On the day of the appointment, make sure to bring all the required documents, including the APL form, medical certificate, and original driver’s license.
• Head to the scheduled LTO branch and submit everything for verification.
• Complete biometric capturing which involves taking photos and fingerprint scanning.

Step 7 Claim the updated license

• Once the entire process is completed, the authorities will hand over the new driver’s license to the applicant with the updated clutch type.
• A few additional tips & reminders

Wait, before you rush to your nearest LTO office to get the modifications done, here are a few essential things to remember -

• Be on time: Arriving on time for your LTO appointment will save you a ton of hassle. If you miss your slot, you might need to rebook.
• Make sure all the documents are complete & in place: Missing documents will delay the process, so make sure you’ve got everything—your medical certificate, your APL form, and your current driver’s license.
• New medical certificate: If it’s been a while since you last renewed your license, then you’ll need to submit a new medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic. Be sure to get this before your appointment.

Bottom line

Changing the clutch type on your driver’s license is a simple yet important process for any driver in the Philippines. Whether you’re upgrading to manual transmission for the first time or making the switch to automatic for easier driving, it’s all about keeping your license up-to-date and legal. Don’t worry, just follow the above-mentioned steps, get your license updated, and get back to the road, worry-free.

Also Read: Step-by-step guide to checking LTO violations and penalties online