Driving License

Non-Professional Driver’s License Requirements for Applications

Published

9 months ago

February 13, 2024

Admin

In the Philippines, car or motorcycle owners must also obtain a license to begin their legal driving journey. To do so, you will need to understand and adhere to the requirements and attempt to pass the necessary LTO exams. For this reason, here are all the details about LTO’s non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) applications.

What is a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)?

NPDLs are just above student permits in terms of license hierarchy. The LTO offers a type of license with fewer restrictions. The individual can drive any licensed private automobile without the need for a student permit.

The student permit must be held for a minimum of six months in order to secure an NPDL. The individual has one month to twelve (12) months from the date the student permit was issued to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) Benefits

It’s beneficial to possess a driver’s license, even if it’s just a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL):

By doing so, one avoids penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license or with one that has expired.
The card provides a valid photo ID that can be used in both public and private offices.
Getting a new license through the LTO Portal is more difficult than renewing an existing one.
Five to ten years pass before it expires.
To ensure safe driving, the licensee is required to undergo a Periodic Medical Examination (PME).

Read Aslo:National ID Tracking

Qualifications (NPDL)

When you obtain a non-professional driver’s license (NPDL), you are authorized by the LTO to operate your own motor vehicle. The licensee also has to meet all the following qualifications in addition to passing the driving assessments.

It is necessary to be physically and mentally fit
A Filipino, an English speaker, or any local dialect must be able to read and write
Traffic violations must not be unsettled
Cleanliness, neatness, and presentability are required
Well-dressed is required.
The written and practical driving tests must be passed
Foreign applicants:You must have proof that they have lived in the Philippines for at least one month and will stay in the Philippines for at least one year after applying.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) Eligibility

A non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) can be obtained from the LTO by meeting the following requirements:

You must be at least seventeen (17) years old. Foreigners must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
Student-driver’s permit must be valid for at least one (1) month from the date of issuance
A LTO-accredited licensed driver, LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC), LTO-accredited driving school, or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center must have completed and passed the Practical Driving Course (PDC).
The Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test must have been passed

What are the Requirements for Non-Professional Driver’s License Application

Following is a list of all the required documents you will need to prepare to obtain a non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) at the LTO:

APL (Application for Permits and Licenses) completed
One (1) photocopy of the original and one (1) copy of the electronic medical certificate from a medical clinic accredited by the LTO
The original and one (1) photocopy of the Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate
Permit valid for student drivers (Refer to SP validity)
If the applicant is seventeen (17) years old: A parent or guardian’s consent (with a valid government-issued photo ID and signature).

A Philippine Identification Card (PhilID),
Passport of the Philippines,
Card for the Social Security System (SSS),
Cards with UMIDs,
A PhilHealth ID is,
Card with TIN,
A copy of your postal ID,
A voter’s identification card,
ID of the barangay,
ID of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),
Identification card for senior citizens,
ID card for OFWs,
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID number,
The National Council on Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID,
Parent ID for a single parent,
Certification of the voter,
The e-Card of the Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS),
Book of Seaman,
ID for Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC),
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or the Pag-IBIG ID,
Certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
Identification card of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
TIN, if employed
A negative drug test result from a government hospital or testing center accredited by the Department of Health (DOH)

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) Procedures

This guide on xxx provides more information on how license applications are processed regardless of classification.

This guide on xxx can help you convert your professional driver’s license (PDL) into an NPDL.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) Validity

First-time applicants or new non-professional drivers will have a five-year validity period from the date of initial issuance, unless it is revoked or suspended. When the Non-Professional Driver’s License is renewed, responsible holders with a clean record or those who have not committed any road traffic violations within a five-(5) year period prior to expiration will be eligible for a ten (10) year renewal of the same type of driver’s license.

The Required fees

All NPDL applications, whether new or existing, require funds to pay the LTO fees in addition to the documentary requirements listed above.

The following fees are included in these LTO fees:

NPDL that has expired

There is a P100 application fee
Fee for renewal – P 585.00

Total: P 685.00 + penalty (if any)

Penalty

1 day to 1 year expired = 75 pesos
2 years and 1 day = P 150.00
To 10 years, 2 years and 1 day = P 225.00

Other Fees

ARC = P 100.00 Additional Restriction Code
Classification change – P 100.00

After paying these fees, you may have to wait at the releasing counter for your driver’s license to be released. Sometimes, it takes more than a day to process, so you may be asked to pick up your NPDL at a later time.

Where to Process NPDL Applications

You can apply for a non-professional driver’s license at any of the following LTO offices in the Philippines:

Licensing centers for LTO
LTO District Offices (DO) authorized by the LTO
Extension Offices (EOs) authorized by LTO

Important Reminders

Here are a few reminders before submitting an application for an LTO non-professional driver’s license:

To avoid delays, prepare all documentary requirements (including photocopies) before visiting the LTO Office.
Getting to the LTO office early will allow you to finish it within the day.
Review the LTO Portal or other reviewers available to help you prepare for the exams.
During the examinations and picture-taking, please avoid wearing underskirts/sandos, sports shorts, and slippers.
You should wear eyeglasses during the application process, especially when taking the practical test.
Driving schools accredited by the LTO are the only places to get a Practical Driving Course (PDC) and PDC Certificate.
Driver’s licenses for non-professionals issued for the first time have a four-year validity period.
Those holding licenses with a five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days of their third birthday.
In the case of ten-year licenses, the PME must be taken before the licensee’s fourth and seventh birthdays beginning on the date of issuance.
Renewing licenses also requires the submission of a medical examination certificate from a clinic accredited by the LTO.
Drivers whose licenses have expired for 10 years or more must reapply for a student permit.
Driver’s licenses are usually released the same day as they are applied for, although this may vary from office to office.
Applicants who fail the LTO driving test will have to retake both the written and practical exams the following day, if convenient.
In order to apply for or renew a pro or non-pro driver’s license, you need to fill out an application, validate it, submit a picture and signature, pay the fee, submit a written professional or non-professional driver’s license, pass a test, and demonstrate actual driving skills.
Any LTO DL Classification change is eligible if the requirements are met.
Additionally, NPDL classifications can be changed to PDL classifications.
NPDL applications can also be submitted online via the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

Video: Updated LTO Non-Professional Driver’s License Requirements, Step-by-Step Process, PDC FAQs

FAQs

QNO(1):What do I need to bring to apply for a non pro license?

Ans:Licensing requirements for non-professional drivers

1) Completed the Application for Driver’s License (ADL). …
2) Medical certificate from a clinic accredited by LTO.
3)Original student permit ID.
4) Certificate of completion of a practical driving course.

QNO(2):How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license?

Ans:Depending on the license type, the validity period varies. A Student Permit is valid for one year. First-time professional and non-professional drivers, as well as those renewing with traffic violations, get five-year licenses. As per Republic Act 10930, licensees with a clean record can renew their licenses and obtain ones with 10-year validity periods.

Conclusion

Any new car or motorcycle owner must obtain a license from the LTO office as soon as possible. This guide on the motor vehicle registration requirements can assist you in getting prepared for the process, even though it is a simple one. Having a DL means using your vehicle freely, without worrying about legal repercussions, whether it’s a motorcycle or four-wheel drive. Your non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines will also serve as a valid ID, so you won’t be losing anything.