How to Apply for a Student License Permit in the Philippines (LTO)

Wanting to learn how to drive? Going on a roadtrip?

Learning how to drive a motorcycle or a car takes some patience and time. It looks easy on the outside but once you take on the wheel, you’ll realize that there is more to it.

Image from Google: LTO LOGO

But before you can start driving, you will need to have a driver’s license. It can be non-professional or commonly know as “Non-Prof” or Professional. However, if you are a first timer, before you can even get the license, you will need to apply for the STUDENT PERMIT first with LTO.

In this article, I’ll provide an informative guide on how to apply for a STUDENT PERMIT according to our law in 2022.

· Overview – What is a Student Permit?

· Age requirement to Apply

· What to Bring – Requirements for Application

· Step-by-step Application

· Cost – How much does it cost to get the student permit?

Overview – What is a Student Permit?

An LTO student permit or commonly known as the student license, is an official document that authorizes the holder to drive a vehicle in the Philippines in the presence of someone with a professional or non-professional driver’s license.

The student permit is valid for one year from the issue date, which is enough time to learn road traffic signs and rules, improve driving skills, and get ready for LTO driving exams (taken during a driver’s license application). This document cannot be revised, modified, or renewed.

Is There an Age Limit for Driver’s License Application in the Philippines?

The minimum age for a Student Permit application is 16 years old (if foreigner, 18 years old). Meanwhile, the minimum age for a Non-Professional or Professional Driver’s License application is 17 years old (if foreigner, 18 years old).

On the other hand, there is no specific maximum age limit for a driver’s license application. As long as you are still physically and mentally able to drive a motor vehicle and meet other qualifications, you can apply for a license regardless of your age.

What to Bring – Requirements for Application

Take note first of the requirements below before applying for a student permit. This is your first checklist.

1.       Applicant must be a Filipino citizen sixteen (16) years of age and above.
If the applicant is a foreigner, he/she should be least eighteen (18) years old andmust have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) month and proof of stay forat least six (6) months.
2.       He/She must be physically and mentally fit.
3.       Applicant should be literate. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
4.       Must not have unsettled traffic violation.

If you pass the first four criterions, then here is the checklist.
A. Applicant have completed and passed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course(TDC).
What is a theoretical driving course (TDC)? It is a 15-hour (usually divided to three 5 hour sessions) classroom type session wherein an instructor will go over the rules and regulations of driving. This session mostly discusses road signs, etiquette, and conduct.

B. Duly accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL) . You can get this at the LTO office or you may download the form from the LTO website.
C. One (1) photocopy of Birth Certificate from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). For married women, bring also one (1) photocopy of Marriage Contract from PSA. If you have a Valid Passport, you may submit a photocopy instead. Bring the original copies for verification.
Note: Some LTO offices requires the original copy.

D. For applicants below 18 years old:

You must submit one parent’s consent or consent from a person having custody or supervision over the minor applicant, authorizing the applicant to apply for an LTO student permit.
Additionally, submit one original and one photocopy of any valid government-issued ID of the parent or guardian, with photo and signature of any valid government issued ID of the parent/guardian. ID should have photo and signature.

E. One (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant. Bring the original ID for verification.

Note: This is one of the many frustrations of many applicants as not many has a valid ID. We often hear say that, “Kaya nga kame kumukuha din nang lisensya kasi wala kaming ID.”
I understand where people are getting at but we must take note that the primary reason that we are getting a STUDENT PERMIT is because we want to learn how to drive and eventually, get a driver’s license.
TIP: If you are a PHIL HEALTH beneficiary, get a PHIL HEALTH ID card which is easy to process.

F. Electronically transmitted medical certificate issued by any LTO-accredited medical clinic and registered physician. This must include one photocopy of the original medical certificate.

Note: Since January 2019, the LTO has been requiring online submission of medical certificates for student permit and driver’s license applications. But no need to worry about this. The clinic will be the one to transmit your medical exam results to the LTO IT system. The clinic will give you a hard copy of your medical certificate, which you must submit to the LTO for validation.

G. Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN), if the applicant is employed.

Step by Step Application

You can immediately jump to the first step (especially if the LTO office is far from your area) but I highly encourage to visit first the office to confirm the requirements as some offices have their quirks on the requirements.

1.       Enroll and take the TDC in an LTO accredited driving school. Make sure to secure a TDC (Theoretical Driving Course(TDC) certificate.
2.       Go to the nearest LTO accredited medical clinic. They are the only one that can release a medical certificate that will be honored by LTO offices.
3.       Check your checklist.
4.       Go to the LTO office. The information officer or guard will provide you the form.
5.       Look for step 1 window for the verification, checking and submission of requirements.
6.       You will then be asked to read/recite the Driver’s Road Safety Pledge.
7.       Sit down and wait for your name to be called.
8.       When your name is called, proceed to the window for biometrics. Here, they take a photo of you and get your signature.
9.       After the biometrics, proceed to the cashier for the payment of fees. You will pay ₱317.63 pesos (as of writing) for the Student Permit.
10.   After payment, Student Permit and Official Receipt will be issued.

Cost - How much does it cost to get the student permit?

The bulk of the cost if from the TDC. These are the cost when I applied for the Student Permit. Cost may vary depending on your location.

P2,000 – TDC with Certificate (other schools offer P1,500 up to P2,500)

P500 – Medical Certificate

P317.63 – Student Permit

P2817.63

To Remember

Even if you know how to drive already but its your first time getting a license, you will need to enroll with TDC per the new guideline.

Always wear pants and shoes. This is a government office so some offices does not allow slippers and shorts.

Next step would be to enroll to PDC or the practical driving course. This will be one of your requirements when you apply for the Non-professional license.

Interested to read?

How to Apply for a Student License Permit in the Philippines (LTO)

Contact Form