QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Driving could be hard for newbies. But getting a driver's license (DL) is a little bit harder. You need to tell yourself "I won't give up!" Why hard you ask? Well, first of all, if you really want a legit DL, you must follow all the instructions, pass all the exams (driving test included,) and go through the exhausting process--and that means by waiting and waiting and waiting in long queues.
Here is a step by step guide on how to get a DL.
1. Obtain a Student Driver's Permit to any LTO branch near you.
The first thing you needed to get is a Philippine Student Driver's permit. This is not intended for school students. I have a young friend who thought that the Student Driver's permit is the driver's license for young kids 16 and above. No. This ain't it. Okay? In fact, all drivers (no matter how old) must get this in order to get the DL itself. This is a primary requirement!
But hep-hep, please make sure you are qualified to have one. Here's the deal:
Qualifications:
1. Must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
2. Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
3. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
Are we good? If so proceed. Here's what to do next.
A. Prepare the following docs:
1. Original with photocopy of birth certificate.
In the absence thereof, any of the following:
a. Joint affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons who know the applicant and who can attest to his/her age and identity accompanied by non-availability of record from NSO or local civil registry office.
b. Any legal document to prove his age and identity such as GSIS, SSS, Passport or any government issued identification card.
2. For applicants below 18 years old, require parent’s or guardian’s written consent with photo copy of ID Card to prove his/her identity. If not accompanied by parent/guardian, the written consent must be duly notarized.
3. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
4. Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL)
Make sure you have your TIN document ready. It could be your TIN ID, any tax form or a legal document or ID that's showing your TIN. In my case I showed them a tax form that is verifying my RDO. And it got approved! AND DO NOT FORGET TO PHOTOCOPY YOUR DOCUMENTS!
B. Go to the nearest LTO servicing branch (One Stop Shops included.) Yes, you don't have to go to LTO East Avenue (for NCR applicants) to get this.
Follow these simple instructions:
1. Proceed to the Customer Service Counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a Driver’s License Application Form. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.
2. When your number is called, proceed to evaluator counter and submit all the required documents and have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
3. Proceed to the Photo taking /Signature Area to have your picture and signature taken when your name is called.
4. Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called to pay the necessary fees and obtain an Official Receipt.
5. Proceed to the Releasing Counter when your name is called and present the Official Receipt and claim the Student Driver’s Permit.
C. Please take note of the fees:
Application Fee 100.00
Computer Fee 67.63
Student Permit Fee 150.00
TOTAL 317.63
This process may take up to 1-3 hours, depending on number of customers they are assisting. I remember going to LTO One Stop Shop Cubao (near TIP) in the morning and got it a little later after an hour and a half. And that's it! You now have your Student Permit! Weeeeee!
