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Acquiring a Driver’s License from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a privilege and not a right. As with any privilege, it comes with some requisites and provisions. One of these is the need to change the driver’s license classification from Non-Professional to Professional if you want to drive as a means of livelihood. That means, if you need a driver’s license for work, you can’t use a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL). Instead, you need to request for a change in classification to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

To learn how to apply for a change in driver’s license classification from Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to Professional Driver’s License (PDL), here’s a quick and easy-to-follow guide on how you can do just that. 

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) vs. Professional Driver’s License (PDL)

There are different kinds of driver’s licenses available to the public. There’s the student permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), and a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). Some might say that the student permit is not considered as a driver’s license, in which case, leaves only the other two options. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to immediately apply for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). This means that in at least one point, you will need to process a change in classification request in LTO, especially if you need your driver’s license to earn a living. 

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

For first-time driver’s license applicants who have had a student permit for at least one month, the LTO offers the less restrictive Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL). With an NPDL, an individual is allowed to legally drive any licensed private automobile they are authorized for all on their own. Do note that depending on the date the student permit was issued, an individual has at least a month to up to twelve (12) months to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).

Professional Driver’s License (PDL)

At the top of the hierarchy of LTO licenses is the Professional Driver’s License (PDL). With this type of license at hand, an individual can work and get paid to operate any public or private vehicle they are authorized for or work as a driver for a living. This requires securing and holding on to the other license types, including the Student Permit and the NPDL, for a specific period before they can apply for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

The procedures and fees for getting a Professional and Non-Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines are the same. The only difference is that there are certain LTO requirements and limitations that are more requirements that are harder to secure, if you are getting a professional license because of the higher number of vehicle types that they can drive. That said, it is safe to say that the most significant difference between Professional and Non-Professional Driver’s License is the kind of vehicles that the bearer can drive. A non-professional license holder cannot drive heavy and big vehicles while a professional driver’s license holder can, though it would still depend on the restriction indicated on their license.

General Qualifications

There are six (6) general qualifications to be able to change your Driver’s License (DL) classification. These qualifications include: 

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be physically and mentally fit to drive
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino, English, or any other major dialect
• Must not have an unsettled traffic violation
• Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination
• Must be a holder of a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

On top of the general qualifications, there are other qualifying conditions involving the current valid NPDL and how long since it has been issued before a Change in Classification can be processed:

• For applicants with demerit points, the following period of prohibition for change in classification shall apply from the date of settlement of fines and penalties:
  • 1-2 demerit points – 3 months
  • 3-4 demerit points – 6 months
  • 5 or more demerit points – 1 year
• For valid NPDL, DL holder must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination
• For expired NPDL, DL applicant must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test
  • For RC 1 or DL Codes A and A1, applicants must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least six (6) months from the date of issuance
  • For RC 2 or 4 or DL Codes B, B1 and B2, applicants must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least one (1) year from the date of issuance
• For applicant who wish to add a restriction code on top of the classification change, he/she must not have been cited for two (2) or more counts of reckless driving during the period of validity of his/her current driver’s license

Requirements for Driver’s License Classification Change

There are four (4) things that you need to secure first before you are able to apply for and process a Classification change for your license. These requirements are as follows:

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form available at the LTO office or downloadable from the LTO website (lto.gov.ph).
• Presentation of the original copy of Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)
• Presentation of a copy of a Medical Certificate electronically transmitted to the LTO by an LTO-accredited Medical Clinic 
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued by BIR

In the case of foreigners who have a valid NPDL 

For foreigners with valid NPDL who want to have their driver’s license classification changed, they need to submit the following additional requirement:

• Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of a valid working VISA valid for at least 120 days upon the date of arrival

Other cases

• Clearances/Certificate (Any of the following)
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Court Clearance
  • Certificate from Commanding Officer, if a military officer
• Negative Drug Test result (from an LTO-accredited drug testing facility)

For those with accumulated TVDPs

For other cases like those who have accumulated TVDPs, applying for a Driver’s License Classification change is prohibited for a certain period, depending upon the number of demerit points:

• 1-2 TVDP has a 3-month prohibition,
• 3-4 TVDP for 6 months, and 
• 5 or more TVDP gets a 1-year prohibition

For those with Medical Condition Codes

Those who have Condition Codes 2, 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed to operate For Hire/Public Utility Vehicles or commercial vehicles unless they can present proof that they are allowed to do so, issued by a qualified LTO-accredited medical specialist from an LTO-accredited clinic.

For those who wish to Add Restriction Codes

You will need to take both the written and practical driving exam, and pay the fee for additional restriction code.

Procedures for DL Classification Change from Non-Pro to Professional

Once all of these qualifications and requirements are met, then you can proceed with the actual application procedures for DL change in classification:

Classification Change from NPDL to PDL with Same Restriction Codes

Step 1. Visit any LTO office, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office near you.

Step 2. Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

• If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit. 

Note: The LTO recently rolled out an online website portal called the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) which you can use to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.

Step 3. At the LTO office, ask where you can get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Note: To help save you some time, you may also check the LTO website’s LTO Forms section to download the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Step 4. Once you have completely accomplished the form, get a queue ticket from the service counter and wait for your number to be called.

