How to Get a Student Driver's License (And How to Get Replacement If You Lost It)

A driver’s license is a legal document issued by the government allowing the holder to drive a motor vehicle. In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues three types of driver’s licenses – a student permit, a non-professional license, and a professional license.

While a student driver’s license is not a recognized valid ID, some establishments accept it as a form of identification. A student driver’s license is also a prerequisite if you want to apply for a non-professional driver’s license.

For information on how to get a student driver’s license, this article will discuss the steps and requirements, as well as the procedure for getting a replacement.

What is a Student Driver’s License?

A student driver’s license, otherwise known as a student driver’s permit or an LTO student permit, is an official document that authorizes the bearer to operate a motor vehicle under the guidance of a professional or non-professional license holder in the Philippines. This license is valid for one year from its issuance date. 

Qualifications for Student Driver’s License Application

You must be compliant with the following requirements to qualify for the student permit application:

• You must be a Filipino applicant who is at least 16 years old 
• If you’re a non-Filipino applicant, you must be at least 18 years old, have resided in the Philippines for at least one month, and intend to stay in the country for at least six months 
• You must be physically and mentally fit
• You must be able to read and write in Filipino or English
• You must have no unsettled traffic violation
• You must have completed the Theoretical Driving Course
• You must have an active email address

Documentary Requirements for Student Driver’s License Application

You must submit the following documentary requirements to the nearest LTO to secure a student driver’s license: 

1. Accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
2. Electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic
3. Medical certificate (original copy and photocopy)

4. Original copy and photocopy of any of the following:

   - PSA birth certificate  - Philippine Identification Card - Passport - Local Civil Registry birth record (in areas where there is no PSA branch) - PSA marriage certificate, if applicable

5. If you’re below 18 years old: A consent or authorization letter from your parent or the person in charge of your custody, care, or supervision together with the original copy and a photocopy of one valid government-issued ID of the letter’s signatory
6. One government-issued ID containing your photo and signature
7. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed
8. Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (original copy and photocopy), which should be electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school, LTO Driver’s Education Center, or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center 
9. If you’re a non-Filipino applicant: The original copy and photocopy of your passport showing the entry date – which must be one month before the date of the LTO application – and a six-month visa duration from the date of the LTO application
10. If you’re a non-Filipino born in the Philippines: The original and photocopy of your PSA birth certificate

How to Get a Student Driver’s License

Once you have the documentary requirements ready, it’s time to process your student driver’s license application. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a student driver’s license:

• Go to the nearest LTO branch and get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. You may also download the form from the LTO website.
• Fill out the form and submit it together with the other documentary requirements to the person in charge. You will be given a queue number.
• While waiting for your number to be called, read the Driver’s Road Safety Pledge posted in the room. 
• Once your queue number is called, proceed to the designated area for your photo and signature capture.
• Next, proceed to the cashier and pay the fees.
• Present your official receipt to the person in charge and get your student driver’s license.
• Before leaving the LTO premises, sign the log sheet.

How to Replace a Lost Student Driver’s License 

The steps on how to replace a lost driver’s license are similar to the application procedure. If you lost your student driver’s license, follow the steps below to get a replacement:

1. Prepare the documentary requirements:

   • PSA birth certificate or any valid government-issued ID 
   • Affidavit of Loss
   • Accomplished ADL form 
2. Proceed to the nearest LTO branch and submit the documentary requirements.
3. After submitting the documents, have your photo taken at the designated area. If the LTO has your photo and signature on file, you can skip this step.
4. Next, pay the corresponding fees at the cashier.
5. Present your official receipt at the releasing counter and claim your new student driver’s license.

Know the Process, Do It Seamlessly

Having a student driver’s license allows you to drive a vehicle with the guidance of a skilled driver. The process for securing a license, as with getting a replacement, is simple. With the steps discussed above, you can start the application process smoothly. 

In need of a copy of your PSA birth certificate for your driver’s license application? Process it in person at the nearest PSA Civil Registry System Outlet. If you prefer to order a copy online, PSAHelpline.ph offers a hassle-free online application process!