Safe driving is of great importance to traffic safety. That is why every country around the world requires drivers to hold a driver’s license which reflects that the holder has been fully trained in driving skills, traffic rules, and disciplines.
In the Philippines, beginners should start by applying for a non-professional driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). During this process, applicants will go through several steps, including submitting supporting documents, taking the written exam, and taking the practical driving test. In this passage, we are going to introduce a complete guide on non-pro license requirements, fees, processing time, application process, and other related issues.
What Is Non-Pro License in the Philippines?
A Philippines non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) is an official driving permit issued by the LTO allowing the license holder to drive a motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, sedan, sport utility vehicle (SUV), van, or jeep for private purposes. These motor vehicles are marked with Driver’s License (DL) Codes like A, A1, B, B1, and B2. Please note that you cannot drive any vehicle for commercial use with a non-professional driver’s license even if they are under the permitted DL codes. Any NPDL holder who is caught driving public or heavy vehicles will be fined and deducted points.
Types of Driver’s License
There are 3 types of driving permits in the Philippines. Each of them features different requirements, validity, and uses.
Student Permit
It is a prerequisite before getting a real driver’s license. The student permit is issued to those aged 16 with parental or guardian’s consent and is valid for one year. The permit holder can drive a motor vehicle accompanied by a licensed driver. You can change student license to non-pro or pro license after passing all tests.
📚 Read Also: How to Get an LTO Student Permit Fast
Non-Professional Driver’s License
After getting a student permit, a candidate should get this type of driver’s license in 12 months. It is issued to Filipinos aged 17 or foreigners aged 18 and is valid for 5 or 10 years. All applicants must prove their physical and mental well-being to drive, attend the 8-hour Practical Driving Course (PDC), and pass LTO written and practical driving test.
Professional Driver’s License
It is an official document that allows the license holder to drive commercial vehicles, such as tricycles, taxis, jeepneys, buses, and trucks. It is issued to those aged 18 and is valid for 5 years. Professional driver’s licenses have stricter requirements than non-professional ones and they allow the holder to drive vehicle types, such as public and heavy vehicles.
📚 Read Also: The Complete Guide on Philippine Driver’s License Renewal
Difference Between Student Permit, Non-Pro VS Pro License
| Age | Validity | Vehicle Types | |
| Student Permit | 16 | 1 year | Authorized on the permit |
| Non-Professional Driver’s License | 17 (Filipinos)18 (foreigners) | 5 years | A, A1, B, B1, and B2 |
| Professional Driver’s License | 18 | 5 years | Public and heavy vehicles |
Non-Pro License Requirements
To qualify for an NPDL, you must:
- Be 17 years old (Filipinos) or 18 years old (non-Filipinos);
- Be proficient in reading and writing in Filipino, English, or other major Philippine languages;
- Be physically and mentally healthy to drive;
- Have no traffic violations to be settled;
- Have obtained a student permit for at least one month;
- Have a non-pro license expired for 2 – 10 years (if applicable);
- Take the Practical Driving Course (PDC) and get the certificate;
- Pass the LTO written examination and practical driving test;
Foreigners who already obtained a driver’s license in their home country can it to a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines. The non-pro license requirements are generally the same for the conversion. Moreover, applicants must have been staying in the Philippines for at least one month and show a valid visa for at least 120 days.
Documents for Non-Professional Driver’s License Application
To get an NPDL, applicants must spend a lot of time and money. You have to provide the following documents to prove you are qualified for non-professional driver’s license age, health conditions, and examination results.
- Completed Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form available at the LTO website or the LTO licensing office;
- Parent or guardian’s written consent (required for applicant aged 17);
- Both original copy and photocopy of the parent or guardian’s valid photo ID (required for applicant aged 17);
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic;
- 8-hour practical driving course certificate;
- A valid student permit;
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (if applicable)
How to Get A Non-Pro License
After confirming your eligibility for non professional driver’s license and preparing all required documents, you can start the application by following the instructions below.
- Fill out the Application Form. Download the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form or acquire it at the nearby LTO office and complete it.
- Submit all required documents to the nearest LTO district office or licensing center. Some offices might require a prior appointment. The officer there will check the authenticity and completeness of your application.
- Wait until your queue number is called and pay the non-pro license fee.
- Take the written exam. Some LTO offices allow paper tests while others allow electronic tests on the computer. No matter which type you take, you will learn about the results in a few minutes.
- Take the practical driving test. It is usually taken outside the LTO office. The authority allows you to use your own vehicle (on condition that you come with a licensed driver) or rent one from the test centers. If you, unfortunately, fail the exam, you will stop here and retake the exam on another day.
- Return to the LTO office after passing the practical test. Pay the fees until the cashier calls your name.
- Submit biometrics, including your photograph, electronic signature, and fingerprints. The officer will check whether your fingerprints match the record on the student permit application.
- Collect your non-professional driver’s license and the official receipt at the release window.
Non-Pro License Exam
The LTO written exam aims to test how familiar you have been with the Philippine roads and traffic rules. There are 40 multiple-choice questions included in the non-professional licenses exam which are related to the provision of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (R.A. 4136) and Batas Pambansa Bilang 398. To pass the exam, you have to answer 30 (75%) out of 40 questions correctly. The questions are randomly selected from the following 6 subjects.