Step 5. Submit your completed ADL form and all the requirements, including your queue number.

Step 6. The LTO evaluator will check on the completeness and authenticity of your submissions. 

Step 7. Once everything is confirmed, you will be asked to proceed to the Cashier to pay the application fee.

Step 8. Once paid, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding of your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 9. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 10. When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), you will be asked to sign in the log sheet before your license is released to you.

Classification Change from NPDL to PDL with Additional Restriction Codes

Step 1. Visit any LTO office, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office near you.

Step 2. Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

• If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit. 

Note: The LTO recently rolled out an online website portal called the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) which you can use to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.

Step 3. At the LTO office, ask where you can get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Note: To help save you some time, you may also check the LTO website’s LTO Forms section to download the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Step 4. Once you have completely accomplished the form, get a queue ticket from the service counter and wait for your number to be called.

Step 5. Submit your completed ADL form and all the requirements, including your queue number.

Step 6. The LTO evaluator will check on the completeness and authenticity of your submissions. 

Step 7. Once everything is confirmed, you will be asked to proceed to the Cashier to pay the application fee.

Step 8. Once paid, you will need to take and pass the LTO exams.

Step 9. Take the written examination:

• FAILED: If you fail the written examination, you will receive a computer generated letter with this message, “May come back the following day at their convenience.” That’s the end of your transaction.
• PASSED: If you pass, you will proceed with the practical driving test.

Step 10. Take the actual driving examination.

• FAILED: If you fail the practical driving test, that’s the end of your transaction.
• PASSED: Proceed to the Cashier to pay for your license.

Step 11. Once you pass the LTO exams, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 12. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 13. When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), you will be asked to sign in the log sheet before your license is released to you.

Fees Associated with DL Classification Change

There is no definitive fee for processing a driver’s license with a change in classification. Instead, the final amount will depend on the circumstances surrounding the license, so it could be anywhere from Php 425.00 to Php 1,375.00 depending on applicable penalties.

You may check the following breakdown for more information:

Valid PDL to NPDL Fees

• Application Fee: P 100.00
• Replacement Fee: P 225.00
• Renewal Fee: –
• Change Classification: P 100.00

Total: P 425.00

For expired PDL to NPDL Fees

• Application Fee: P 100.00
• Replacement Fee: –
• Renewal Fee: P 585.00
• Change Classification: P 100.00

Total: P 785.00 + penalty

Additional Fees 

• If due for renewal, license fee = P 585.00
• Computation of penalty:
  • If expired 1 day to 1 year = P 75.00
  • 1 year and 1 day to 2 years = P 150.00
  • 2 years and 1 day to 10 years = P 225.00
• For additional Restriction Code (ARC) = P 100.00

Where to Change to DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

Processing a Change of DL Classification from NPDL to PDL can be done at any official LTO Licensing Centers, LTO Licensing Extension Centers, LTO Authorized District Offices, LTO Extension Offices, or at the LTO Central Office – License Station.

Video: How to Convert DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

To help you convert your Non-Professional Driver’s License to a Professional Driver’s License, you may check this video posted by Wander J.

Important Reminders

If you are interested in changing your DL classification from NPDL to PDL, then here are a few reminders:

• For those whose driver’s license has expired for more than two (2) years, they must first take and pass the Practical Driving Test. 
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional restriction code, only a written examination will be conducted.
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional restriction code,  written and practical examinations for the restriction code applied will be given.
• If the Non-Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
• If the Non-Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.
• As long as the general requirements are met, anyone can be eligible for an LTO DL Classification change. 
• It is also possible to change from PDL to NPDL.
• There is a different process if you wish to change classification from NPDL to PDL and add a restriction code at the same time.
• The requirements and procedures are basically the same if you are changing from PDL to NPDL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers about DL change in classification from NPDL to PDL. 

1. Do I need to take the LTO exams when requesting for a DL Classification Change?

It depends. Here’s the guide regarding classification change and LTO exams:

• For those whose driver’s license has expired for more than two (2) years, they must first take and pass the Practical Driving Test. 
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional restriction code, only a written examination will be conducted.
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional restriction code,  written and practical examinations for the restriction code applied will be given.
• If the Non-Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
• If the Non-Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.

2. Is it possible to add more restriction codes while processing a classification change?

Yes. You may add more restriction codes but it will require you to take both written and practical exams. Plus, there’s an additional fee of Php 100.00 for additional restriction codes.

3. Can I request for a PDL to NPDL classification change?

Yes. It is possible to change the classification from PDL to NPDL. The fees, requirements, and procedures are basically the same as the NPDL to PDL classification change, too. 

Summary

Changing your Driver’s License Classification is easy, isn’t it. Youjust need to make sure you meet all the general requirements, pass the LTO written and practical driving exams as needed, then request for the change at any LTO licensing center. Of course, you will need to pay for the relevant LTO fees and amount and get your biometrics logged before you can receive the new PDL card which reflects the new Driver’s License Classification. It’s a pretty simple process and it doesn’t even take that much time as long as you go prepared, so it’s best to get it done and avoid hefty penalties when you get caught driving vehicle types you aren’t authorized to be driving at all.