LTO Student Permit – Requirements License – Online Application

LTO Student Permit. If you’re getting your first license in the Philippines, you’ll have to apply for a Student Permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). A Philippine license is a milestone not only because it is an exciting event in life, but also because it is a prerequisite for securing a full-fledged driver’s license, as well as for driving legally and with the proper authorization.

The LTO Student Permit is also referred to as a student license or a student driver permit. The Philippine Driver’s Licence does not constitute a driver’s license per se, but it allows one to drive a motor vehicle legally along Philippine roads, subject to certain restrictions. If you would like to learn more about the LTO Student Permit in the Philippines, please take a look at our informative guide on how to obtain one and begin the journey to becoming a licensed driver.

What is an LTO Student Permit / LTO Student License?

LTO Student Permits are issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to first-time drivers. This document signifies that an individual is legally authorized to drive a motor vehicle, provided that they are under the guidance of a licensed driver. For people seeking to obtain a driver’s license, it is a mandatory requirement, although it is not considered to be a valid form of identification.

LTO Student permits may also be referred to as student licenses or student driver permits, but they do not function as actual licenses. Student Permits are subject to restrictions regarding their use, as they cannot be used without the company of a licensed driver. If caught, you will be required to pay a fine of $3,000.00 to the LTO.

Please note that the Student Permit is not free of charge. There are a number of fees associated with this permit that total $317.63. This permit is also only valid for one year, so if you do not wish to renew your permit, you will have to complete your Theoretical Driving Course and obtain a Non-Professional license.

LTO Student Permit Requirements

• A completed Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form.
• Medical certificates electronically transmitted from any LTO-accredited medical clinic must be presented with the original and one (1) photocopy. 
• You must present the original and submit a photocopy of each of the following:
  • Passport
  • Valid Philippine ID
  • PSA/NSO Certificate of Birth
  • PSA Certificate of Marriage
  • Local Civil Registry (LCR) Birth Certificate (for areas without PSA offices)
• For applicants below 18 years of age
  • Obtaining a student permit requires the consent of either one (1) parent or a person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant  
  • A valid government-issued ID with photo and signature of the parent/affiant with one (1) original and one (1) photocopy
• A photocopy of any issued identification card with the applicant’s photograph and signature must be presented with the original documentation
• For foreign nationals
  • Presenting the original of the passport along with one (1) photocopy, indicating the date of entry of at least one (1) month and the duration of the visa of six (6) months from the date of application, or 
  • If born in the Philippines
    • Present the original birth certificate and submit a photocopy duly authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
• For employed individuals
  • TIN (Taxpayer’s Identification Number).
• In the Philippines, submitting one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course electronically to LTO will require presentation of the original and submission of the photocopy by either an accredited driving school, an accredited driver’s education center (LTO DEC) or an accredited TESDA training center.

LTO Student Permit Online Application Proccess

A student license can be obtained conveniently via the LTMS Portal through the LTO Student Permit Online Application.

• Step 1: Go to the official LTO LTMS web portal at portal.lto.gov.ph webwebsite.

• If you have a previous account: Please log into your account by clicking “Log in.”
• If you don’t have an LTMS account yet: Please register to create a new account by clicking “Register Now.”

• Step 2: Please read the Terms of Agreement, and tick a box that says “Yes, I Accept.” 
• Step 3: Please enter the security code displayed on the screen. Click on “Next.”
• Step 4: Select the type of registration based on your profile:

• For individuals: Simply choose “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
• For organizations: Simply choose “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.

• Step 5: Please select “Yes” or “No” depending on whether or not you already have a Philippine driver’s/conductor’s license.

• For those who already have a license, please complete the registration process by providing the following information:

• Driver’s license number 
• Expiry date
• Official receipt number (or your mother’s maiden name if you no longer have the receipt).

• Step 6: Please confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then click “Next.” button.

