How to get LTO Student Driver’s Permit: Requirements and Procedure

Are you planning to buy your first car? Well, you should first learn how to drive, and even before that, you should have a student permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Having an LTO Student Driver’s Permit is a requirement for when you’re learning how to drive. But before getting one, there are a couple of things you should know about. Here are some of them, and once you have the knowledge, we’ll also show you how to apply for the permit. Let’s begin.

Why do I need to have an LTO Student Driver’s Permit?

Learning to drive a car means you have to be in the driver’s seat yourself. Before you do, you must have a Student’s Permit, especially if you’re enrolling in a driving school, where a student’s license is actually a requirement.

According to LTO’s official website, a student driver’s license is also required if you’re applying for a non-professional license for the first time unless you have an expired foreign driver’s license.

Can I drive alone if I have a student’s permit?

No. The law requires a student’s permit holder to be accompanied by a licensed driver while in the driving seat. If you’re caught driving on your own, you’d be fined an amount of Php500.

Student’s permit vs. Professional/Non-Professional driver’s license: What’s the difference?

A student’s permit has tons of limitations. As the name suggests, it can only be used if you’re learning how to drive. This means you must have a professional driver with you in the passenger seat while on the road.

Once past the student phase, you can now apply for a non-professional driver’s license, which allows you to drive commercial sedans, hatchbacks, and other private cars that are less than 4,500kg. Meanwhile, a professional driver’s license is for those who are driving heavier vehicles like trucks, buses, public utility vehicles, and others.

See also: How to check LTO vehicle license plate availability online

Am I qualified to get a Student Permit from LTO?

To be qualified to get an LTO Student Permit, you must be:

• A Filipino ctizen that’s 16 years old and above
• Or a foreign citizen that’s at least 18 years old and above and must been in the Philippines for at least one month with proof of stay for at least half a year
• Can read and write Filipino or English
• Physically and mentally fit
• Must not have unsettled traffic violation

What are the requirements for LTO Student Permit?

• Completed Application for Driver’s License (ADL)
• Presentation of original birth certificate
• Submission of one photocopy of birth certificate and marriage contract (for married women) that’s been authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or a valid passport
• For applicants below 18 years old: Guardian’s consent with original and photocopy of one government-issued ID with the guardian’s photo and signature
• Presentation of the applicant’s original and submission of one photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature
• Presentation of a copy of the medical certificate. The copy will be sent by the accredited medical clinic directly to LTO’s system.
• For foreigners: presentation of the original and submission of one photocopy of passport witn entry date of at least one month and a visa duration of six months from date of application. If born in the Philippines: a presentation of the original and submission of one photocopy of birth certificate duly authenticated by the PSA.
• Certificate for the completion of the 15-hour Theoretical driving Courde (TDC) from LTO-accredited driving schools or from LTO Driver’s Education centers.
• TIN number if employed

Where to get LTO student permit application form?

You can get the application form from LTO’s official website.

LTO accredited medical clinics

Chances are, there’s an accredited medical clinic around the LTO office you want to apply from. It’s best you take your physical test there for convenience. If not, you can visit LTO’s website for the list of accredited clinics.

LTO accredited driving schools

Like the medical centers, there’s a chance that there are accredited driving schools near the LTO office you want to apply from. If not, there’s a list on LTO’s website that you can refer to.

Accepted goverment IDs (for minor’s guardian)

Here’s the list of valid IDs you can use in the LTO student driver’s permit application.

• Philippine Passport
• Social Security System (SSS) Card
• UMID Card
• PhilHealth ID
• TIN Card
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
• Senior Citizen ID, OFW ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
• National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID
• Solo Parent ID,Voter’s Certification
• Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
• Seaman’s Book
• Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID
• Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) ID
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID

How much is a Driver’s Student Permit fee?

Here are all the expenses that come when getting an LTO student permit

• Theoretical Driving Course (TDC): Php1,500 (driving schools) / FREE (LTO learning centers)
• TDC Certificate: Php200
• Medical Exam: Php480
• Student Permit Fee: Php150
• Application Fee: Php100
• Computer Fee: Php67.63
• TOTAL: Php2,497.63 / Php997.63

How to apply for LTO Student permit

Step 1: Download and fill up the application form that you can get from the LTO website. Also, acquire all the requirements listed above.

Step 2: Go to your nearest LTO licensing center or extension office. Go to the customer service window for a priority number.

Step 3: Once your number is called out, present the application form and all the requirements. A representative will check if everything is complete, and will then transfer them to the evaluator. If everything is clear, your application will be encoded to the LTO system and will then be transferred to the approving officer.

You should also be asked to read and decide the Driver’s Road Safety Pledge.

Step 4: Once approved, you can now proceed to have your photo and signature taken.

Step 5: Proceed to the cashier and pay all the required fees.

Step 6: Claim your student permit card by going to the releasing counter and presenting your receipt. They will also issue an LTO driving exam reviewer that you can use when applying for the actual driver’s license.

How long is the Student’s Permit valid?

An LTO Student’s Permit is valid for one (1) year since its issuance date. That should give you enough time to learn theoretical and practical driving, road rules and signs, etc. Bear in mind that the permit cannot be revised, modified, or renewed once issued.

Can I use my Student’s Permit as valid ID?

Technically, it’s only a temporary permit valid for 1 year, hence it cannot be used as a valid ID. However, there are government agencies like the SSS and DFA that accept a student permit as a valid ID.

To be sure, check with the entity you’re transacting with if they accept a student’s permit as a valid ID.

Can I renew my LTO Student Driver’s Permit?

No. Instead of renewing, you’re allowed to get a new student permit by repeating the process.

Do I still have to get a TDC certificate even if I already know how to drive?

Yes. The LTO is pretty firm about this rule. One of the requirements when applying for a student permit is a TDC certificate, which you can only acquire when you pass the theoretical driving course.

What age is allowed to apply for LTO student permit?

Filipinos as young as 16 years old can apply for a student driving permit.

Can I apply for an LTO Student Permit if I’m a minor without a valid ID?

Yes. Applicants 16 to 18 years old can apply by showing a guardian consent and the guardian’s valid ID with photo and signature. You can also bring your school ID.

What to do after getting Student Driver’s Permit?

Now that you have your student permit, you can now freely learn how to drive or enroll in a driving school. Once you’re confident with your driving skills, you can apply for a pro or non-pro driver’s license.

Basically, that’s it. We’ll update this article if the LTO revises the processes on getting a Student’s Permit, so be on the lookout for that.