If you want to drive a motorized vehicle in the Philippines, you would need a driver’s license. The Land Transportation Office is the agency in charge of issuing driver’s license, whether it is a student’s permit, non-professional driver’s license, and professional driver’s license.
In order to secure your driver’s license, you are required to pass through a written and practical test. As long as you prepared well for the tests, you need not worry.
There are several things you could do to make your chances of passing the exam better. Here are some of them.
1. First, make sure to read the revised LTO guidelines. Take note of other requirements and fees that you need to accomplish.
2. Practice the exam reviewer. According to the new LTO revisions, lecture-type seminars had been discontinued. Now, all possible questions are available to the public, in both English and Tagalog. Thus, you need to familiarize yourself with the questions. Tip: most of the questions pertain to street signs and symbols.
3. Of course, the test would include actual driving, so better get prepared for it.
Take note of the following situations:
- Parking on various streets and locations
- Driving in narrow alleys and streets
- Stop and go driving
- Driving during bumper to bumper traffic
- Making U-turn, changing lanes, merging etc.
4. Prepare all the necessary documents when you go to LTO.
5. Allot some time for your license. It would be highly likely that the whole process would take a while, so better make sure you allocate the whole day for your license.
After you have done the necessary preparations, you are now ready to take your driving test. Written Test would come first. But before you can take it, you would need to have your picture taken first, sign your electronic signature, and pay the Application and Computer Fees at the cashier.
There are seven categories during the exam:
General Driving Knowledge, Parking, Driving Emergencies, Handling & Driving, Road Signs & Lane Markings, and Road Position. You could take the exam in either Filipino or English.
- Non-pro license applicants need at least 30 out of 40 to pass.
- Professional license applicants need to get 45 out of 60 items.
If you pass the test, you will be called over for the practical driving test. If not, you will be informed that you failed and you could retake the test after a month.
After you passed the written test, it is now time for you practical driving test. You have three options to take the test:
1. Driving School – If you take the test via your driving school, the vehicle will be provided by your school. You will also be accompanied by your school’s representative during the exam.
2. Your Own Car– You can take the driving test using your own car which would be advantageous on your part since you are already familiar with it. Plus, you don’t have to pay for rental fee.
3. LTO Vehicle- You could rent out an LTO vehicle for P250, however, some of the cars are already old, and so you would need some time to get used to it which could sabotage your exam.
During the examination, you will be asked about your car’s restrictions. The examination is done at a driving course with flat and elevated road where you would do tight turns and parking. The test would take 15-45 minutes depending on the driver. You need to get at least 70 out of 100 to pass the test. Once you finished, the facilitator would give you some feedback and provide you your test result.
After successfully taking the written and practical exam, you will now proceed to the Licensing Area and pay the License and Computer Fee at the cashier.
Here are some other tips to help you with your driver’s license application:
Like any other government agency, dress code is being observed. Wearing of sando, sports shorts, and slippers during photo-taking and examinations will not be allowed.
Make sure to pass both the written and practical test. If you failed once, you can only retake after a month. If you failed twice, you need to wait for a year. If you failed on the third try, you have to wait for two years.
Practice courtesy when you meet your examiner.
Before you start the driving test, check the tires, adjust the mirrors and don’t forget to wear your seatbelt. Take your time on the road. Stay sharp and focused.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are considered non-peak days so better schedule your visit at these days.
Although it is very tempting to just get the assistance of fixers, it is better not to. It may cause you more trouble than convenience.
