What is the Allowed Age to Apply for a Non Professional Driver’s License-2024 

Regardless if you are Filipino citizen or foreigners in the Philippines , one should already know that one should abide by the rules on the age limits before applying for a driving non professional licence in the Philippines.

The Land Transportation Office has set an age limit  for when applying for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL). After all, we addressed what is the allowed age to apply for a non professional driver’s license ,the age limit is mandated by the Philippines Government, if you ignore the given age limit , you may face some serious legal repercussions and even penalties.

• The Filipino citizens at the age of 17 years can apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
• Foreigners may only attend NPDL at the age of 18 years old.

Philippine Non-Pro License: A Complete Guide

In the Philippines for many people, the process of getting a non-professional driver’s license is not an easy task. To do so, you need to understand and adhere to the required completing processes, including filling out applications, submission of mandated documents and passing the necessary LTO tests.

 In this Philippine non-pro license ultimate guide, we will take you step-by-step to learn how to get it successfully, providing you with the knowledge and instruction you need to complete the procedure in a very short time in your location.

What is a Non-Pro Driver’s License in the Philippines?

A non-professional driver’s license (NPL) is a driver’s license type in the Philippines , which allows you to drive private vehicles only. A non-professional driver’s license allows you to obtain the following DL codes: A, A1, B, B1, and B2 along with which you can operate sedans, SUVs, vans, private jeepneys, motorcycles, and three-wheeled vehicles using these codes within the Philippines state. 

Non- Professional Driver’s license holders are allowed to drive 4,500 GVW private vehicles with manual or automatic gearbox 

NPDL holders must note that you are not permitted to drive any kind of vehicle for business usage with a non-professional driver’s license, even if it falls under one of your DL codes issued by LTO.

The LTO  redesigned driver’s license  which still keeps the license’s security features and ensures its legitimacy. Embarking on the legal journey to secure a driver’s license is a significant step and shows responsible behaviour to acquire the essential knowledge and skills needed for safe and competent driving.

Who Can Apply for a Non-Pro Driver’s License?

• Filipino Citizen must be at least 17 years old
• Foreigners must at least 18 years old
• Holders of a valid student driver’s permit must for at least one month from issuance
• Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a allowed vehicle
• Must have attended and passed the Practical Driving Course (PDC) from an LTO-accredited driving school, LTO Driver’s Education Center ( DEC), or LTO-accredited TESDA training center
• Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Exam LTO examinations
• Must not have unsettled traffic violations in Philippines

Non-Professional Driver’s License Requirements-2024

To get a Non-Professional Driver’s License it is mandatory to satisfied with the below required documents items at the LTO: 

• Must at 17 years old( for Filipinos) or 18 years old (non-Filipinos)
• Must possess fluency in the major languages of the Philippines, such as English, Filipino, or others;
• Maintain good mental and physical health to drive vehicles;
• Don’t have any outstanding traffic tickets in Philippines;
• Possess a valid one-month student driver permit;
• Must possess a non-professional license that has, if applicable, expired within the last two to ten years;
• Must complete the Practical Driving Course (PDC) to obtain your certificate;
• Must complete the written test and driving test administered by the LTO;

Documents for Non-Professional Driver’s License Application

Getting a non-professional driver’s license (NPDL)  following paperwork must be obtained before visiting the LTO :

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) form.
• Must present original and submission of single copy of authentic medical certificate
• Must present original and submit single copy of Practical Driving Course (PDC)
• Must possess valid student permit (Refer to the validity of SP)
• For employed applicants taxpayer , identification number must be present

If the applicant is seventeen (17) years old:

A parental or guardian’s consent (with a valid government-issued photo ID and signature) must along with below listed items :

• Valid Philippine Identification Card (PhilID),
• Passport,
• The Social Security System Card (SSS),
•  UMIDs,
• A PhilHealth ID,
• Card must with TIN,
• Postal ID,
• Voter’s identification card,
•   Barangay ID,
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),
• Identification card for senior citizens,
• OFWs ID,
• The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID number must possessed,
• The National Council on Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID,
• Solo Parent ID,
• Certification of the Philippies voter,
• The e-Card of the Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS),
• Book of Seaman,
• ID for Government Owned and / or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) department,
• The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or the Pag-IBIG ID must present,
• Certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) must hold,
• Must Present Identification card of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number, if employed
• A negative drug test result from a government hospital or testing center accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) in Philippines

How to Get a Non-Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

Get all the required paperwork ready before you begin your application for a non-professional driver’s license. In addition, you must be prepared mentally and physically for both the written examination and the driving practical.

 Here is a thorough tutorial on how to apply for a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines to assist you step-by-step guide with the process.