- Common Driving Knowledge
It includes driving techniques, traffic safety, stress management, traffic rules, defensive driving, and vehicle maintenance.
- Car Parking
It aims to test your knowledge of safe parking, including rules and regulations concerning vehicle parking in the Philippines.
- Emergent Driving
In this section, drivers will be asked about how to react to mechanical failures and road emergencies.
- Skilled Driving
You should be familiar with drivers’ responsibilities, common regulatory rules, and traffic signals.
- Road Signs and Markings
It aims to ensure you are acquainted with traffic signs, signals, and lane markings, such as no U-turn, no right turn, no left turn, no parking, no tooting, etc. Violating these rules will endanger both you and other road users.
- Road Rights
It covers where you should drive and park. For example, you have to recognize one-way lanes, two-way lanes, temporary parking sections, and so forth.
👉 Learn How to Pass the Exams here: LTO Portal Exam Guide
Non-Pro License Fee & Processing Time
The total cost might consist of the following parts.
| Services | Non Pro License Fee |
| Examination Fee | ₱100.00 |
| Computer Fee | ₱67.63 |
| Application Fee | ₱585.00 |
| 4-wheel vehicle Rental Fee (Optional) | ₱250.00 |
| 2-wheel vehicle Rental Fee (Optional) | ₱150.00 |
| Medical Certificate Fee | ₱450.00 |
| Motorcycle Practical Driving Course (PDC) Certificate Fee | ₱2,500 |
| Car Practical Driving Course (PDC) Certificate Fee | ₱4,000 |
| Theoretical Driving Course | ₱1000.00 |
It takes about 3-4 hours to fulfill the application in the LTO offices. The processing time might be shorter or longer depending on the number of applicants on the day you visit the LTO district office or licensing center. Generally speaking, the waiting line is usually the busiest on Mondays and Fridays, so Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best choice if you are available.
Non-Pro License Expiration
A non-professional driver’s license is valid for 5 years after initial issuance. Remember to renew it after expiration. If you don’t have any violation records, you will get a 10-year license. Otherwise, you will get a 5-year one. It can be renewed up to 60 days before expiration. Supposing that you are absent from the Philippines when it expires and want to renew it 61 days to 1 year in advance, you can apply for advance renewal at any Licensing Center or District Office.
Non-Pro License Restriction
LTO implemented new versions of restriction codes, covering Gross Vehicle Weight(GVW), clutch types, seat number, and maximum vehicle design speed.
| Restriction Codes | Vehicle Type |
| Restriction Code 1 | Motorbikes or motorized tricycles (new DL code: A, A1) |
| Restriction Code 2 | Motor vehicle up to 4500 kg GVW (new DL code: B, B1, and B2 with manual transmission) |
| Restriction Code 3 | Motor vehicle above 4500 kg GVW (new DL code: C and D with manual transmission) |
| Restriction Code 4 | Automatic transmission up to 4500 kg GVW (new DL code: B, B1, and B2) |
| Restriction Code 5 | Automatic transmission above 4500 kg GVW (new DL code: C and D) |
| Restriction Code 6 | Articulated vehicle 1600 kg GVW (new DL code: BE) |
| Restriction Code 7 | Articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 kg GVW (new DL code: BE) |
| Restriction Code 8 | Articulated vehicle 4501 kg and above GVW (new DL code: CE) |
How to Change Non-Pro to Pro License?
It is quite simple to convert from NPDL to PDL with the same restriction codes. Here is a step-by-step instruction.
- Visit any LTO office near you that deals with Dl classification changes, such as a Licensing Center, Extension Office, or Authorized LTO District Office. Check whether it requires a prior appointment or accepts walk-in applicants.
- Obtain an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form and fill it out or bring a completed form downloaded on the LTO website.
- Get a queue number and wait in line.
- Submit the completed form and all required documents.
- Pay the application fee after the officer checks your application.
- Submit biometrics and fill out the form to encode new details into the LTO-lT system.
- Collect your Official Receipt (OR) and the new driver’s license.
FAQ
Q1: Can I drive 4 wheels with a non pro license?
A1: Yes. Non-pro license can drive 4 wheels as long as it belongs to Dl code A, A1, B, B1, and B2.
Q2: How to change student license to non-pro?
A2: You should pass the LTO written exam and practical driving test.
Q3: What is the age limit for non-pro driver’s license in the Philippines?
A3: The age for non-pro license depends on your citizenship, 17 years old for Filipinos and 18 years old for non-Filipinos.
Q4: Can I drive in the Philippines with a US license?
A4: Yes, as long as it is in English and you can use it for up to 90 days after your arrival, as long as it’s in English.
Summary
There are 3 types of driving permits in the Philippines. Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) only allows the holder to drive private cars. To obtain the NPDL, you must satisfy the non-pro license requirements and apply for it in person at the LTO office. After passing the non-pro license exam and practical driving test, you can change your student license to non-pro one. The whole process takes only a few hours. After learning about the difference between non-pro and pro licenses, if you want to drive heavy and commercial vehicles, you should apply to change a non-pro to a pro license.
Dolores Xiao