• For first-time Filipino applicants, please include the following information:
  • Name
  • Birthdate
  • Mother’s Maiden’s Name
• For alien residents, please provide the following information:
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
  • Expiry date
  • Nationality  

• Step 7: Please enter your contact information (mobile number and email address) and submit. For non-license holders, click “No”
• Step 8: Please confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.” button

• First-time Filipino applicants: Please provide the following information:
  • Name
  • Birthdate:
  • Mother’s or maiden’s name
• Please provide the following information for alien residents:
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
  • Expiry date
  • Nationality  

• Step 9: Please enter your contact information ( mobile number and email address) and submit.
• Step 10: Please check your inbox for a verification link. Click on the verification link and complete the following required information:

• Emergency contact
• Medical information
• General information
• Address

• Step 11: Upon completion, the portal will assign you a 15-digit number that will serve as your username. 
• Step 12: Access your LTMS account by using the username and password provided in your email and you will be directed to the dashboard.
• Step 13: From your Dashboard, choose “Licensing” to proceed with the Student Permit application.
• Step 14: Fill out the online application form.
• Step 15: Click on “Student’s License” from the service list, then click Next button.
• Step 16: Select your preferred application date and LTO office when completing the online application form. 

LTO Student Permit – Video Guide

LTO Student Permit Via Walk-in Application At Nearest LTO Center

Follow some steps to LTO Student Permit Via Walk-in Application

• Step 1: Go to the nearest LTO Office early, but have the following items with you:

• A certificate of completion was obtained upon completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC).
• Create an LTMS Accounts

• Step 2: Go to the Customer Service Window at the LTO Office and obtain a Driver’s License Application Form, Checklist of Requirements, and queue number.
• Step 3: Complete the form and prepare the required documents for submission. Wait for it to be your turn. 
• Step 4: If your number is called, please submit your application form together with the necessary documents and your queue number. 
• Step 5: When the receiving staff has finished checking your requirements and turned them over to the evaluator, the documents will be authenticated and qualifications will be assessed.
• Step 6: Take your photo and signature after you have successfully submitted your application.
• Step 7: Proceed to the cashier and pay the Student Permit application fee as well as any other fees that are required for your application. The releasing staff will provide you with an official receipt for your student (OR).

LTO Student Permit Details in PDF

Acceptable Government-Issued IDs for LTO Student Permit Applications

When applying for a student permit at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines, you must present at least one valid government-issued ID as part of the documentary requirements. Below is an updated list of accepted IDs that are recognized by the LTO for student permit processing:

List of Valid Government-Issued IDs Accepted by LTO

Who can Apply for an LTO Student License

• Applicants must meet the minimum age requirement

• For Filipino citizens: Must be sixteen (16) years old and above]
• For foreign nationals: You must be at least eighteen (18) years old

• Must have spent at least one (1) month in the Philippines
• Have proof of staying for a minimum of six (6) months

• A person must be physically and mentally fit
• You must be able to read and write in Filipino or English
• Having an unresolved traffic violation is not allowed
• You must have completed the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course in three (3) sessions
• A valid and active email address is required

How much does a LTO Student Permit cost?

Students are required to pay a total of $317.63 for the application for a student permit. The fee is broken down into several components, including:

• Student permit fee – ₱150.00
• Application fee – ₱100.00
• Computer fee – ₱67.63

LTO Student Permit Online Application

Important Reminders

• The student permit is not an official driver’s license.
• Student Permits are also issued with the OR.
• The Philippines does not allow you to obtain a license without first obtaining a student’s permit.
• It is important to note that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has begun requiring online submission of medical certificates for applications for student permits and driver’s licenses as of January 2019.
• To apply for a Student Permit, you must create a profile on the LTO’s LTMS portal.
• Foreigners may apply for a permit from the LTO, but they must meet strict criteria regarding their age and duration of residency.
• A student permit applicant must have completed a 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) either at a LTO-accredited driving school, a LTO Driver’s Education Center, or a TESDA Training Center accredited by the LTO.
• A Student Permit has a validity period of one (1) year from the date of issuance, and must be renewed on or before its expiration date if the holder has not applied for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
• In the event that the Student Permit has not been renewed or a Non-Professional Driver’s License has not been applied for within two (2) years of its issuance, it must be renewed or a new Student Permit must be applied for.
• The Student Permit is not considered to be a valid form of identification, but it may be accepted for this purpose in some government offices if it is in the form of an orange card.
• There are schools that separate the theoretical driving training into three five-hour sessions, whereas there are others that divide it into two eight-hour sessions and two seven-hour sessions.
• If you have received a LTO student permit within thirty-one (31) days (or one month) of the date of issuance, you are eligible to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.

