LTO Student Permit Requirements, Online Application and Validity

The LTO Student Permit is an official document issued by the Local Transportation Office, Philippines. An individual who wants to obtain a driver’s license in the Philippines is required to obtain the LTO Student Permit. The LTO Student Permit allows the permit holder to drive a motor vehicle under the supervision of a person having a valid driver’s license.

The LTO Student Permit is the first step towards the driver’s license process in the Philippines. The LTO Student Permit allows you to train yourself for practically driving a motor vehicle and prepare yourself to pass practical driving test and obtain Non-Professional Driving License (NPDL) from the LTO Office.

The LTO Student Permit has two other names called as LTO Student-Driver’s Permit and LTO Student License.

Who Can Get LTO Student Permit?

An individual residing in any part of the Philippines can get LTO Student Permit if they meet the student permit requirements set by the Local Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The individual who meets the age criteria and is physically and mentally fit is eligible to apply for LTO student permit for sure. In addition to meeting student license requirements, you must have a keen interest in knowing traffic rules and develop driving skills. It will help you learn driving rules and skills faster.

LTO Student Permit Requirements

The LTO Student Permit Requirements refer to the eligibility of the applicant to apply for student-driver’s permit as per the Philippines LTO Rules. To be eligible for LTO student permit, the applicant must fulfill the age, education, health-fitness, residency and other requirements as well.

Minimum Age Criteria

• The Filipino Citizen must be a minimum 16-year old on the date of LTO Student Permit Application.
• The Foreign Citizen, residing in Philippines, must be minimum 18-year old on the date of LTO Student Permit Application.

The applicant under the age of 18 years must obtain a written consent from their parent or guardian to apply for LTO Student Permit.

Residency Requirement for Foreign Citizens

• The foreign citizen applicant must be residing in Philippines for a minimum one month before the date of application for LTO student permit and must have a valid permit to stay in the Philippines for next six months or longer.

Health and Fitness

• The applicant must be physically fit and mentally stable enough to understand traffic regulations and drive a motor vehicle as per rules. To prove this, the applicant must undergo a fitness test at an LTO Accredited Clinic and obtain a Medical Certificate.

Literacy

• The applicant must be able to read and write in Filipino or English or any other language used majorly in the Philippines.

15-Hour Theoretical Driving Course

• The applicant must complete the 15-Hour Theoretical Driving Course at an LTO Accredited Driving School or TESDA Training Center or LTO Driver’s Education Center.

No Pending Violations

• The applicant must not have any pending violations or fines on the day of LTO Student Permit Application. If there are pending violations/fines, the applicant must settle them before applying for LTO Student Permit.

Away from Alcohol and Drugs

• The applicant must not have a habit/addition to any Alcoholic drink/beverage or illegal drugs. Such an addiction makes the applicant unfit to get LTO Student Permit and drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines.

Documents Needed for LTO Student Permit

When you decide to apply for LTO Student Permit, you must know about the documents required for it. Here I provide the list of all documents that you need to submit along with LTO Student Permit Application at the LTO Office.

PSA Certificate of Birth: The Filipino Citizens are required to provide their Birth Certificate authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Local Civil Registry (LCR).

Passport and PSA Certificate of Marriage: Married Women are required to provide their Passport and Certificate of Marriage authenticated by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Parent’s/Guardian’s Consent Letter and ID: The applicants under 18-year age are required to provide a Consent Letter from their Parent or Guardian. In addition, the applicants must provide their parent’s/guardian’s Government Issued ID containing Photo & Signature.

Medical Certificate: The applicants must provide a Recent & Valid Medical Certificate issued by an LTO Accredited Clinic. The clinic can send an electronic copy of applicant’s medical certificate to LTO or the applicant can obtain a physical copy of their medical certificate and submit it with LTO student permit application at the LTO Office.

Theoretical Driving Course Certificate: The applicant must join an LTO Accredited Driving School or Center and complete the 15-Hour Theoretical Driving Course to obtain their certificate from the respective driving school/center and attach it with their application.

The LTO Accredited Driving School/Center can send an electronic copy of applicant’s Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate to LTO or the applicant can obtain a physical copy of their TDC Certificate and submit it with their application for LTO student permit at the LTO Office.

