Have you ever tried to get apprehended by an officer because of driving without a license in the Philippines? If your answer is “Yes” and you want to know how to get a non-professional Driver’s License, then continue reading below.
In this article, we’ll talk about the latest qualifications, requirements, fees and charges, and the step-by-step procedures on how to apply for a non-professional driver’s license.
We’ll also give you an overview of some changes such as the practical driving course (PDC) and restriction codes with regard to the new LTO driver’s license.
Related Reading: Student Permit Application 2022 in the Philippines (A Complete Guide with Costing)
What is a Non-Professional Driver’s License?
A non-professional driver’s license is an official driver’s license in the Philippines that gives a person the privilege to drive a privately owned vehicle. Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) holders are not allowed by the law to drive public vehicles.
NPDL holders can’t also use their private vehicles to drive for a living. For example, if a person wants to be a delivery rider in the Philippines, he or she is required to have a Professional Driver’s License. A person who is found violating this rule can be penalized.
Non-Professional Driver’s License Application Qualifications and Requirements 2022
Before applying for a non-professional driver’s license, it’s good to know first if you’re qualified or not. If you qualify, then you have to prepare the documentary requirements before visiting any LTO office.
Qualifications
A person can apply for a non-professional driver’s license if he or she met the following qualifications:
- Must be 17 years old above;
- Physically and mentally fit;
- Must be holder of a Original and Valid Student Permit for at least (1) month and (1) day;
- Can read and write in English and other applicable dialect;
- Must not have unsettled traffic violation;
- Complete and pass the Practical driving course
What is a Practical Driving Course?
The practical driving course allows applicants to test-drive motor vehicles they wish to include in their non-professional driver’s license. This is an 8-hour course, divided into three days sessions, and must be taken up from an LTO-accredited driving school. This is actually a continuation of the theoretical driving course.
It shall be noted that a practical driving course must be taken up passed before an individual can apply for a non-professional driver’s license. LTO started implementing this rule last August 03, 2020.
Depending on the driving school, fees may be higher or lower. Another consideration to take is the type of motor vehicle you’ll drive. Four-wheeled vehicles are more expensive than motorcycles. You can check in your area and inquire about the fees you need to pay for the practical driving course so you can prepare beforehand.
Requirements
Aside from being qualified, you must bring the following documentary requirements with you.
- Fully-accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form (download here)
- Orinal student’s permit or student’t license
- Medical certificate issued by LTO-accredited medical clinics
- Parent/Guardian consent and ID (for 17-year old applicant only)
- Certificate of Completion of Practical Driving Course
- Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed
It’s worth knowing that medical certificates are valid for (60) days from the date of issuance for LTO purposes. You can freely get a copy from the clinic you took your test when you apply for a student permit.
You can have your Certificate of Completion of Practical Driving Course if you’ve passed the assessment of the driving school where you enrolled.
If you’re planning to convert your non-professional driver’s license, later on, you may want to include your TIN because this is a requirement for a professional driver’s license application.
How to Get Non-Professional Driver’s License 2022 in the Philippines?
We’ve laid out below the step-by-step procedures based on the actual process in an LTO office.
1. Get Your ADL Form and Queue Number from the Customer Service or Front Desk.
If you want to maximize your time while you are at the LTO office, you must download and fill up the ADL form beforehand. You can also get a copy of the ADL form from the front desk officer. Remember to bring your own pen.
2. Submit the Documentary Requirements
Once your number or name was called, submit all the documentary requirements to the evaluator in the evaluation window. In this window, the evaluator will check if all the requirements are complete.
3. Pay the Application and Computer Fees.
Once your documents have been evaluated and deemed complete, you must pay the application and computer fee.
4. Take up the Theoretical Driving Test.
You need to take up and pass the theoretical driving test in order to proceed with the next steps. Some LTO offices are already implementing computerized examinations while others are still offering written examinations.
5. Take up the Practical Driving Test.
Some LTO offices don’t require an applicant to test-drive the vehicle on their restriction codes because the practical driving course will serve as proof that he or she is able to drive properly. However, you must confidently pass the practical driving test and show them that you’re prepared.
You only need to test-drive the motor vehicles based on the restrictions codes you want to apply.
6. Pay the Driver’s License Card Fee.
Now that you’ve passed the test drive, go back to the cashier window and pay the driver’s license card fee. This fee is for the printing of the driver’s license card itself.
7. Proceed to the Photo/Sign Window.
After you’ve paid the necessary fees and charges, you may proceed to the photo and signature window. The officer will take your picture and biometrics.
8. Claim your Non-Professional Driver’s License Card.
Finally, the most exciting part is claiming your Driver’s License Card. This is the final step so you may rest on your seat while waiting for your name to be called. Congratulations, you’re now a Non-Professional Driver and an official NPDL holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve tried to give you the most detailed guide above but here are some FAQs that may answer the hanging questions in your mind.
What if I failed the practical driving course?
An applicant may enroll again in the same school if he or she failed the practical driving test. Currently, there’s no limit to how many times an applicant can fail.
Can I enroll in a practical driving course for FREE?
Practical driving courses are available for free at the LTO Driver’s Education Center. However, there are only limited slots due to a lack of facilities and manpower. You may view the list of Driver’s Education Centers here.
What if I failed the theoretical driving test?
An applicant may come back the following day to retake the exam.
How much is a non-professional driver’s license?
Below are the fees and charges for getting a non-professional driver’s license. The cost of the PDC will depend on the driving school. Student permit expenses are not included in the costing below. However, you may read the full student permit application with costing here.
| Non-Professional Driver’s License Costs | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Cost |
| Application Fee | ₱ 100.00 |
| Computer Fee | 67.68 |
| Non-Professional Driver’s License Fee | 585.00 |
| Medical Certificate | 450.00 |
| Car Rental | 250.00 |
| Practical Driving Course | 4,000.00 |
| Total Cost | ₱ 5,452.68 |
Helpful!