From Non-Professional to Professional: Easily update your driver’s license

In the Philippines, a driver can acquire three types of licenses based on his/her needs/requirements. First, there is the Student Permit, which is like the stepping stone of the licensing world. Then comes the non-professional and professional licenses, both of which are acquired according to the driver’s driving intention. Confused? Well, don’t be because here, we’ll be elaborating on all this along with the step-by-step procedure to convert a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

Also Read: Here’s why you should not be driving without a license in the Philippines

LTO Driver’s License - Basic understanding

Let us begin by understanding a driver’s license and its classifications.

What is an LTO driver’s license? It is a legal authorization issued by LTO to an individual permitting him/her to operate one or more types of motor vehicle (car, motorcycle, truck, bus, etc) on public roads. As for its look and feel, it is a written official document that is made of plastic and whose size matches a credit card.

Let us begin exploring the different LTO driver’s license classifications through the table below.

Student Permit	Every driver in the Philippines first needs to acquire a student permit to operate a motor vehicle in public. Here, the new driver needs to drive under the guidance of either a non-professional or a professional license holder.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)	When a driver is 18 years or older and has survived a month on a student permit, he/she can apply for a non-professional driver’s license. It is perfect for rookie drivers with no intention to earn from driving a public vehicle, making it perfect for drivers who intend to drive private vehicles (no more than 4500kg) like hatchbacks, SUVs, pickups, MUVs, etc.
Professional Driver’s License	As the name suggests, a professional driver’s license is secured by someone looking to make a career as a public utility vehicle driver or commercial driver in the Philippines. Also, you’ll need a professional driver’s license if you intend to operate a vehicle that weighs more than 4600 kg.

 

Note, that the procedure to apply for an LTO driver’s license varies as per the classification; you can check out the license application process here. Furthermore, an applicant needs to undergo several examinations (conducted by LTO) to secure a driver’s license including the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam, the LTO Driver’s License Application Written Exam, the Practical Exam, and Driver Enhancement Program including the Comprehensive Driver and Education (CDE) Exam and Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam. We have covered details about all these exams in detail here.

Also Read: Here's how you can pass the LTO theoretical and practical exam

LTO Driver’s License: Change in classification

By now, you must have a clear understanding of the LTO driver’s license along with the different types of licenses available. But what if, after acquiring a driver’s license, a driver experiences a change in his/her driving needs or requirements? Is it possible to change the classification? The answer is YES.

A driver, as per his/her requirements, can either change the driver’s license classification from Professional to Non-Professional or from Non-Professional to Professional. While we have already discussed the former conversion in detail, it is time to shed some light on the latter. So, let’s begin.

LTO Driver’s License: From Non-Professional to Professional

So, you need a Professional Driver’s License, which means you want to earn money via driving, i.e., by operating a public or private vehicle that is authorized for work or as a driver. But did you know that to secure a professional license, you first need to hold a student permit or non-professional license for a specific period?

Furthermore, the procedure and fees of getting hold of a non-professional or professional driver’s license are the same. There are a few specific LTO requirements and limitations that need to be taken care of when it comes to a professional driver’s license, making it harder to secure. It’s necessary because of the higher number of vehicles that the holder can drive with a professional driver’s license like heavy and big vehicles.

Let us now get into the details of changing the driver’s license classification from Non-Professional to Professional.

From Non-Professional to Professional Driver’s License - Qualifications needed

To change the driver’s license classification, an applicant must meet the following general qualifications including -

Age	At least 18 years old
Fitness	Must be physically and mentally fit
Education	Must know how to read and write in Filipino, English, or any other major dialect
Driving history	No unsettled traffic violation
Exam	Pass the Automated Theoretical Examination
License	Must be a holder of a Non-Professional Driver’s License

In addition to the above-mentioned general qualifications, there are a few qualifications an applicant needs to meet as per the status of his/her non-professional driver’s license.

NPDL Status	Requirement for change in DL classification
Valid NPDL	Applicant needs to pass the Automated Theoretical Examination
Expired NPDL	Applicants must pass the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test.  For RC1 or DL Codes A & A1 - The applicant must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least six months from the date of issuance. For RC2 or 4 or DL Codes B, B1, and B2 - The applicant must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least one year from the date of issuance.
With demerit points	The period of prohibition for change shall apply from the date of the fine and penalty settlement. 1 to 2 demerit points - 3 months 3 to 4 demerit points - 6 months 5 or more demerit points - 1 year

Also Read: Got 5 demerit points? Here’s how to renew your driver’s license

Furthermore, applicants who wish to add a restriction code together with changing the DL’s classification, must not have two or more counts of reckless driving during the period of validity of the current license.

Also Read: LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal: Step-by-step guide to online & offline process & Associated cost, requirements, and more

From Non-Professional to Professional Driver’s License - Documentation required

If a driver wishes to change his/her driver’s license classification from non-professional to professional, then the following documents must be secured for applying for the change. The list includes -

• Duly accomplished APL, i.e., Application for Permits and Licenses form. You can get this form either from the LTO office or download it via the LTMS Portal
• BIR issued Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Original copy of Non-Professional Driver’s License
• One copy of an electronically transmitted Medical Certificate to the LTO by an LTO-accredited Medical Clinic

While the above list is more generic, it is time to discuss the requirements based on specific cases, like requirements for foreigners with valid NPDL, applicants with medical condition codes, or those who wish to add restriction codes, etc. The table below elaborates on the subject.

