The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is introducing an automated system for traffic violations, a move aimed to advance digitalization and eliminate corruption. Utilizing the handheld device, this system will automatically enter any violations into the LTO online database.
The Land Transportation Office proclaimed that law enforcement officers would be furnished with Law Enforcement Handheld Mobile Devices (LEHMD) to generate electronic Temporary Operators’ Permits (TOP), allowing handwritten TOPs to become a thing of the past.
Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade, head of the LTP, proclaimed that no one can meddle with a violation once it is added to the LEHMD.
LTO traffic enforcers will no longer issue manual TOPs. Instead of a manual handwritten paper ticket, you will receive machine-generated TOPs (e-TOP: electronic Temporary Operator Permit).
The subsequent step of the LTO’s digitization endeavor, he declares, is to facilitate cashless transaction options for traffic infractions when they are apprehended.
With the assistance of LEHMD’s camera and fingerprint scanner, a traffic enforcer working for LTO can easily verify whether or not the license presented is genuine. Additionally, this powerful tool also functions as a facial recognition scanner!
Utilizing two mobile data SIM cards for web access, the devices are able to transfer information to the LTO system. Even if there is no internet connection available, LEHMD can still issue a violation ticket.
As soon as the mobile data connection is enabled, all transactions will be instantly uploaded and stored in the LTO system servers.
To guarantee their proficiency, LTO enforcers underwent a comprehensive review of LEHMDs usage. To guarantee they are in proper working condition, the devices were rigorously field tested.
LTO Upgrading and Going Digital
This is a step towards a more efficient and reliable traffic violation management system. This move is expected to reduce corruption and improve the overall operations of the LTO. Furthermore, this will help provide the Filipino people with a better experience when it comes to dealing with traffic-related violations.
The LTO encourages everyone to practice responsible driving in order to avoid any difficulties or violations. This will ensure everyone’s safety on the roads and help promote responsible driving in the Philippines.
Below is a post about this announcement as shared on the official Facebook Page of LTO Philippines. So to everyone, please be guided accordingly:
Summary
The Land Transportation Office is committed to providing a safe, secure, and efficient digital transaction platform for all motorists of the country. This automated system is expected to improve road safety as well as reduce corruption within the LTO. We hope that this move towards digitalization will uplift our country’s transportation sector and pave the way for a better future!
A safer, corruption-free transportation system starts now. Let us all abide by traffic rules and regulations to help create an orderly flow of vehicles on our roads. Adhering to these simple rules can help us reach our goal of having a safer transportation system and a better
Getting a driver’s license in the Philippines, especially for the first time, means securing a Student Permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It’s a big deal not only because it is an exciting milestone in life, but also because it is a mandatory requirement for securing a Philippine driver’s license, becoming a full-fledged driver, and driving legally and with proper authorization in the country.
The LTO Student Permit is also known as the student driver permit or student license. It is not a driver’s license per se, but it does give one proper authorization to drive a motor vehicle along Philippine roads legally, with certain restrictions. To learn more about it, read up this informative guide on how to get an LTO Student Permit in the Philippines and get started on your journey to becoming a full-fledged driver.
What is an LTO Student Permit / LTO Student License?
An LTO Student Permit is a document issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to first-time drivers. Its issuance signifies that an individual has legal authorization to drive a motor vehicle, provided that they are under the guidance of a licensed driver. It’s not considered a valid ID, but it is a mandatory requirement for people who are looking to secure a driver’s license.
The LTO Student permit is also known as a student license or a student driver permit but it is not an actual license. It comes with restrictions in its usage since it is illegal to drive with a Student Permit without the company of a licensed driver. Getting caught doing so entails paying an LTO fine amounting ₱3,000.00.
Note that the Student Permit is not free. It comes with certain fees amounting to a total of ₱317.63. It is also only valid for a period of one year, so if you do not wish to have to renew your Student permit, you will need to complete your Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and apply for a Non-Professional driver’s license.
