Just turned 17 and can’t wait to drive your own car? Well, worry not, because you can now apply for a student driver’s permit at your nearest Land Transportation Office! But hey, don’t come in unprepared. There are quite a lot of things to prepare when getting one so make sure you have everything in place so as not to go back and forth the LTO office.
Of course, not just because you turned 17, you’re already qualified to get one. Here are the listed qualifications on LTO’s website.
- Must be at least seventeen (17) years old.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
- Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English or the applicable local dialect; and
- In addition, for foreigners, the applicant must be eighteen (18) years old and must have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) year from date of application.
If you think you are qualified, then we go unto the next step: preparing the requirements. These requirements are good for both Filipinos and foreigners looking to get a student’s permit.
- Duly accomplished Application form for Driver’s License (ADL);
- Original and photocopy of a birth certificate duly authenticated by National Statistics Office (NSO);
- If below eighteen (18) years of age, original copy of parental/guardian’s consent with original and photocopy of one (1) valid government issued Identification Card containing the signature of the consenting parent/guardian; and
- Medical Certificate issued by any licensed practicing physician stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise stating his/her impairment.
- In addition, for foreigners, original and photocopy of passport with the entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from date of application, or if born in the Philippines, present original and photocopy of a birth certificate duly authenticated by the NSO.
Take note that these requirements from LTO should all be presented when you get your student’s permit otherwise, you won’t be able to get and process yours.
Quite a process, right? But that’s okay! Afterward, you’re one step closer to driving your own car along the highway. If you’re wondering about the process, the LTO offices normally have a step by step process that can be clearly seen by everyone. Please be reminded, though, that issuance and application for a student’s permit will be done at any LTO Licensing Center and District/Extension Office. Come in early too, lines are normally suuuuper long! And for the love of everyone who hates long lines, DON’T SEEK THE HELP OF FIXERS! Let’s trust and go with the process, fair and square. Good luck on getting your student driver’s permit!
