Your complete guide to a Non-Professional Driver’s License

Driver's License

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) Photo from rushtranslate

    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 -

    • You must be physically and mentally fit. 
    • You must be able to read & write in English, Filipino, or any local dialect.
    • There must be no undetected traffic violation.
    • You must keep yourself neat, clean, and presentable. 
    • You must be well-dressed.
    • You must clear the LTO written and practical driving exams.

    For foreign applicants -

    • Must present proof that you have been residing in the Philippines for at least a month. 
    • Must present proof that you will be staying in the Philippines for at least a year from the date of application.

    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 -

    • Practical Driving Course from LTO-accredited licensed driver, LTO Driver’s Education Centre, LTO-accredited Driving School or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Centre
    • Automated Theoretical Examination & Practical Driving Test

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

    Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Application requirements

    Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) - Application requirements Photo from Justdial

    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 -

    • Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form
    • Electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic - Original & one photocopy 
    • Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate - Original & one photocopy 
    • Valid Student Driver’s Permit 

    If the applicant is 17 years old -

    • Parental or guardian’s consent along with valid government ID with photo & signature; this could be any of the following - Philippine Identification Card, Philippine passport, Social Security System Card, UMID Card, PhilHealth ID, TIN Card, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Barangay ID, Senior Citizen ID, Professional Regulation Commission ID, OFW ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID, National Council of Disabled Affairs ID, Solo Parent ID, Voter’s Certification, Government Services and Insurance System e-Card, Seaman’s Book, Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations ID, Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG ID, Department of Social Welfare and Development Certification, Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
    • Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed
    • A negative drug test result from a Department of Health-accredited testing center and/or government hospital 

    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.
    Step 2: If you already have an account, access it by clicking on the Login Button or else click on the Register Now tab and create an account.
    Step 3: Click on the Licensing icon on the dashboard.
    Step 4: Carefully read and accept the Terms of Use.
    Step 5: Select the license type you want to apply for; in this case, the NPDL.
    Step 6: Click on the Add Medical Certificate button and mention the medical certificate number. Next, verify the number.
    Step 7: Choose either New or Renewal, depending on the license application
    Step 8: Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents
    Step 9: Get your LTO appointment, select the date and time
    Step 10: Click Proceed to Summary, read the disclaimers, and click Accept
    Step 11: Go through the order summary and billing information and agree to the terms and conditions
    Step 12: Choose the desired payment method, click on the Continue button
    Step 13: Complete the payment at the third-party site

    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) Photo from freepik

    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

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: Mar. 31- Apr. 4
      Zigwheels weekly wrap-up: Mar. 31- Apr. 4
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Tsukui steps up as Isuzu PH’s new chief
      Tsukui steps up as Isuzu PH’s new chief
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • New Isuzu mu-X breaks cover
      New Isuzu mu-X breaks cover
      Ruben Manahan IV . Today
    • Suzuki Auto PH strengthens presence in Cagayan Valley with Tuguegarao dealership opening
      Suzuki Auto PH strengthens presence in Cagayan Valley with Tuguegarao dealership opening
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Subaru PH treats Crosstrek customers to free Asia-exclusive ‘GT Kit’
      Subaru PH treats Crosstrek customers to free Asia-exclusive ‘GT Kit’
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Here’s a closer look inside the BYD Seal
      Here’s a closer look inside the BYD Seal
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 03, 2025
    • April Fools pranks from motorcycle, car brands in 2025
      April Fools pranks from motorcycle, car brands in 2025
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 02, 2025
    • Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
      Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 25, 2025
    • Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
      Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
      Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
    • Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
      Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
      Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
      Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
      Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
    • Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
      Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
      Paulo Papa . Feb 17, 2025
    • First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
      First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
      Paulo Papa . Apr 03, 2025
    • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
      Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
    • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
      First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
      Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
    • BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
      BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 19, 2025
    • Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
      Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
      Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 14, 2025