Your complete guide to a Non-Professional Driver’s License
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - An overview
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Advantages of owning one
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Qualifications required
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Eligibility criteria
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Application requirements
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Step-by-step guide
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Validity
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Where to process the application
- Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Things to remember
Congratulations, you finally own a car, and now it’s time to get your hands on a driver’s license which will make you legally permissible to use your vehicle on the public roads. By now, you must be aware of the fact that a driver’s journey in the Philippines begins with securing a student permit, which we believe you have already obtained (now that you are reading about obtaining a NPDL).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Can my 70-year-old grandfather get an NPDL?
Yes, he can. However, LTO will limit the permission to drive via adding condition codes on the DL. Furthermore, he is required to attend eyesight checkup every three years. Note, that if he has a medical condition related to heart, nerve, or mental capacity, he won’t be allowed to drive.I am a foreign national with a valid foreign DL. Do I need to get a student permit or directly apply for NPDL?
As per LTO rules, a foreigner with a valid foreign DL can skip getting a student permit. He/she can convert/exchange their foreign DL to an LTO DL (i.e., an NPDL).Can I skip getting a student permit before applying for NPDL?
Regardless of your nationality or stature, everyone is required to secure a student permit before applying for an NPDL.What is the age limit to apply for a Non-Professional DL?
The age limit for LTO DL depends on two factors: the applicant’s nationality and the license type. For instance, the age limit for securing an NPDL in the Philippines is 17 years for a Filipino citizen and 18 years for a foreign national.I am a foreigner residing in the Philippines. Can I get an LTO DL?
Yes, a foreigner can secure an LTO driver’s license. However, you should be at least 18 years old and above. First, hold a Student’s Permit for 30 days before applying for NPDL; you can also apply for converting foreign DL into LTO DL.In this article, we’ll be discussing all about the Non-Professional Driver’s License, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, requirements, fees, application process, and other key details.
Also Read: Here’s why you should not be driving without a license in the Philippines
So, without any delay, let’s begin.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - An overview
There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines, namely the Student Permit, Non-Professional Driver’s License, and Professional Driver’s License. In terms of hierarchy, the NPDL sits just above the student permit. Here are a few facts about the NPDL you must know -
- Unlike other LTO license types, the NPDL has a less restrictive condition.
- With an NPDL in hand, an individual can drive any private vehicle on their own.
- Only after keeping a student permit for at least six months can an applicant apply for NPDL.
- Depending on the date of issue of the student permit, an applicant has one to 12 months to apply for NPDL and get an upgrade from a student permit.
- Drivers with an NPDL are allowed to drive vehicles with a 4,500 kg GVW (Gross Value Weight), with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
Also Read: From Non-Professional to Professional: Easily update your driver’s license
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Advantages of owning one
There are several benefits of owning a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines. For instance -
- You avoid all the potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license or with an expired license.
- An NPDL serves as a valid government-issued photo ID in the Philippines, accepted both in public and private spaces.
- An NPDL takes a long time to expire, 5 to 10 years; plus, the renewal process is pretty straightforward.
- Applicants get an update on their health and general well-being, as LTO requires them to undergo a Periodic Medical Examination to secure an NPDL.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Qualifications required
When you want to take a jump from a student permit to NPDL, you need to check certain boxes, including passing the driving assessments. The table below mentions all the qualifications you need to get an NPDL, so keep reading.
Qualification -
For foreign applicants -
|
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Eligibility criteria
An applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements to be able to secure a non-professional driver’s license. The table below gives all the detailed information on the same.
NPDL |
Eligibility |
Age |
Filipino applicant: at least 17 years Foreigner applicant: at least 18 years |
Previous LTO license requirement |
Student Driver’s Permit |
Exam |
Must attend & pass -
|
Also Read: All you need to know about different license-related exams conducted by LTO
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Application requirements
When heading to the LTO branch to secure an NPDL, make sure to fetch the following documents, thus ensuring a quick and hassle-free process. The list includes -
If the applicant is 17 years old -
|
Also Read: Here’s how to add and verify a medical certificate on the LTMS portal
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Step-by-step guide
The procedure to apply for a driver’s license remains the same regardless of the classification. So, here are the common steps to follow -
Step 1: Visit the LTMS Portal. |
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Validity
Classification of NPDL |
Validity |
First application or new NPDL |
5 years from the initial issuance unless revoked or suspended |
NPDL due for renewal |
10 years, given that the holder has a clean record, committed no traffic violations during the initial 5-year period |
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Fees
NPDL status |
Fees |
New driver’s license |
PHP 685 |
Renew a valid/unexpired license |
PHP 585 |
Renew an expired license |
PHP 685 + penalty (if applicable) |
Penalty charges go as follows -
If expired, 1 day to 1 year |
PHP 75 |
If expired 1 year and 2 years |
PHP 150 |
If expired 2 years and 1 day to 10 years |
PHP 225 |
Other fees include
Additional Restriction Code |
PHP 100 |
Change Classification |
PHP 100 |
Note that after paying the applicable fees, all you need to do is wait for your turn at the releasing counter where your license will be released. Sometimes, the completion process takes more than a day, which will require you to come again another day to pick up your license.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Where to process the application
Need an NPDL? You can head to any of the following LTO offices -
- LTO Licensing Centers
- Authorised LTO District Offices (DO)
- Authorised LTO Extension Offices (EO)
Also Read: Here's how you can get an Electronic Driver's License (eDL)
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Things to remember
- To avoid any delays in the process, make sure to prepare the required documents.
- Reach the LTO office early to avoid delays.
- Prepare for the exams via reviewers, LTO or others.
- Make sure to dress appropriately; avoid wearing sports shorts, slippers, and underskirts.
- If you wear eyeglasses, make sure to carry them with you during the practical driving test.
- Get a PDC and PDC Certificate from an LTO-accredited driving school.
It is possible to change the DL’s classification from NPDL to PDL and vice versa. - If you fail the LTO Driving or Practical test, you will be entitled to retake the exams.
- If your DL has expired for 10 years or more, you are not eligible to drive anymore. Here, you’ll have to apply for a student permit again.
- Have a DL with 5-year validity? You need to take the PME within 60 days before the 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.
- Do you have a DL with a 10-year validity? You need to take the PME before your 4th and 7th birthdays from the date the license was issued.
Bottom line
If you own a car in the Philippines, you are required to do certain things, like register the car, secure CTPL insurance, and apply for a driver’s license.
Talking about the latter, a Filipino’s legal driving journey begins by applying for a student’s permit, followed by a non-professional driver’s license after 30 days. To get an NPDL, you need to fulfil certain requirements and pass the LTO exams. Just do what’s required and enjoy your driving journey.
Also Read: Fixing errors or updating info? How to revise your driver’s license
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