Wondering how to get a student driver’s license in 2022? Here is an updated guide on LTO student driver’s permit.

What is a student driver’s license?

An LTO student permit is also called a student license. It is a legal document that lets you drive a vehicle on Philippine roads before legal age. However, you still need to be with a non-professional or professional driver’s license holder when operating a vehicle.

This license is only valid for one (1) year. However, this gives you plenty of time to learn the rules, how to read signs, and all things you need to know to pass the driving exams.

If you’re considering a student driver’s permit, you should have heard about LTO’s new application process. The new process requires you to secure a theoretical driving certificate (TDC) before the actual student permit application.

Who is eligible for a student permit (SP)?

To get an SP, you must satisfy these conditions:

        1.1. Filipino citizen of sixteen (16) years old and above

       1.2. Foreign citizen of at least eighteen (18) years old; must have resided in the Philippines for at least one (1) month, with proof that you have stayed for at least six months

       2. Must be fit both physically and mentally

       3. Must read and write in Filipino or English

       4. Must not have any unsettled traffic violation

       5. Must have completed Theoretical Driving Course

       6. Must have an email address

Student License Requirements

Once the qualifications are met, you can prepare the documentary requirements. Here is an updated list of documents to prepare for student permit applications this 2022:

1. Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form. Get a hard copy and fill it out at the LTO office or download a copy at their website.
2. Electronically transmitted medical certificate from a medical clinic accredited to LTO. Submit the original certificate and one photocopy. Here are the LTO-accredited medical clinics. 
3. Present one original and one photocopy of any document:
   a. Passport
   b. Certificate of Birth PSA/NSO
   c. Certificate of Marriage PSA
   d. Local Civil Registry (for areas with no PSA)
   e. Philippine Identification Card
4. For applicants below 18 years old, you are required to have a parent’s consent – any person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit. Present one original and photocopy of any government-issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature.
5. Present original and photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant.
6. For foreigners, present one original and one photocopy of passport with the date of entry being at least one (1) month and visa duration of six months from the application date. If born in the Philippines, present one original and one photocopy of your birth certificate duly authenticated by PSA.
7. If employed, present your Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
8. Present one original and one photocopy of the Certificate of Completion for the 15-hours Theoretical Driving Course. It will be sent electronically to LTO by the accredited driving school / LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center)

NOTE:  

Here are some of the valid IDs:

Government-issued IDs – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID, UMID Card, PhilHealth ID, TIN Card, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Barangay ID, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, Senior Citizen ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID, Social Security System (SSS) Card, Solo Parent ID, Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card, Seaman’s Book, Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID, Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card, Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) ID, Philippine passport, OFW ID, National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID

Student License Validity

1. The Student Permit will only be valid for one year. After one year, you cannot use it for the practical driving course. However, suppose the practical driving course has been completed within the one (1) year validity period, in that case, you can use it in applying for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
2. After two years from the date of issuance of the Student Permit, you will be required to obtain a new student permit bearing the same Student Permit number. You will undergo the necessary lessons from the date of issuance of the new Student Permit. However, you shall retain all your records of training courses.
3. If you are not ready for the Non-Professional Driver’s License, you may renew your Student Permit on or before the expiry date. After the expiry date, only the basic fee shall be collected for the renewal of the Student Permit, except for settling penalties due to traffic violations.

NOTE:

According to MC 2020-2194 dated 29 June 2020, all holders of SP that have expired and were issued before 03 August 2020 shall be required to complete the TDC.

LTO’s Mandatory Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)

Per Memorandum Circular 2019-2176 implemented by the LTO, all student applicants requesting a driver’s license will be required to go through a 15-hour theoretical driving course under certified instructors. The course is divided into three sessions and will cover everything from traffic regulations to LTO-mandated special laws. You must complete it within two years from starting the course.

Go to your nearest LTO Driver’s Education Center and set your schedule. Visit their official Facebook page to inquire about this free service.

