If you are planning to get your driver's license here is a guide plus a list of driving schools in Tarlac for reference.
In 2020, Land Transportation Office (LTO) implemented stricter rules where all Driver's License applications starting August 03, 2020 will require Practical Driving Course (POC) certificates electronically transmitted to the LTO-IT System.
Requirements for getting a driver's license
Getting a driver's license in the Philippines is administered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The process involves several steps like taking theoretical and practical driving lessons on an LTO-accredited driving school, passing theoretical and practical examinations, and the application process.
This guide provides a detailed overview of how to get a driver’s license in the Philippines.
Types of Driver’s Licenses in the Philippines
Before diving into the process, it's important to understand the different types of driver's licenses available:
Student Permit: This is the initial permit required to learn how to drive legally. It allows the holder to drive, but only when accompanied by a licensed driver.
Non-Professional Driver’s License: This license is for individuals who drive private vehicles for personal use. It is not valid for operating vehicles used for hire, such as taxis or public utility vehicles.
Professional Driver’s License: This license is for individuals who operate vehicles for hire or drive large vehicles like buses and trucks.
Each type of license has its own set of requirements. Below are the general eligibility criteria:
Student Permit:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
- Must be at least 17 years old.
- Must hold a valid Student Permit for at least one month.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must hold a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License for at least six months.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Obtaining a Student Permit
The first step in getting a driver’s license in the Philippines is to apply for a Student Permit. Here’s how:
Prepare the Required Documents:
- Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.
- Original and photocopy of birth certificate (PSA/NSO copy or valid passport).
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic indicating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to drive.
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if applicable.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees: Submit your completed application form and other documents to the designated window. Pay the corresponding fees for the Student Permit.
Receive Your Student Permit: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Student Permit. This permit is valid for one year and allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver.
2. Applying for a Non-Professional Driver’s License
After holding your Student Permit for at least one month, you can apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.Prepare the Required Documents:
- Duly accomplished ADL form.
- Original Student Permit.
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.
- Certificate of completion from an accredited driving school or a theoretical driving course from LTO (if applicable).
Take the Practical Driving Test: After passing the written exam, you will be required to take a practical driving test. The test assesses your ability to operate a vehicle safely and adhere to traffic laws.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees: Submit the required documents, including the passing certificates from your written and practical exams. Pay the fees associated with the Non-Professional Driver’s License.
Receive Your Non-Professional Driver’s License: Once approved, your license will be issued. This license is valid for five years and can be renewed upon expiration.
3. Applying for a Professional Driver’s License
To apply for a Professional Driver’s License, you must hold a Non-Professional Driver’s License for at least six months.Prepare the Required Documents:
- Duly accomplished ADL form.
- Original Non-Professional Driver’s License.
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.
- Police or NBI clearance to prove that the applicant has no pending criminal case.
- Certificate of employment if the applicant intends to drive for a living.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees: Submit all the necessary documents along with your passing certificates. Pay the corresponding fees for the Professional Driver’s License.
Receive Your Professional Driver’s License: Upon approval, your Professional Driver’s License will be issued. This license is also valid for five years and is renewable upon expiration.
Important Reminders
Always Check LTO’s Latest Guidelines: LTO regulations and requirements can change, so it’s crucial to check the LTO website or visit the nearest LTO office for the most up-to-date information.
Ensure Compliance with LTO Rules: Failing to comply with LTO rules and regulations can result in penalties or disqualification from the application process.
Keep Track of Expiration Dates: Be mindful of the expiration dates of your licenses and permits. Driving with an expired license can result in fines and other penalties.
Combination of Codes: A driver’s license may have multiple restriction codes, depending on the types of vehicles the driver is authorized to operate. For example, a license might list "1, 2" indicating the holder can drive motorcycles and light vehicles.
Upgrading Restriction Codes: To upgrade or add more restriction codes to a driver’s license, the holder must pass additional written and practical exams specific to the vehicle category they wish to add.
Adherence to Restrictions: Drivers must adhere to the restriction codes listed on their licenses. Driving a vehicle type not covered by their license can result in penalties, fines, and potential legal consequences.
Restriction Codes for Driver’s Licenses in the Philippines
In the Philippines, driver’s licenses are assigned specific restriction codes based on the type of vehicles a person is authorized to drive. These codes are listed on the driver’s license and are important for ensuring that drivers operate only the vehicles for which they have been trained and tested. Below is an overview of the restriction codes used in the Philippines.
Restriction Code 1: Motorcycles or motorized tricycles
- This code allows the license holder to operate motorcycles and motorized tricycles.
- This includes most passenger cars and light vehicles. The license holder can drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 4500 kg.
- This code permits the driver to operate larger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 4500 kg, such as trucks and heavy vehicles.
- This is specifically for vehicles with automatic transmissions not exceeding 4500 kg in gross weight. It is similar to Restriction Code 2 but is limited to automatic transmission vehicles.
- This allows the license holder to operate heavy vehicles with automatic transmissions exceeding 4500 kg in gross vehicle weight.
- This code is for drivers of articulated vehicles (like trailers or semi-trailers) with a gross vehicle weight of 1600 kg or less.
- This code is for drivers who operate articulated vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 1600 kg.
- This code is for operating special types of vehicles, such as construction vehicles or heavy equipment.
List of driving schools in Tarlac
Northside Driving School Tarlac City- Main Branch
Location: MyMetrotown Mall, Mc Arthur Hiway, Sto Cristo, Tarlac City 2300 Tarlac, Philippines
Website: https://www.facebook.com/sugarolernesto
Location: Silayan Center, Brgy. Sto. Cristo, Tarlac City (Moncada: 2nd Floor Hi Bleast Building Rizal, Moncada; Capas: Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Capas, Tarlac)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LaraDrivingLesson
Location: New LTO Building, Paniqui
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068262725037
Tarlac Driving Center
Location: The Prime Building, McArthur Highway
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063638180883
Location: .G Perez Avenue, Brgy. Binauganan Tarlac City , Tarlac, Philippines
Website: https://www.facebook.com/idrivedrivingschooltarlac
Tarlac Driving Center Concepcion Branch
Location: Concepcion, Tarlac
Website: https://www.facebook.com/9124DrivingAcademyOfficial?locale=ms_MY
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