Benefits of an LTO Student Permit
In terms of benefits, the LTO Student Permit offers the following:
Takes you one step closer to securing your driver’s license
Allows you to drive a motor vehicle and learn or practice driving on Philippine roads, though under the guidance of a licensed driver
If you got the Student Permit in the orange card format, it can be used as an acceptable government ID when transacting with selected offices
Who can Apply for an LTO Student License
Must meet the minimum age requirement
For Filipino citizens: Must be at sixteen (16) years of age and above]
For foreign nationals: Must be at least eighteen (18) years old
Must have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) month
Can present proof of stay for at least six (6) months
Must be physically and mentally fit
Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English
Must not have unsettled traffic violation
Must have completed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course divided into three (3) sessions
Must have an active and valid email address
LTO Student Permit Requirements
Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form.
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the medical certificate electronically transmitted from any LTO-accredited medical clinic.
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any of the following:
PSA/NSO Certificate of Birth
Valid Philippine ID
Passport
Local Civil Registry (LCR) Birth Certificate (in areas where there is no PSA offices)
PSA Certificate of Marriage
For applicants below 18 years of age
One (1) parent’s consent or a person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of any valid government-issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant
For foreign nationals
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of six (6) months from date of application, or
If born in the Philippines
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of birth certificate duly-authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
For employed individuals
Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Completion of the 15-hours Theoretical Driving Course electronically transmitted to LTO by either the LTO-accredited driving school, LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center in the Philippines
LTO Student Permit Online Application Procedures
LTO Student Permit Online Application via the LTMS Portal is a process that an applicant can do in order to secure a student license conveniently.
Step 2: At the LTO Office, go to the Customer Service Window and secure a Driver’s License Application Form, Checklist of Requirements and your queue number.
Step 3: Accomplish the form and prepare the required documents for submission. Wait for your turn.
Step 4: When your number is called, submit your application form, along with the necessary documents and your queue number.
Step 5: Wait for the receiving staff to finish checking your requirements and turn it over to the evaluator to get your documents authenticated and your qualifications assessed.
Step 6: Upon successful application, head to the area for photo- and signature-taking.
Step 7: Proceed to the cashier and pay the Student Permit application fees and the other fees necessary for your application. The releasing staff will give you your student in the form of an official receipt (OR).
Important Reminders
A student permit is not an official driver’s license.
The OR issued also serves as the Student Permit.
You cannot get a driver’s license in the Philippines without getting a student’s permit first.
Since January 2019, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has required the online submission of medical certificates for student permit and driver’s license applications.
Applying for a Student Permit requires creating an account on the LTO LTMS portal online.
Foreigners may be given permits by the LTO, but they must meet strict criteria on age and period of residency.
All Student Permit applicants must have completed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) either with LTO or from any of the LTO-accredited driving schools, LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC), or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center nationwide.
The Student Permit has a validity period of one (1) year from the date of its issuance and must be renewed on or before the expiry date if the holder has not applied for the Non-Professional Driver’s License.
If the Student Permit was not renewed or a Non-Professional Driver’s License was not applied within two (2) years from the date of issuance, the holder must apply for a new Student Permit again.
A Student Permit is not considered as a form of identification, though, it can be accepted as a valid ID in some government offices if it comes in its orange card format.
In some schools, the theoretical driving training is broken into three 5-hour sessions, whereas in others, it is broken into two 8-hour and 7-hour sessions.
The application procedure for a Non-Professional Driver’s License may begin after thirty-one (31) days (or one month) from the date of issuance of the LTO student permit.
Video: Getting an LTO Student Permit in the Philippines
To help you in securing your student permit from LTO, you may watch these videos on How to Apply for a Student Permit and the Updated Student Permit Requirements and Procedures posted by vloggers who have gone through the process themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help answer some questions you may have, here’s a list of FAQs about the LTO Student Permit:
1. What is the difference between a student permit and a driver’s license?
The student permit is different from a driver’s licenses. It’s not a license per se, but a permission to drive a motor vehicle issued to first-time drivers, so they can learn and practice driving under the guidance of a qualified licensed driver.
