A netizen’s recent experience on getting his driver’s license under the new system implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has gone viral on social media.
In a Facebook post, Bryan Gonzaga Sahagun recounted the various steps he encountered in applying for a Non-Professional Driver’s License. Aside from enumerating important details from each step, he also explained how he did it and how much it cost. As of Nov. 27, his viral Facebook post garnered more than 24,000 reactions, 50,000 comments and 89,000 shares.
Summarizing the post, here’s how Sahagun did it:
- Step 1 – Applying for Non-Professional A/T driver’s license. The fee might be a bit different depending on Driving School and LTO branch applied to. Inquire at LTO or any LTO-accredited Driving School and do the Theoretical Driving Course (15 hours). This is composed of three successive sessions so it’s best to plan ahead. He took the online course. Fee: P1,800 (A1 Driving School)
- Step 2 – Written Exam. After completing the 15-hour course, get a schedule for the written exam from the driving school. The test consists of 100 items. Once you pass, the driving school will upload the certification that LTO requires for Student Permit Application. You will also be given a printed version of the certificate.
- Step 3 – Student Permit Application. Complete the following requirements for the Student Permit Application: Birth Certificate, Theoretical Driving Course Certificate, Accomplished Application Form and Medical. Processing is fast and you will be informed that you can apply for Non-Professional Driver’s License after one month. Your medical will last for two months. Fees: Medical (P450) and Student Permit Fee (P318).
- Step 4 – 8 Hours Practical Driving Course. You need to inquire again for the 8 hours Practical Driving Course. You can choose to do this anywhere but he enrolled at Gear 1. In his case, he waited for one month after getting the Student Permit before enrolling for the Practical Driving Course. It was divided into four sessions, two hours each. The Certificate for Course Completion will be given on the last session. In his case, he asked the school to upload the certificate to LTO right after passing the test so that he can get process the Non-Pro license the same day. Fees: 8 Hours Practical Driving (P7,520) for A/T and Certificate Printing (P200).
- Step 5 – Non-Professional Driver’s License Application. Right after the Practical Driving Course, he went straight to LTO bringing the following documents: Student Permit, Medical and other attached documents need during Student Permit Application, 8 Hours Practical Driving Course Certificate and Accomplished Form. Follow the process inside LTO and be mindful of each window. There will be eight steps which include:
* Document Checking
* Public Portal Registration
* Payment for Computerized Exam
* Biometrics/Photo/Signature
* LTMS Exam
* Actual Driving Test
* Payment for Driver’s License
* Releasing
Fees: Computerized Exam (P100), Non-Pro Application (P585) and Actual Driving Test (P250)
The entire process cost Sahagun a total of P11,223 in fees and other expenses. He also reminded applicants that behind the license, there is a note indicated if it’s Non-Pro or Pro, just alongside the DL Codes.
The uploader also gave some advice to other drivers applying for a Non-Professional License. “Shinare ko lang po yung naging expirience ko, na hindi naging madali. Pero since no choice eh kelangan magkalisensya. So, happy na rin, di nga lang sa gastos at pagod. Tsagain nyo sana,” Sahagun concluded.