Those who want to take the test at the TDC in the Driver’s Education Center of LTO Pasay Licensing Office, LTO NCR-WEST Regional Office, or LTO Las Piñas Licensing Extension Office, you may fill out an online form on their official Facebook page. Walk-in applicants are not allowed. Email them at 301rdmpao@gmail.com for more information.

Student Permit Application 2022 Procedures

This can be divided into three parts: Non-LTO transactions, Documents, and LTO transactions.

1. Non-LTO Transactions

Before the actual student permit application is made inside LTO offices, you must make sure to accomplish non-LTO transactions such as your medical examination and the theoretical driving course.

Theoretical Driving Course

The course is divided into three days, having five hours per day.

The course will teach you basic knowledge of road signs, traffic rules and laws, your responsibilities as a driver, and other essential information.

The first two days will have mock examinations consisting of 30 and 40 items.

The actual exam will be conducted on the final day, consisting of 100 multiple-choice items.

The passing rate is 75%, and if you fail, you must talk to the driving school to see if you will be allowed to retake the exam without repeating the whole process.

You can take the TDC free at your region’s LTO Driver’s Education Center. If there are not any in your area, check out the affiliated driving schools here.

Medical Examination

To determine if you are physically or mentally fit, you must pass a medical examination first. The usual thing to check is your height, weight, eye, hearing, and others. It’s not difficult so long as you don’t have any illnesses.

To see the list of LTO-accredited medical clinics in your region, proceed here. Sometimes, these medical clinics are near the LTO offices; you may ask the guard or anyone near the LTO office for assistance.

2. Documents

You must prepare the documentary requirements to avoid issues inside the LTO office. It is best practice to put all the required documents in a plastic envelope a day before you go to the LTO office.

Download and print out the student permit application form and just fill it in your home so that you don’t have to do it at the LTO office.

However, if you do not, go to LTO customer service and ask for this form. Remember to bring a black pen.

Download the student permit application here.

3. LTO Transactions 

A student license exam is usually conducted upon obtaining a student permit. 

Other LTO offices may allow you to skip the exam if you passed the TDC since it is 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. 

Student License Online Registration

You can start your student permit online application process after securing your 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course certification.

1. Visit the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal and create an account. Remember your login credentials; you will need to use the system again when applying for a driver’s license renewal.
2. Sign in to your LTMS account 
3. The next page will ask you about the kind of transaction you would like to do. Select ‘Licensing’ on your dashboard and complete your online application form.
4. Choose the service you want to use from the service list. Click ‘Student Driver’s Permit’ then click Next.
5. Fill out the application form by selecting your LTO office and preferred application schedule. You can also use the LTO website to make payments and submit your medical certificate.

Applying for Student License at the LTO Branches

If you cannot apply online or your preferred LTO branch is not yet on LTMS, apply for a student license in person.

1. Go to the LTO branch near you. To see a complete list of LTO branches, visit the LTO Directory.
2. At the front desk, look for the personnel, usually a security guard, and ask for a Student License application.
3. After filling it out, submit it along with all the documentary requirements on Window 1. They will check for deficiencies and verify all submitted documents before passing them along to an assessor.
4. Have a seat and wait for your name to be called.
5. When you hear your name, go to the biometrics window. They will take a picture of you and your digital signature.
6. Sit down by the cashier window and wait for your name to be called.
7. Pay your fees; the student permit will cost you ₱317.63.
8. Wait for your name to be called at the releasing window; there, you will be given your Student Permit (SP) and an Official Receipt; write your name and sign the release form.

How much is the student license in the Philippines in 2022?  

These are the total costs for obtaining a student permit. Please remember that the price may vary depending on where you receive your 15-hour TDC and medical certificates. You can also save even more money if you can acquire the Theoretical Driving Course for free.

Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)	₱1,500
TDC Certificate	₱200
Medical Certificate	₱480
Student Permit	₱317.63
Total Cost	₱2,497.63

We hope that this guide on how to get student license in 2022 is able to help you acquire a permit and get you one step closer into getting your professional or non-professional driver’s license! – WhatALife!

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) 

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Also read: How to renew LTO Driver’s License in 2022?