How to Apply for LTO Student License: 2024 Guide

Most countries, if not all, require you to have a license to drive a vehicle on public roads. Before you can get a driver’s license in the Philippines, you have to go to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and ask for a student permit. An LTO student permit, which is also called a student license, is a legal document that lets the holder drive a car or a motorcycle on Philippine roads as long as they are with a non-professional or professional driver’s license holder. The student license or permit is only good for one (1) year from the date it was issued. This gives you plenty of time to learn the rules of the road, how to read traffic signs, and everything else you need to know to pass your LTO driving exams. This test is part of the process of getting a driver’s license.

If you’re thinking about getting a student driver’s permit anytime soon, you’ve certainly heard about the LTO’s new application guidelines. These new criteria have substantially altered the prerequisites for driver’s license applications. In this article, we will discuss revised procedures and conditions for obtaining an LTO student permit in 2024.

Student License Qualifications

To be eligible for a student permit, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• For Filipino citizens, you must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a student license.
• Physically and mentally fit to operate a vehicle
• Be able to read and write in Filipino or English
• completed the LTO’s 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course
• No unsettled traffic violations
• Must have a valid email address

If you are a foreign national, you must be at least 18 years of age and living in the Philippines for at least one year, with proof of stay for at least six months. Foreign applicants residing in the National Capital Region can only apply at the LTO Central Office License Section in East Avenue, Quezon City.

Student Permit Requirements

Once all of the above qualifications have been met, you can begin preparing the documentary requirements. Here is an updated list document to prepare for your student permit application this 2022:

• A fully-accomplished student driver’s permit application form
• If you are below eighteen (18) years old, you need to submit an original copy of your parents/guardian/s consent together with a photocopy of at least one (1) of their valid IDs.
• Original medical certificate e-transmitted from any LTO-accredited medical facility and/or physician. Take note that your medical exam findings will be transmitted to the LTO system by the approved facility or physician, who will also issue you a physical copy of your medical certificate. Prepare this physical copy as part of your application, as you will need to send it to LTO for validation.
• Original and photocopy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate
• If you are a married woman, prepare a marriage certificate issued by PSA
• One original copy and one photocopy of any government-issued ID with a photo and signature
• One original and one photocopy of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course Certificate of Completion. A copy should be e-transmitted to the LTO by the accredited driving school, TESDA training center, or LTO DEC.
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed

If are a foreign national, you must provide an original and a photocopy of your passport with an entry date of at least one month prior to application. Furthermore, the visa must be valid for at least one (1) year from the date of application. If you are born in the Philippines, submit an original and a photocopy of the PSA-certified birth certificate.

Student Permit Online Application

After securing your 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course certification, you can now start your student permit online application process.

1. Create an account at LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). To help you in registering an account, please follow this guide: How to Register to LTO Online System (LTMS Portal). Remember the login credentials of your LTMS account as you will still use the system when applying for your driver’s license renewal in the future.
2. Sign in to your LTMS account with your login information.
3. On the next page, LTMS will ask you the transaction you like to do. Click ‘Licensing’ on your dashboard and complete your online application form.
4. Select the sort of service you want to use from the service list. Select ‘Student Driver’s Permit’ then click next.
5. Fill out your application form by specifying your preferred application schedule and LTO office. You can also use the LTO website to submit your medical certificate and make payments.

Applying for Student License at the LTO Branches

If you are unable to apply online or your preferred LTO branch is not yet on LTMS, you can apply for the student permit in an old-fashioned way.

1. Go to the nearest LTO branch. Please see this LTO directory for a complete list of LTO branches.
2. Look for the personnel at the front desk (usually a security guard) and ask for a copy of the application form.
3. Fill it out then submit it along with all the documentary requirements on Window 1. He/she will check them for any deficiency and verify all the submitted documents before passing them along to an assessor.
4. Sit down and wait for your name to be called.
5. When your name is called, go to the biometrics window, where they will take a picture of you and your digital signature.
6. Sit down and wait again for your name to be called by the cashier window.
7. Go to the cashier to pay your fees when your name is called. The student permit will cost you ₱317.63.
8. At the releasing window, wait for your name to be called. You will be given a Student Permit (SP) as well as an Official Receipt. Write your name and sign the release form.

Student Permit Fees

The following are the total costs of obtaining a student permit. Please keep in mind that the price may vary depending on where you receive your 15-hour TDC certificate and medical certificate. If you can acquire the Theoretical Driving Course for free, you can save even more money.

Conclusion

Please keep in mind that a student permit has a one-year validity from the date of issue and you can only drive a car or motorcycle if a licensed driver is present. If you break the rules, you will get a P500 fine. The good news is that one month after getting a Student Permit, you can apply for a Non-Professional driver’s license.

Getting your driver’s license is a big deal, so be sure you do everything correctly to minimize delays and headaches. As a result, obtaining an LTO student permit is the first step toward obtaining a driver’s license. So that you can progress to being a full-fledged driver, read up and take your driver’s education seriously.