Difference Between a Student Permit and a Driver’s License

LTO Student Permit Validity

As per the LTO (Land Transportation Office) guidelines, a student permit is valid for one (1) year from the date it is issued. Once that one-year period is over, the permit cannot be used for driving or enrolling in practical driving lessons anymore.

However, after the one year ends, you can still use your expired student permit to apply for a non-professional driver’s license but only if you finished your practical driving course within that (1) one-year validity.

If more than two (2) years have passed since you got your student permit, you will need to apply for a new student permit. You’ll have to follow the same steps again. When reapplying, you’ll receive a new document with the same student permit number as before.

You can also renew your student permit before it expires if you need more time.

Can You Renew Your LTO Student Permit in the Philippines?

Yes, you can renew your LTO student permit once it reaches its expiration date. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) allows student drivers to extend their permits through a straightforward process. Renewing your student permit ensures continued eligibility for driving lessons and supervised practice on public roads.

If your LTO student permit has expired or is about to expire, follow these steps to renew it without hassle:

1. Complete the Application for Permits and License (APL) e-Form
   • Download or access the APL form online through the LTO portal or fill it out at your nearest LTO branch.
2. Prepare Your Current Student Permit
   • Bring your original student driver’s permit for verification.
   • Submit a photocopy of the same for LTO records.
3. Undergo a Medical Examination
   • Visit any LTO-accredited medical clinic.
   • Secure a medical certificate confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to drive.
   • Present one original copy electronically and submit one photocopy during your application.

Note: Always make sure that your medical certificate is valid and updated, as expired certificates will not be accepted by LTO.

Benefits of an LTO Student Permit

Below are some of the benefits of a LTO Student Permit:

• This will help you obtain your driver’s license one step at a time
• The license allows you to operate a motor vehicle on Philippine roads, provided you are supervised by a licensed driver
• You can use the orange card format Student Permit as an acceptable government ID with certain offices if you have an orange card

Key Features of the LTO Student Permit in the Philippines

Follow some steps of Key Features of the LTO Student Permit

• Entry-Level Permit: The LTO Student Permit serves as the first step toward acquiring a valid driver’s license in the Philippines.
• One-Year Validity: It is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and must be renewed or upgraded before expiry.
• Supervised Driving Only: Holders can only drive when accompanied by a licensed driver solo driving is prohibited.
• Required for Non-Pro License: Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and holding a student permit is mandatory to apply for a non-professional license.
• Available to Foreign Nationals: Foreigners staying at least 6 months in the Philippines and meeting all criteria are also eligible to apply.

FAQs About LTO Student Permit

Can I drive alone with an LTO Student Permit?

Ans: No. Student permit holders are only allowed to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult driver. Driving alone is illegal and subject to a ₱3,000 fine.

How long is the LTO Student Permit valid?

Ans: The LTO Student Permit is valid for 1 year. After this period, it cannot be used for driving or for enrolling in driving courses unless renewed.

What is the cost of applying for a student permit?

Ans: The total cost is ₱317.63, which includes the student permit fee (₱150), application fee (₱100), and computer fee (₱67.63).

Can foreigners apply for a student permit in the Philippines?

Ans: Yes. Foreign nationals who have stayed at least 1 month in the Philippines and have a visa valid for 6 months may apply, provided they meet the other requirements.

What are the basic requirements to apply for a student permit?

Ans: You’ll need to submit:

• A completed APL form
• A valid government-issued ID
• Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
• 15-hour TDC certificate
• Additional documents if you’re a minor or a foreign national

Conclusion

Getting an LTO Student Permit is a crucial step for anyone learning to drive legally in the Philippines. With proper documentation, online or walk-in applications, and a clear understanding of requirements, future drivers can smoothly begin their licensing journey. Remember, this permit ensures you’re trained, supervised, and one step closer to becoming a responsible, fully licensed driver.