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.
Also Read: LTO MVUC (Motor Vehicle User’s Charge) and Other LTO Fees
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 1: Visit the LTO LTMS web portal at portal.lto.gov.ph.
- If you already have an existing account: Log into your account by clicking “Log in.”
- If you do not have an LTMS account yet: Register to create a new account by clicking “Register Now.”
Step 2: Read the Terms of Agreement, and tick the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”
Step 3: Enter the security code displayed on the screen. Click “Next.”
Step 4: Choose the type of registrant based on your profile:
- For individuals: Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
- For organizations: Select “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.
Step 5: Select “Yes” or “No” depending on whether or not you already have a Philippine driver’s/conductor’s license.
For those who already have a license, provide the following information to complete the registration process:
- Driver’s license number
- Expiry date
- Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
Step 6: Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
- For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
- Name
- Birthdate
- Mother’s Maiden Name
- For alien residents: provide the following details:
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
- Expiry date
- Nationality
Step 7: Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit. For non-license holders: Click “No”
Step 8: Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
- For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
- Name
- Birthdate
- Mother’s Maiden Name
- For alien residents: provide the following details:
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
- Expiry date
- Nationality
Step 9: Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
Step 10: Check your inbox for the verification link. Click the verification link and complete the following required information:
- Emergency contact
- Medical information
- General information
- Address
Step 11: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username.
Step 12: Using the username and password provided via email, access your LTMS account and you will be redirected to the dashboard.
Step 13: On your Dashboard, select “Licensing” to proceed with the Student Permit application.
Step 14: Complete your online application form.
Step 15: Select “Student’s License” on the service list, then click Next.
Step 16: Finish your online application form by selecting your preferred application date and LTO office.
LTO Student Permit via Walk-in Application at Nearest LTO Office
Step 1: Visit the nearest LTO Office early, but make sure you have:
- Completed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and acquired a completion certificate.
- Created an LTMS account.
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:
- Philippine Identification (Phil ID) Card
- Passport
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- UMID Card
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN Card
- Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Barangay 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
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 to secure an LTO student permit or to inquire about other LTO services, you may contact LTO through the following channels:
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.
Phone: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.
Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
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
Visiting the LTO office: For information, you may check the LTO branch closest to you.