On the other hand, the non-professional driver’s licenses issued by the LTO allows one to drive a vehicle with a gross weight of up to 4,500 kg. The professional driver’s license holders are authorized to drive even heavier and bigger vehicles.
2. Is the LTO student permit considered a valid ID?
No. The student permit is not a valid ID since it is issued only for temporary use. Some government offices accept it as an acceptable valid ID though, provided that it is issued in the orange card format.
3. How much is the LTO student permit?
The total cost for applying for a student permit application is ₱317.63, and it is broken down into several fees, including:
Student permit fee: ₱150.00
Application fee: ₱100.00
Computer fee: ₱67.63
4. What government-issued IDs are acceptable identification documents for LTO student permit applications?
To learn about the valid government-issued IDs that can be used when applying for an LTO student permit, you may refer to this list:
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
5. How long is the validity period of the LTO student permit?
The LTO student permit is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance. After that, it can no longer be used or presented in case you wish to take the Practical Driving Course (PDC) and apply for a Non-professional driver’s license. On the flip side, if you are able to complete the driving course anytime within the validity period, you may already apply for a non-professional driver’s license after 31 days or one month from the issuance of the student permit.
6. Can I renew my LTO student permit?
Yes, the LTO student permit is renewable when it expires. Here are the steps on how to renew your student permit:
Fill out the Application for Permits and License (APL) e-Form.
Submit a copy of your student driver’s permit.
Electronically present one (1) original and submit one (1) photocopy of the medical certificate issued to you by any LTO-accredited medical clinic.
7. Can I drive if I only have a student permit?
Yes, but with certain restrictions. While student drivers are legally permitted to drive a motor vehicle, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver when doing so. If you are a student permit holder, it simply means you can’t drive alone, otherwise, the LTO fine for driving with a student permit and without the guidance of a licensed driver is ₱3,000.00.
8. I know how to drive. Do I still need a Student Permit?
Yes. You will still need to secure and hold on to a student permit for at least one month before you can apply for a Non-professional driver’s license. You’ll also need to present a Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate and complete the 15-hour course at any LTO Driver’s Education Center or LTO-accredited driving school within two (2) years to get your certificate before you can apply for and be issued a student permit.
9. How long can I use my TDC certificate to apply for my student permit?
The Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificate has no expiration date, so it can be used anytime for a lifetime if you need to apply for a student permit.
10. Can I use my TDC Certificate to apply for a student permit at any LTO branch of my choice?
Yes. Your Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificate will be honored anywhere, especially if you completed it from an LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) or any LTO-accredited driving school or training center.
Summary
Securing the LTO Student permit may not seem important as it doesn’t really offer much benefits to own one, but if you own a car and you wish to drive legally by acquiring a driver’s license, then it is a mandatory step to take. Fortunately, the process has been made easier, with the creation of the LTO LTMS portal. You simply need to complete your TDC, apply for a student permit (online or otherwise), and pay the corresponding fees and viola! You are granted a student license.
For more information on how tosecure an LTO student permit or to inquire about other LTO services, you may contact LTO through the following channels:
Owning and driving a car offers a lot of benefits. Unfortunately, it also comes with a lot of expenses and fees. Aside from traffic violations and fines, among the fees that car owners need to pay is the Land Transportation Office Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (LTO MVUC) or the road users’ tax. It is a mandatory fee collected by LTO from vehicle owners in the country to finance the maintenance of national and provincial roads and address the air pollution caused by vehicles.
The MVUC is a component of the Philippine government’s tax reform program mandated by the Republic Act 8794. It comes in the form of fees collected during vehicle registration at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which started in 2004. The fees have not changed since, despite the inflation, though the agency has started pushing for a yearly increase from 2023 onwards.
