Philippine Driver’s License

Driving a Motorcycle without a valid driver license is probably the most common law violation within the Philippines.
Dumaguete City –the unofficial Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines – has probably a high number of motorists who never applied for a driver’s license or didn’t renew. Almost daily  bad accidents on the streets of Dumaguete are reported. Driving a small bike is the best way to get around in Dumaguete. Many sadly forget, that the responsibility does not end with buying a bike. A valid Philippine driver’s license is easy to obtain and belongs to the responsibility of a motorist as much as functioning head- and tail lights, breaks, or a helmet for driver and back-rider.

Philippine Driving License-533x400

On Positive side, nobody is texting


Following some questions which always come up when a discussion towards the driver’s license comes up. We found the following FAQs online and want to share them.(source)

FAQs about obtaining a Philippine Driving License

There are three (3) types of driver’s license, namely, Student Permit, Non-Professional Driver’s License, and Professional License. The minimum age for driving is sixteen (16) years old, provided that they must have a student permit and must be accompanied by a person with a professional driver’s license. An applicant can only apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License one month after acquiring a Student Permit, and six months after, a Professional Driver’s License.

An applicant must both pass the LTO Written Exam and Driving Exam before being granted a Non-professional Driver’s License. If the applicant fails the tests, the applicant should wait for another month before being able to take the tests again.

Restrictions refer to those types of vehicles which the grantee of the driver’s license may be allowed to drive. To wit: Restriction 1 – Motorcycle/Motorized Tricycles Restriction 2 – Vehicle up to 4500 KGS Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Restriction 3 – Vehicle above 4500 KGS GVW Restriction 4 – Automatic Clutch up to 4500 KGS GVW Restriction 5 – Automatic Clutch above 4500 KGS GVW Restriction 6 – Articulated Vehicle 1600 KGS GVW & BELOW Restriction 7 – Articulated Vehicle 1601 up to 4500 KGS GVW Restriction 8 – Articulated Vehicle 4501 KGS & ABOVE GVW

1. Age Requirements a. Student Permit – at least 16 years old b. Non-Professional – at least 17 years old c. Professional – at least 18 years old 2. Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle. 3. Must not be a drug user or alcoholic. 4. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English. 5. Must not be afflicted with any contagious disease or epilepsy. 6. Must be clean, neat and presentable (wearing of sando, playing shorts and slippers during photo-taking and examinations will not be allowed)

1. Proceed to the Customer Service Counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a Driver’s License Application Form. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called. 2. When your number is called, proceed to evaluator counter and submit all the required documents and have it checked for completeness and authenticity. 3. Proceed to the Photo taking/Signature Area to have your picture and signature taken when your name is called. 4. Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called to pay the application fee. 5. Proceed to the Examination Room for the lecture and written exam. 6. After passing the written examination, wait for your name to be called for the practical exam. 7. After passing the practical examination, proceed to the Cashier when your name is called for payment of necessary fees and obtain an Official Receipt. 8. Proceed to the Releasing Counter when your name is called, present the Official Receipt, and claim the Card type license.

Yes. If valid, no exams. If expired subject to written / practical exams. Click the link for more information. (Non-Professional Driver’s License, Professional Driver’s License)

Foreign visitors can use their driving license up to 90 days after the date of arrival before they need to apply for a new one.Check out the procedures for renewing a driver’s license at the LTO Dumaguete here.

Drive Safe!

3 replies
  1. Uno Supero
    Uno Supero says:

    A valid driver’s license is not easy to obtain. The process is very slow. When I applied last year, I came there as early as 4:00 a.m., but we were informed that there were no questionnaires printed at almost 11 a.m. Very irresponsible. We come early and then after 7 hours we were told that there is no questionnaire?! Do not work for wealth, work to serve people!

    Reply

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