Specific cases/scenario	Requirement for change in DL classification (from NPDL to Professional Driver’s License)
Foreigners with a valid NPDL	Valid working VISA (valid for at least 120 days upon the date of arrival) - Presentation of original and submission of one photocopy
Applicants with accumulated TVDPs	In this case, the change in DL’s classification is prohibited for a certain period depending on the demerit points - 1 to 2 TVDP - 3-month prohibition 3 to 4 TVDP - 6-month prohibition 5 or more TVDP - 1-year prohibition
Applicants with medical condition codes 2, 3, 4, or 5	Such applicants are not allowed to drive public utility vehicles or commercial vehicles unless they present -  Proof that can operate such a PUV, issued by an LTO-accredited medical specialist
Applicants who want to add restriction codes	Such applicants are required to take both written and practical driving exams. Also, they will be required to pay the fee for an additional restriction code.
Other cases	Negative Drug Test results from an LTO-accredited drug testing facility. Any of the following clearances - NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, Court Clearance, and Certificate from the Commanding Officer

From Non-Professional to Professional Driver’s License - Step-by-step guide

Let us now focus on the procedure for changing your driver’s license classification from non-professional to professional license.

NPDL to PDL with the same restriction code -

Step 1. First and foremost, go, visit the nearest LTO office. It can be a Licensing Centre, Authorized LTO District Office, Licensing Extension Office, or LTO Extension Office.

Step 2. Upon reaching the office, check if they process the change in driver’s license classification. Also, inquire if they accept walk-in applicants or if an appointment needs to be booked via the LTMS Portal.

Step 3. At the LTO office, ask for the ADL form or download it beforehand via the LTMS portal.

Step 4. Duly complete this form and head to the service counter to get a queue ticket. Next, wait patiently for your number to be called.

Step 5. Upon being called, submit your ADL form along with all the required documents and the queue number.

Step 6. The officer in charge will evaluate all your submissions for completeness and authenticity.

Step 7. Once everything is clear, you’ll be asked to proceed to the cashier and pay the applicable fee.

Step 8. Next, head toward the encoding/biometric window. Here, you’ll be required to encode your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 9. You’ll now receive a claim stub, and an LTO officer will inform you as to when you can come back to collect your license and OR.

Step 10. On the scheduled date, visit the LTO office and collect the driver’s license, however, before doing so, do sign in the log sheet.

NPDL to PDL with additional restriction code -

In case of additional restrictions code, the applicant is required to take and clear the LTO exams - written and practical driving tests.

In terms of the actual process, the same steps are followed as above, with only the inclusion of taking both exams after paying the cashier the fee. After passing both the exams proceed to the encoding/biometric window and complete the form for encoding new details into the LTO-IT system. Next, you’ll receive a claim stub with an LTO officer informing you when to come back to collect your OR and driver’s license.

In short, follow Step 1 to Step 7 as mentioned above, give the exams, then again the same steps as mentioned above, from Step 7 to Step 11.

Some essential details on the LTO written and practical driving exam -

Written Exam	Pass: If you clear the exam, proceed to a practical driving test. Fail: If you fail, you’ll be asked to come back the following day. Thus ending your transaction.
Practical Driving Exam	Pass: Proceed to the cashier to pay for your license. Fail: It is the end of your transaction.

From Non-Professional to Professional Driver’s License - Fees

It is given that whenever an applicant applies for a change in his/her driver’s license classification, a fee will be charged by the authorities, in this case, LTO. It is to be noted that there is no definitive fee, and the final amount depends upon the circumstances surrounding the license. Thus, the fee can range from anywhere between PHP 425 to PHP 1,375, depending on applicable penalties.

Here’s a breakdown of the fee charged for a change in DL classification from a non-professional driver’s license to a professional driver’s license.

Fee structure from the conversion of a valid Non- Non-Professional Driver's License to a Professional Driver's License -

Application Fee	PHP 100
Replacement Fee	PHP 225
Change Classification	PHP 100
Total	PHP 425

Fee structure from the conversion of an expired Non-Professional Driver's License to a Professional Driver’s License -

Application Fee	PHP 100
Renewal Fee	PHP 585
Change Classification	PHP 100
Total	PHP 785 + penalty

Additional Fees -

If due for renewal, the license fee is PHP 585
For the Additional Restriction Code, the fee is PHP 100
License expiry penalty -
If expired from 1 day to 1 year	PHP 75
If expired from 1 year and 1 day to 2 years	PHP 150
If expired from 2 years and 1 day to 10 years	PHP 225

From Non-Professional to Professional Driver’s License - Things to Remember

• A practical Driving Test is a must if the driver’s license has expired for more than two years.
• Only a written exam will be conducted if the NPDL is valid and there’s no additional restriction code.
• Both written and practical driving exams will be conducted if the NPDL is valid and there’s a restriction code.
• Both written and practical driving exams will be conducted if the NPDL has expired.
• Both written and practical driving exams will be conducted if the NPDL is dormant.

Bottom line

Are you looking to change your driver’s license classification from NPDL to PDL? Doing so will permit you to earn a living from driving a public utility or private vehicle. The process is quite straightforward; just remember to collect all the required documents and make sure you are qualified to apply. Don’t delay, as if caught driving without a proper license, you’ll be charged with hefty fines.

Also Read: Here's how you can get an Electronic Driver's License (eDL)