LTO MVUC stands for the Land Transportation Office Motor Vehicle User’s Charge. This charge is also known as the road users’ tax and is collected upon vehicle registration. It was collected by the government to help fund the maintenance of national and provincial roads and address the air pollution caused by vehicles.
The MVUC varies depending upon numerous factors. These factors include vehicle type, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and year model, among others. Though it is highly unlikely that you will pay the wrong amount at the LTO, it still pays to know in advance the MVUC and other LTO fees that you can expect to pay when you visit the agency to get your vehicle registered.
Having said that, here’s the list of MVUC rates and other LTO fees you’d probably encounter when you go to LTO for your vehicle registration transactions.
MVUC Fee for Private and Government Car Registration or Renewal
Car Type And Weight: Motorcycle without sidecar MVUC: ₱240.00
Car Type And Weight: Motorcycle with sidecar MVUC: ₱300.00
Car Type And Weight: Light passenger cars (Up to 1,600 kg) MVUC: ₱1,600.00
Car Type And Weight: Medium passenger cars (1,601 kg to 2,300 kg) MVUC: ₱3,600.00
Car Type And Weight: Heavy passenger cars (2,301 kg and above) MVUC: ₱8,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Utility vehicles (Up to 2,700 kg) MVUC: ₱2,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Utility vehicles (2,701 kg to 4,500 kg) MVUC: ₱2,000.00 + 0.40 x gross vehicle weight (GVW) in excess of 2,700 kg
Car Type And Weight: SUVs (1991 models and above) (Up to 2,700 kg) MVUC: ₱2,300.00
Car Type And Weight: SUVs (1991 models and above) (2,701 kg to 4,500 kg) MVUC: ₱2,300.00 + 0.46 x GVW in excess of 2,700 kg
Car Type And Weight: Trucks and truck buses (4,501 kg and above) MVUC: ₱1,800.00 + 0.24 x GVW in excess of 2,700 kg
Car Type And Weight: Trailers (4,501 kg and above) MVUC: ₱0.24 x GVW
MVUC Fee for Aged Private Vehicles
Car Type And Weight: Light cars (models from 1995 to 2000) (Maximum of 1,600 kg) MVUC: ₱2,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Light cars (models from 1994 and older) (Maximum of 1,600 kg) MVUC: ₱1,400.00
Car Type And Weight: Medium cars (models from 1997 to 2000) (1,601 kg to 2,300 kg) MVUC: ₱6,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Medium cars (models from 1995 and 1996) (1,601 kg to 2,300 kg) MVUC: ₱4,800.00
Car Type And Weight: Medium cars (models from 1994 and older) (1,601 kg to 2,300 kg) MVUC: ₱2,400.00
Car Type And Weight: Heavy cars (model from 1994 and older) (2,301 kg and above) MVUC: ₱12,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Heavy cars (models from 1994 and older) (2,301 kg and above) MVUC: ₱5,600.00
MVUC Fee for For Hire Vehicles
Car Type And Weight: Motorcycles/Tricycles MVUC: ₱300.00
Car Type And Weight: Light passenger cars (Up to 1,600 kg) MVUC: ₱900.00
Car Type And Weight: Medium passenger cars (1,601 kg to 2,300 kg) MVUC: ₱1,800.00
Car Type And Weight: Heavy passenger cars (2,301 kg and above) MVUC: ₱5,000.00
Car Type And Weight: Utility vehicles (Up to 4,500 kg) MVUC: ₱0.30 x GVW
Car Type And Weight: Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) (Up to 2,700 kg) MVUC: ₱2,300.00
Car Type And Weight: Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) (2,701 kg to 4,500 kg) MVUC: ₱2,300.00 + 0.46 x GVW in excess of 2,700 kg
Car Type And Weight: Truck buses (4,501 kg and above) MVUC: ₱0.30 x GVW
Car Type And Weight: Trailers (4,501 kg and above) MVUC: ₱0.24 x GVW
Penalties, Charges, and Other Fees Related to MVUC
For vehicles beyond the registration week Fee: ₱200.00
Beyond the registration month but not over 12 months Fee: 50% of the MVUC rate
Over 12 months beyond the registration week but without apprehension for violation of the LTO laws, rules, and regulation during the period of delinquency Fee: 50% of the MVUC rate + renewal
More than 12 months beyond the registration week but with apprehension for violation of LTO laws, rules, and regulations during the period of delinquency (Circular No. 83C-DIR-20) Fee: 50% of the MVUC rate + renewal for every year of delinquency
