Before you can apply for a driver’s license in the Philippines, you must first go through a student permit application.
A student permit application is a process in which an aspiring driver obtains a so-called student permit or student driver’s permit.
You may want to know how to get a non-professional driver’s license.
A student permit or student driver’s permit is a requirement for applying for a non-professional driver’s license.
To help you get your student permit, I’ll share my actual experience in applying for a student permit. This student permit application 2022 guide is a complete guide that will walk you through the whole process.
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You can use the table of contents if you want to navigate to the part you want to read in this article.
Without so much introduction, let’s dive into it!
Student Permit Application Overview
Back in the day, many students applied for a driver’s license. But because those below the minimum age were not yet allowed to apply, the LTO issued a permit that allows a student to drive a motor vehicle as long as he or she is accompanied by a non-professional or professional driver’s license holder.
Until it became standard and has not been changed yet. Before you can apply for a non-professional driver’s license you must first go through a student permit application.
The student permit application is applicable to all ages (not below 16 years old). Even if you are not a student, you still need to go through this process.
The new process involves securing a theoretical driving certificate (TDC) before the actual student permit application.
Student Permit Application Qualifications
Here are the qualifications you must meet if you want to go through the student permit application.
- You must be a Filipino with age at least 16 years old.
- You must be physically and mentally fit.
- You must be able to read and write in Filipino, English, and other major dialect.
- You must not have unsettled traffic violation.
- You must have completed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course.
- You must have passed the student permit examination online which is done on site.
In my case, the LTO office didn’t conduct a student permit examination. But it will still depend on the LTO office you’re in.
Student Permit Application Requirements
If you passed the qualifications requirements, then you need to bring these documentary requirements with you.
- PSA or NSO birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if married woman
- Parental or guardian consent if you’re below 18 years old
- Medical certificate as a proof that you’re physically and mentally fit
- Valid TDC Completion Certificate
- Taxpayer’s identification number (TIN), if employed
- Proof of payment (made on LTO office)
- Duly accomplished student permit application form
If you’re a foreign applicant, you must have stayed at least one month and proof of stay for at least six months.
You should also bring your VISA and Passport. They must not be expired.
Student Permit Application 2022 Procedures
I’ll divide the application process into three parts. The first part is the accomplishment of non-LTO transactions.
The second part is the preparation of the documentary requirements. And the last part is the actual application inside the LTO office.
Part 1: Accomplish the Non-LTO Transactions
Before the actual student permit application is done inside LTO offices, you must make sure of yourself that you must accomplish non-LTO transactions such as a theoretical driving course and a medical examination.
Theoretical Driving Course
You must undergo a 15-hour theoretical driving course. The course is divided into three days that give five hours per session.
The theoretical driving course will teach you basic knowledge about road signs, traffic rules and laws, responsibilities as a driver, and other basic information you must learn before driving on the road.
The first two days have practice or mock examination.
On the first and second day, the exam consists of 30 and 40 items, respectively. These are only practice exams. And on the final day, the real exam will be conducted. It consists of 100 multiple-choice items.
You must pass the examination. The passing rate is 75%. Honestly, the exam is not difficult at all as long as you pay attention to the lecture during the sessions.
I assure you that you’ll not fail this exam. However, if you fail, you must talk to the driving school if you’re allowed to retake the exam without repeating the whole process.
To see the list of accredited driving schools in your region, proceed here.
Medical Examination
To find out if you are physically or mentally fit, you need to pass a medical examination. The usual thing to do here is to check your height, weight, eye test, hearing test, and other necessary tests. It is not difficult as long as you do not have an illness.
To see the list of accredited medical clinics in your region, proceed here. But sometimes, medical clinics accredited by the LTO are somewhere near the LTO offices. You may ask the guard or any person near the LTO office for assistance.
Part 2: Preparation of Documentary Requirements
You must prepare your documentary requirements to avoid issues inside the LTO office. It’s a best practice to put all the required documents in a plastic envelope a day before you go to the LTO office.
I recommend that you download and print the student permit application form and just fill it up at home so that you don’t have to do it at the LTO office.
But if you missed it, you go to LTO customer service and ask for this form. Just ask the guard or the people around. Also, bring your own black pen.
Download the student permit application here.
To summarize, here is the list of what you need to bring:
- Documentary requirements
- Properly accomplish student permit application (with signature)
- Black pen
- Water and snack
- Bring your powerbank for emergency purposes
- Fully charge your phone in case of emergency
Part 3: Student Permit Application Inside the LTO Office
Upon obtaining a student permit, normally, an examination is conducted. But since you have a TDC, other LTO offices are skipping it because the TDC serves as proof that you already know the basic knowledge about road signs, traffic rules, and others.
But other LTO offices are strict; you still need to take the exam. But in the case LTO office in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, they no longer conducted the student permit examination so I was lucky.
Step 1: Submission of Student Permit Application Form
If you don’t have a student permit application form, ask the customer service representative for it and fill it up with your information. You’ll be given a number and if not, wait for your name to be called.
Step 2: Submission of Documentary Requirements
Once your name or number has been called, proceed to the Evaluator Window or whatever window number you were called to.
Here you will submit the complete requirements that you prepared in step #2. Wait for your application to be approved.
This is easy if your requirements are complete.
Step 3: Biometrics and Picture-taking
Once your application is approved you will be directed to the Photo / Sign Window. Here is the actual taking of your photo, signature, and fingerprints.
Step 4: Pay the Student Permit Fees
After biometrics and picture-taking, you can pay the student permit fee at the Cashier Window.
Step 5: Releasing of Student Permit
Once you have paid the fees, wait for your name to be called for your student permit to be released.
Student Permit Application Fees and Charges 2022
Here is the complete list of fees for a student permit application in 2022.
| Particulars | Amount | Where to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₱ 100 | LTO |
| Computer Fee | ₱ 150 | LTO |
| Theoretical Driving Course | ₱ 1,500 | Driving School |
| Medical Exam | ₱ 400 | Medical Clinic |
Of course, that did not include my expenses for food, snacks, and fare.
Recommended Readings:
- Non-Professional Driver’s License Application 2022
- Professional Driver’s License Application 2022
- PhilHealth Online Registration 2022 | Newest Online Method
- How to Register in PhilHealth Member Portal
