A driver’s license is required to drive legally no matter which country you are in. To successfully gain the license, one must go through a series of practices and tests. In the Philippines, getting an LTO student permit is to first step of learning how to drive. In this passage, we are going to talk about what is LTO student permit, its requirements, and how to apply for it. By learning about all these issues, you can get fully prepared and get the permit as soon as possible.
What is the LTO Student Permit
A student permit, also known as a student license, is a document issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the official department for driver’s license issuance and vehicle registration. The LTO student license is an initial step to obtaining a full license in the Philippines, indicating that you are allowed to learn basic knowledge of traffic rules and how to drive under the supervision of a licensed instructor. It is valid for 12 months, which means the holder must pass the LTO driving exams within one year.
LTO Student Permit Requirements
Before starting the application, it is suggested to make sure you are qualified to apply and have prepared all supporting documents.
Who Is Eligible for LTO Student License?
To be eligible for a student license, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old as a Filipino or 18 years old as a foreigner with at least 6 months of stay.
- Be physically and mentally healthy to drive.
- Be proficient in reading English and Filipino.
- Have finished a 15-hour theoretical driving course.
- Not have any traffic violations that remain to be settled.
- Have a valid email address.
Required Documents for LTO Student License
- Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
It can be obtained at the LTO office or the official website.
- Medical Certificate
It will prove you are in good condition to drive. Inspection items include height, weight, eyesight, etc. Please obtain it from an LTO-accredited clinic or medical facility. Once approved, the staff will issue a physical certificate to you and send an electronic version to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).
- Consent Letter from the Parent or Guardian
It is required when the applicants are below 19. Both an original copy and photocopy of the parent’s or guardian’s valid government-issued photo ID should also be included.
- Valid ID (both original copy and photocopy)
It could be a PSA/NSO birth certificate, Philippine lD, passport, or LCR birth certificate.
- Certificate of Completing the Theoretical Driving Course
Accredited driving schools, TESDA training centers, or LTO Driver’s Education Centers can issue the physical certificate to you and send the digital copy to LTO.
- Passport and Visa (Photocopy)
It is required when you apply as a non-Filipino. The entry date on it must be at least one month ago and the visa on it must be at least 6 months old. If you are born in the Philippines, a PSA birth certificate is acceptable.
- Marriage Certificate Issued By PSA
It is needed when you are a married woman.
How to Get an LTO Student Permit
The LTO student license can be applied online or in person, depending on the LTO office near you.
LTO Student Permit Application Online
It is considered the most convenient and quickest way to apply for an LTO student license. You can apply at home and make an appointment for biometrics and photo submission. In this case, just visit the LTO office at the scheduled date and time instead of waiting in a long queue. Here is a step-by-step instruction.
- Go to the LTO portal with a computer or mobile device and click on the “Register Now” button to create an LTMS account.
- Read the Terms and Conditions and check the box in front of “Yes, I agree” at the bottom.
- Type the security code to verify that you are not a robot.
- Click on the “Enroll as an Individual” button.
- Choose “No” for “Do you have a Philippine Driver’s or Conductor’s license”.
- Choose your citizenship. As a Filipino, choose “Yes” and click “Next”. As an alien applicant, choose your nationality and provide the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number and its expiry date.
- Provide your personal information to finish the enrollment, including your name, date of birth, gender, email address, phone number, etc.
- Check the verification link and click it in your registered email. Please verify it within 24 hours, or your registration will be canceled by the system.
- Set up a passport when guided back to the LTMS website.
- Note down the 15-digit LTO Client Number with which and the password you can log in to the portal.
- Select “Student Permit” for license classification.
- Complete the online application form.
- Click on the “Add Medical Certificate” button and provide the certificate number.
- Schedule an appointment to visit the LTO office to submit biometrics.
- Pay the LTO student license fees.
- Attend the appointment on the scheduled day with all supporting documents. Try to arrive a few minutes earlier. The officer will capture your photo, fingerprints and signature.
- Sign the release form and collect your permit.
LTO Student Permit Application in Person
If the online application is not available in the nearest LTO office, you can also walk in and submit an application after registering an LTMS account and obtaining the certificate for the 15-hour theoretical driving course in advance. Next, please do as follows.
- Go to the customer service window and tell the staff what you are requesting. They will give you the application form, a checklist of student license requirements, and a queue number.
- Fill out the form and wait until your number is called. Pay attention to the queue screen or the broadcasting. It will tell you which window you should go to.
- Hand in all required documents according to the officer. He/she will check whether what you submit is authentic and complete.
- Take your photo and biometrics in designated areas.
- Fulfill payment and receive your student permit and an official receipt (OR).
FAQs
❓ How much does it cost to get an LTO student permit?
A: The total cost might vary due to the fee for the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC), Medical Certificate, etc. The fixed cost is ₱317, covering the application fee, service fee and student permit fee.
❓ How long does it take to get a student license?
A: It depends on the way you apply. If you have applied online, it will only take a few minutes to submit biometrics in an ATO office. If you apply in person, it will take 2-3 hours subject to the volume of applicants.
❓ How long is the student permit valid?
A: The validity is 1 year. Once it expires, you cannot use it to take a practical driving course. If the course is finished before expiration, it can still be used to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
If you haven’t applied for the Non-Professional Driver’s License, please renew it on or before the expiry date.
Anyone who fails to renew the permit or apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License within 2 years of issuance must request a new one again.
❓ Can I drive if I only have a student permit?
A: No, unless you are accompanied by a licensed instructor. It is illegal to drive alone with a student permit.
❓ I already know how to drive. Can I ask ATO to issue the student permit to me directly?
A: No. All applicants must attend the TDC at an LTO-accredited driving school or an LTO Driver’s Education Center.
❓ If I don’t pass the driver’s license test before my student permit expires, do I need to take the 15-hour TDC again?
A: No. The TDC certificate remains valid for a lifetime once you accomplished the course.
❓ Is my LTO student license acceptable as a valid ID?
A: No, in most cases. Even if some departments accept this temporary document in the form of an orange card, another supporting secondary ID might also be required.
❓ When can I apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s license?
A: 1 month after the LTO student permit is issued.
❓ What should I wear when going to the ATO office?
A: Just look decent. Some offices don’t allow shorts and vests. Bring your eyeglasses if you wear them daily.
Summary
After reading this passage, you must be clear about what is an LTO student permit. It is a mandatory document to learn to drive and obtain a driver’s license. Before starting your application, please review the student license requirements carefully to ensure that you are eligible for it. Online and walk-in applications are available. To save time, the former way is recommended. Getting a student permit is a milestone, after which you can register in LTO-accredited driving school. They will help you finish the Practical Driving Course (PDC) and get a Non-Professional Driver’s license.
📖 Further Readings
Dolores Xiao