Overloading, provided that no axle exceeds 13,500 kg
Fee: 25% of the MVUC at time of infringement for trucks and trailers with a load exceeding more than 5% of registered GVW
Other LTO Fees and Charges
Accreditation fee for manufacturers, assemblers, importers, rebuilders, dealers (MAIRD) Fee: ₱500.00 (Application Fee), ₱3,000.00/classification (Accreditation Fee), ₱1,000.00/classification (renewal fee), 100% of renewal fee/classification/year (penalty for late renewal)
Storage fee Fee: ₱45.00
Administrative fine for the accreditation fees above Fee: ₱100,000.00 (first offense), ₱500,000 and a suspension of not more than six months (second offense), Cancellation of Certificate of Accreditation (third offense)
Transfer of MV ownership Fee: ₱50.00/transfer
Accreditation fee for other entities: Fee: ₱1,000.00 (Certificate Fee for both individual and no dollar importation), ₱100.00 (Tax exempt)
Top load fee Fee: ₱150.00 (buses), ₱100.00 (cars and utility vehicle)
Certification of Data on MV stock report Fee: ₱30.00
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about the LTO MVUC.
1. What is MVUC?
MVUC stands for LTO’s Motor Vehicle User’s Charge. It refers to the various fees and charges collected by LTO during motor vehicle registration to help finance the maintenance of national and provincial roads and address the air pollution caused by vehicles.
2. How much do I need to pay as a fine for late registration?
LTO imposes a ₱200.00 weekly fine for late registrations but if the late payment is made after a month, the fine becomes 50% of the MVUC.
3. Can I change my motor vehicle plate?
No. The plate number of your vehicle is permanently assigned and would remain the same during the vehicle’s lifetime. You are also not allowed to change your plate number.
4. How much do I need to pay to change the color of my car?
If you wish to change the color of your car, you would have to pay ₱30.00 prior to registration.
5. Can I give out vanity plates as a gift?
Yes. If you are giving vanity plates as gifts, you need to ensure that the recipient is a registered owner of a motor vehicle.
6. What is LTO’s context for aged private vehicles?
LTO’s context when it comes to aged private vehicles, include:
Current – 2000
One year old – 1999
Two years old – 1998
Three years old – 1997
Four years old – 1996
Five years old – 1995
Over five years old – 1994 and older
Summary
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) imposes numerous fees to car owners, including registration fees, MVUC, late fees, and other charges. These fees are not only collected to generate funds for the agency. Some of them are collected for a cause. For example, the MVUC or Motor Vehicle User’s Charge, collected by LTO are used to finance the government-managed infrastructures like the national and provincial roads and advocacies like air pollution control.
The LTO MVUC, also known as the road users’ tax, is collected upon vehicle registration. The amount that one needs to pay varies depending on various factors like motor vehicle type, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and year model, among others. There are also other fees associated with the MVUC, and it pays for car owners, drivers, and operators to know about them, so they can prepare the funds they need in advance. After all car ownership entails a lot of expenses and it is imperative for the owners to be prepared for them even before they think about buying one.
Contact Information
For inquiries or concerns, you may reach out to LTO via the following contact information:
Via the LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471. Via phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66. Via email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph. Via the LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600 By visiting the LTO office: For information, you may check the LTO branch closest to you.
Note that the LTO Text Hotline service is only available during office hours on weekdays. If you avail this service after 5 PM, you won’t get any replies, but you will still be charged a service fee amounting to ₱2.00.
