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Are you ready to hit the road and gain the independence that comes with having a driver’s license? Buckle up, because we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible! In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from securing your student permit to getting the Non-Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines. Along the way, we’ll cover important details like validity periods, online application options, and tips for success to make sure you're set up for a seamless experience.

Understanding the Basics
The process starts with obtaining a Student Permit, which acts as your entry ticket to getting hands-on experience behind the wheel. After that, we’ll focus on the Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)—the go-to choice for most drivers in the Philippines.
Student Permit (SP)
The student permit (SP) allows you to legally drive on Philippine roads as long as you’re accompanied by a licensed driver. It’s usually valid for one year, which gives you ample time to practice your skills before stepping up to the next level.

Qualifications for a Student Permit
● Minimum Age: Filipinos need to be at least 16 years old, while foreign nationals must be 18 and have lived in the Philippines for at least one month.
● Proof of Stay for Foreign Nationals: A stay of six months is required, with proper documentation.
● Health and Literacy: Applicants must be physically and mentally fit, able to read and write in Filipino or English, and free from unresolved traffic violations.
● Theoretical Driving Course: This involves 15 hours of theoretical instruction split into three sessions—yes, it’s a bit like Driver’s Ed!
● Other Requirements: An active email address, proof of identity, and for minors, a parental consent form with the ID of the consenting parent or guardian.
Required Documents for a Student Permit
To get your student permit, gather the following:
● Application Form: Known as the APL Form, available at LTO offices.
● Medical Certificate: From any LTO-accredited medical clinic.
● Proof of Identity: PSA birth certificate, Philippine ID, or passport, among other options.
● Certificate of Theoretical Driving Course (TDC): Required proof of course completion.
● For foreign nationals, you’ll also need a Passport with an entry date of at least one month, plus a visa of six months minimum from your application date.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)
The Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) is the most common option for personal drivers in the Philippines. This license is valid for 10 years if the license holder does not commit any traffic violations during the first five years. It opens the door for you to drive independently—perfect for commuting, road trips, or just enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Qualifications for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
● Age: Filipino applicants must be at least 17 years old, and foreigners, 18.
● Prerequisite: A Student Permit held for at least one month.
● Driving Knowledge: You’ll need to pass the Practical Driving Course (PDC) and complete both a theoretical and practical driving test.
● Other Requirements: TIN for employed applicants and a negative drug test result from a DOH-accredited center.
Key Documents for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
The process is similar to getting a student permit, but here are the main additions:
● Certificate of Practical Driving Course Completion (PDC).
● A Student Permit with at least one month of validity.
● Proof of Identity and, if employed, your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Application Procedures Made Easy
Applying for a Student Permit (SP)

To apply for your SP, here’s how:
1. Visit the nearest LTO branch.
2. Request the APL Form and fill it out carefully.
3. Submit your your documents with your queue number.
4. After your name/number is called, your photo and signature will be taken.
5. Proceed to the cashier to complete your payment at the cashier.
6. Once approved, you can claim your student permit and keep it safe!
LTO SERVICE | FEES |
Application Fee | PHP 100 |
Student Permit Fee | PHP 150 |
Applying for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

Once you’re ready for the NPDL:
1. Head to an LTO Branch and submit an APL form and required documents.
2. Take the Written Exam—If you pass, you can proceed to the driving test!
3. Complete the Driving Test and if you pass, that means you’re nearly there.
4. Proceed to the cashier to pay the remaining fees, complete biometric data, and get ready for your license.
5. Claim Your NPDL—Sign off, and you’re officially licensed!
LTO SERVICE | FEES |
Examination/Application Fee | PHP 100.00 |
Licensing Fee | PHP 585.00 |
Tips for Success
1. Make the LTO website your new best friend! They offer mock exams, driving guides, and updated rules. Study well and you're guaranteed to ace the test!
2. Practice makes perfect, so spend quality time behind the wheel to build confidence.
3. Stay updated because rules can change, so check the LTO website regularly to keep up.
Note: Please be aware that prices for other services, such as the optional vehicle rental for the driving test, medical certificates from LTO-accredited clinics, and other fees, may vary based on your location and the specific branch you plan to visit. We recommend contacting the branch in advance to confirm the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
LTO OFFICES IN LAPU-LAPU CITY
Lapu-Lapu City Licensing Center
Island Central Mall (3rd floor)
+639 5916354
cecile.lto7@gmail.com
Lapu-Lapu City District Office
City Hall, Brgy. Pajo
+639 5916349
0760oic@gmail.com
LTO OFFICES IN MANDAUE CITY
Mandaue City Licensing Center
+639 551279289
ltomandauelc0736@gmail.com
Mandaue City District Office
+639 353050933
r7mandauecitydo@gmail.com
LTO OFFICES IN CEBU CITY
Regional Office Licensing Extension (Malasakit)
r7malasakitlc@gmail.com
Cebu City District Office
lto7cebucitydo@gmail.com
DLRO Robinsons Mall (Fuente)
ltorobinsonsfuente@gmail.com
Cebu City Licensing Center
+639 985916351
ltoccmlc@gmail.com
DLRO SM City Cebu
(032) 232-3022
r07smdlro0722@gmail.com