Getting and Renewing a Driver's License

The Three Kinds of License

• Student Permit: lets you learn to drive, but only with a licensed driver beside you.
• Non-professional license: for driving your own or a private vehicle, not for hire.
• Professional license: for people who drive for a living, such as company, jeepney, bus, taxi or truck drivers.

Each license lists codes for the kinds of vehicle you may drive, once called restriction codes and now called Driver's License codes, such as motorcycles, cars or trucks. You need to pass the tests for each code you apply for.

Step 1: Student Permit

1. Register on the LTMS portal (portal.lto.gov.ph) and complete your profile.
2. Finish the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC), a 15-hour classroom course offered by driving schools the LTO has approved (accredited). Some LTO offices hold free TDC sessions. The school uploads your certificate to the LTO's system.
3. Get a Medical Certificate from a clinic the LTO has approved. The clinic sends the result to the LTO electronically.
4. Apply at an LTO licensing office (some steps can be started online), have your photo and signature taken, pay, and receive your Student Permit.

The LTO sets the minimum age for each license. Bring your PSA Birth Certificate or another document showing your date of birth.

Step 2: Non-Professional or Professional License

1. Hold your Student Permit for the minimum period the LTO requires.
2. Complete a Practical Driving Course (PDC), a hands-on driving course, at an approved driving school for each vehicle type you will drive. The school uploads your certificate.
3. Get a new Medical Certificate from an approved clinic.
4. At the LTO, take the written (theoretical) exam and the practical driving test.
5. Pay the fees and have your license printed. RA 10930 says you must appear in person and have your photo taken by the LTO.

A professional license has extra requirements, such as an NBI Clearance, and a separate exam. Check the LTO's checklist for the license you want.

Renewal and the 10-Year License

RA 10930, which changed the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), says a Driver's License is good for five years, counted from your birthday. A holder of a professional or non-professional license who had no violations of RA 4136 or other traffic laws during that period may renew for ten years, following the LTO's rules.

To renew, you usually need:

• your current license;
• a Medical Certificate from an approved clinic; and
• to complete the LTO's driver education module and online exam for renewals (the Comprehensive Driver's Education, or CDE).

The law also told the LTO to set up online renewal. Check the LTMS portal for what you can do online and what still needs an office visit. Renewing late may mean a penalty, and if your license has been expired for a long time, you may have to take the exams again.

Lost or Damaged License

1. Prepare an Affidavit of Loss stating your license number, when and how it was lost, and that it was not taken by the authorities (confiscated). Have it notarized. See Affidavit of Loss.
2. Apply for a duplicate license (a replacement) at an LTO licensing office with the affidavit and a valid ID.
3. Pay the fee for the duplicate.

If a traffic enforcer took your license, an Affidavit of Loss is not the right way. Settle the violation first.