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DRIVING & TRANSPORTATION
How to Get a Driver’s License
A step-by-step guide for first-time applicants preparing to get a Non-Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines.
Government agency: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Before you begin
- Who is this for? First-time applicants seeking a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
- What comes first? You must first obtain and hold a valid Student-Driver’s Permit for at least one month before applying for a new Non-Professional Driver’s License.
- Where do you apply? At an authorized LTO Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, District Office, or Extension Office.
- What should you prepare? Your Student-Driver’s Permit, medical certificate, Practical Driving Course certification, application requirements, and other documents applicable to your circumstances.
What you may need to prepare
Before applying, make sure you meet LTO’s qualifications and have completed the required driving courses and documents.
Student-Driver’s Permit
You must hold a valid Student-Driver’s Permit for at least one month before applying.
Application Form
Complete the Application for Permits and Licenses required by LTO.
Medical Certificate
Obtain your medical certificate through an LTO-accredited medical clinic. The certificate is electronically transmitted to LTO.
Additional Documents
Additional requirements may apply depending on your age, employment status, citizenship, or circumstances.For example, LTO currently lists parental/guardian consent for a 17-year-old applicant and a TIN if employed.
Practical Driving Course
Complete and pass the required Practical Driving Course through an authorized provider.
How to apply
Step 1 — Get a Student-Driver’s Permit
Complete the requirements for a Student-Driver’s Permit, including the required Theoretical Driving Course. LTO currently requires completion of a 15-hour TDC for a new Student-Driver’s Permit.
Step 2 — Complete your Practical Driving Course
Attend and pass the required Practical Driving Course through an authorized provider.
Step 3 — Prepare your application requirements
Gather your valid Student-Driver’s Permit, medical certificate, PDC certification, application form, and any additional documents applicable to you.
Step 4 — Submit your application to LTO
Proceed through the applicable LTO/LTMS process and submit your requirements to an authorized LTO licensing office.
Step 5 — Pass the required examinations
Qualified applicants must pass LTO’s theoretical examination and practical driving test.
Step 6 — Complete processing and receive your license
After successfully completing the requirements, examinations, and applicable processing, follow LTO’s instructions for issuance of your Driver’s License.
Before going to LTO
- Make sure your Student-Driver’s Permit has met the required holding period.
- Complete your Practical Driving Course before applying.
- Obtain your medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.
- Bring the originals and photocopies required for your transaction.
- Check your LTMS account and current LTO requirements before visiting.
- Make sure you have no unsettled traffic violations.
Official Government Service
Ready to proceed?
Driver’s license transactions are handled by the Land Transportation Office. Use the official LTMS Portal for applicable online portions of your transaction and follow LTO instructions for the required in-person processing.
You are leaving JUANGUIDE and will be redirected to an official Philippine government website.
Official sources
JUANGUIDE summarizes government processes to make them easier to understand. Driver’s license requirements and procedures can change, so verify the latest information with LTO before applying.
Official agency: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
You may also need
Student-Driver’s Permit
Learn what you need before you can apply for your first Driver’s License.