What is the Age Requirement to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines?
Filipino citizens or foreigners living in the Philippines should already be aware of the rules regarding the age limit before applying for a license. You should be aware that you may face some serious legal repercussions and even penalties if you disregard the age requirement for applying for different types of drivers’ licenses. Usually, this age limit is the minimum required by the government.
A minor may also be restricted from accessing movies, video games, tobacco, alcohol, accumulating debt, and entering into marriage due to their age. There are also important age limits such as the age of consent, the age of criminal responsibility, and the age of majority, which among other things determines the minimum voting age. It is possible to restrict what a person can and cannot do both at the lower and upper age limits.
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Driving License Types In The Philippines
There are three types of driver’s licenses in the Philippines: Student Permits, Non-Professional Licenses, and Professional Licenses. Here’s a link where you can check them out:
Student Permit
Student Permits are required in order to obtain other licenses. A person holding this paper can operate a vehicle, but only if a Non-Professional or Professional driver is present to supervise them. Furthermore, this document lasts only one year without being modified, revised, or renewed, which means you must apply for other licenses afterward.
Non-Professional Licenses
This license card allows the holder to handle 4,500 GVW private vehicles manually or automatically.
Professional Licenses
A professional license allows an individual to operate not only a private vehicle, but also a public vehicle such as a bus, coach, trailer tractor truck, etc., with a gross vehicle weight of more than 4,500 pounds.
In the Philippines, what is the minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license?
After understanding the differences between the different license types, you can appreciate why the Philippine government has varying age limits or requirements for each. Come on, let’s find out!
Student Permit
There is no regulation regarding the maximum age for applying for a Student License, but the minimum age is set at 16 years old. If you are Filipino, you must pass your 16th birthday before applying for a student permit with the LTO. The law also requires foreigners to be at least 18 years old, regardless of their nationality. A month of stay is also required in the Philippines.
For people with expired licenses over ten years, the LTO exams for this paper must be taken before they can move up to a new license.
Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)
After one year of owning the Student Permit, each individual must apply for a non-professional driver’s license. Hance,the youngest age for Filipino citizens applying for NPDLs is thus 17 years old.
For foreigners, the NPDL test is only available at the age of 18. You may ask, “Why?” Due to the law, people must possess the Student Permit before applying for the NPDL.
Professional Driver’s License
No matter if you are a Filipino citizen or a foreigner, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a professional driver’s license. The applicant must hold a Student Permit for more than thirty days in order to qualify for the NPDL. Depending on the license class, professional applicants must hold an NPDL for at least six months or one year.
Other Requirements to Get an LTO Driver’s License
Different license applications require different documentation. As well as the age limit and the period of time the license holder is permitted to hold the license, the LTO regulations also require proof of traffic violations, medical proof of physical and mental condition, and certain course certificates.
If a student is under 18 years old, they are also required to submit an application form, original and photocopies of personal documents, and a valid ID copy.
LTO fees are another important factor to consider before applying. The cost of getting a Student Permit is about P317.00, while the cost of getting an NPDL or Professional Driver’s license is about P820.00.
FAQs
QNO(1):What is the Age Requirement to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines?
Ans:A Filipino applicant must be at least 16 years old. For non-Filipino applicants, you must be at least 18 years old, reside in the Philippines for at least one month, and intend to stay in the country for at least six months. Your physical and mental health must be in good shape.
QNO(2):Is 18 years old the age limit to get a Driver’s License?
Ans:I don’t. You must meet the age limit for a driver’s license based on your nationality and the type of license you are applying for. Upon turning 16, Filipino citizens are eligible to obtain a student permit, a NPDL, and a PDL. For foreigners, however, these licenses must be obtained after they turn 18 years old.
Conclusion
You’ll want to pay attention to these details if you don’t want to pay a fine of up to P3,000.00 for misrepresenting your age when applying for a driver’s license in the Philippines. If you meet the age requirements, you might also want to read about the process to obtain a real driver’s license.
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