Step 1: 

Visit the preferred LTO branch closest to the applicant. Inform the customer service representative ,he will give you an  Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form, complete this form with the necessary information and write legibly.

Step 2: 

Your ADL form will be forward to the Evaluation Window with the additional documentation. Your documents will be examined and evaluated by the evaluator to ensure completeness and authenticity. At the end the queue number will be alot if everything is in order.

Step 3:

 Once your documents are approved ,the cashier will  call your name or number. Head to the cashier and ensure your schedule fees.

Step 4: 

Report to the exam center to take the written test at the LTO Office. The exam results after declaration will be sent to you in a few minutes.

Step 5: 

If failed:

If you are failed in attempting the test, you’ll have to retake the test end go through the entire process again on a different day, excluding the medical exam

If passed:

If you passed the driving exam than proceed the actual following phase

Step 6:

If you passed ,return to the office and wait for the cashier to call your name. Make sure the required payment is made when contacted.

Step 7: 

Proceed to Window 2 to encoding your biometric information, fingerprints, picture, and digital signature will all be taken. Additionally, they will confirm that the information on file from your student permit application matches your fingerprints into the new LTO-IT System, LTM Portal.

Step 8: 

Proceed to the releasing window to obtain the official receipt and your non-professional driver’s license , also release the LTO log sheet.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) Validity

First-time applicants or new non-professional drivers will have a five-year validity period from the date of initial issuance, unless it is revoked or suspended due to own negligence. When the Non-Professional Driver’s License is renewed, responsible license holders with a clean record will be eligible for a ten (10) year renewal of the same type of driver’s license in the Philippines.

Video: Updated LTO Non-Professional Driver’s License Requirements, Step-by-Step Process

The Required fees for NPDL in the Philippines

The whole application process is about 3–4 hours. It depends on how . All NPDL applications, whether new or existing, require funds to pay the fees in addition to the documentary requirements listed above at LTO head;

NPDL that has expired

• An application fee—P100 
• Renewal fee— P 585.00

Total Fee— P 685.00 + penalty (if any)

Penalty

• After one year and 1 day expired —P 75 
• After 2 years and 1 day— P 150.00
• Upto 10 years, 2 years and 1 day— P 225.00

Other Fees

• Additional Restriction Code(ARC) = P 100.00 
• Classification change =P 100.00

After paying these fees, you may have to wait at the releasing counter . Sometimes, it takes more than a day to process  for releasing your license, so you may be asked to pick up your NPDL at a later time.

Where to Process a Non-Professional Driver’s License Applications

Applicant can apply for a non-professional driver’s license at any of the following LTO offices in the Philippines:

• Licensing centers for LTO
• LTO District Offices (DO) authorized by the LTO
• Extension Offices (EOs) authorized by LTO

What is the Allowed Age to Apply for a Non Professional Driver’s License-2024

• The Filipino citizens at the age of 17 years can apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.
• Foreigners may only attend NPDL at the age of 18 years old.

Non-Professional Driver’s License- Benefits

It’s beneficial to own a driver’s license, even if it’s just a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL):

• By holding this, one avoids penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license.
• The card provides a valid photo ID that can be used in both public and private offices in the Philippines.
• Getting a new license through the LTO Portal is more difficult than renewing an existing one in the Philippines.
• It’s obligatory five to ten years pass before it expires.
• To ensure safe and legal driving, the licensee is required to undergo a Periodic Medical Examination (PME) by an authentic clinic.

FAQs

QNO(1): How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license in the Philippines?

Ans: Depending on the nature of license , the validity period varies. As per Republic Act 10930, licensees with a clean record can renew their licenses and obtain ones with 10-year validity periods in the Philippines. A Student Permit is valid for one year, other two professional and non-professional drivers as well as those renewing with traffic violations, get five-year licenses. 

QNO(2): Can I drive 4 wheels with a non professional license?

Ans: Yes. If you possess a non professional driver’s license, you are allowed to drive 4 wheels only if it is compliant with these DI codes: A, AI, B, B1, B2 by the LTO official department.

QNO(3):  What is the Allowed Age to Apply for a Non Professional Driver’s License-2024

Ans: The Filipino citizens at the age of 17 years can apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License.

Foreigners may only attend NPDL at the age of 18 years old.

Conclusion

There are different ways to secure a LTO non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines, which may be all as convenient and affordable as you want  them to be.To get a non pro license, you need to make sure you are qualified and then prepare the required documents and apply at the official LTO office. It also serves as valid IDs , so you feel strong and drive tension free around the Philippines. Thankfully, most things have improved over the years. License is evidenced by the implementation of LTMS servics, which allows holders to apply for a driver’s license onlin.