Passport and Valid Visa: The Foreign Citizens who were born outside Philippines, are required to provide their Passport and Valid Visa with minimum six months validity on the date of application for LTO student permit.

Tax Identification Number (TIN): If the applicant is employed/working, they must provide their tax identification number (TIN) in the LTO Student Permit Application Form.

LTO Student Permit Fees

While applying for LTO student permit, you are required to pay three types of fees to the LTO Authority, here are the details.

• Application Fee: ₱100
• Student Permit Fee: ₱150
• Computer Fee: ₱67.63
• Total LTO Student Permit Fee: ₱317.63

I recommend you to carry exact cash amount to avoid change issues. You may find online payment option at the LTO Office but it is not confirmed and not all LTO branches provide online payment options like cards, digital wallets or others.

Charges Related to LTO Student Permit Application

The LTO student permit fees are ₱317.63 in total, but there are some charges for the services linked to the student permit.

Medical Examination Fee – ₱300 to ₱500

The LTO Student Permit requirements have a condition for that applicant to undergo a medical fitness test which is chargeable. There are many LTO Accredited Medical Test Centers, they charge medical examination fee between ₱300 and ₱500.

Theoretical Driving Course Fee – Up to ₱1000

As per LTO student license requirements stated by authorities, the applicant must complete the 15-hour theoretical driving course at an LTO Accredited driving school or education center or TESDA training center.

You can book a slot to complete the theoretical driving course at free of cost at an LTO Driver’s Education Center but it depends upon the availability of slots. In case all slots are booked for the whole week, you can either wait or take the course at a private driving school/center.

The private driving centers charge fee up to ₱1000 that you must pay to take and complete the theoretical driving course for LTO student permit process. If you decide to take the theoretical driving course at a private center, add ₱1000 more to the LTO student permit cost.

Total Cost of LTO Student Permit

The total cost of LTO student permit includes application fee, permit fee, computer fee, medical examination fee and theoretical driving course fee (if taken at a private center).

LTO Student Permit Total Cost Calculation

• Application Fee: ₱100
• Permit/License Fee: ₱150
• Computer Fee: ₱67.63
• Medical Examination Fee: ₱300 to ₱500
• Theoretical Driving Course Fee (If Private): Up to ₱1000

Total Cost of LTO Student Permit with Paid Course at Private Center: ₱1600 to ₱2000

Total Cost of LTO Student Permit with Free Course at LTO Education Center: ₱600 to ₱800

How to Get LTO Student Permit

In order to get LTO Student Permit in Philippines, you need to apply for it and also visit an LTO branch to complete the application process. You can choose to apply for LTO Student License Online and book appointment at Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal, then visit LTO Office for completing remaining process.

In case you want apply offline, you can visit your nearest LTO Office for LTO Student Permit walk-in application and complete the process to obtain your student-driver’s permit from the LTO authority.

LTO Student Permit Online Application Process

The online application for LTO student permit is available at LTMS portal. Creating LTMS Account is mandatory for all applicants. As per LTO Rules, any individual person willing to apply for an LTO student permit or any type of driver’s license or conductor’s license, is required to create an LTMS Account online at the LTMS portal.

So, you must create your LTMS Account by completing Online Registration at official LTMS Portal website.

Stage-1: Online Registration for First Time User

#Step 1: Open a web browser on your device and go to official LTMS website at portal.lto.gov.ph.

#Step 2: Click on Register Now and Accept the Terms of Agreement.

#Step 3: Enter Captcha Code and click on Next.

#Step 4: Select Enroll as an Individual option.

#Step 5: Choose Yes if you have an existing Philippine Driver’s/Conductor’s License and provide license details otherwise choose No and click on Next.

#Step 6: Select Yes if you are a Filipino Citizen otherwise select No and provide your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) Number, Expiration Date and Nationality. Then click on Next.

#Step 7: Provide your personal information including First Name, Last Name, Birth Date, Mother’s Maiden Name, Surname and other details. Then click on Next.

#Step 8: Provide your Email and Mobile Number correctly, then click on Create Account to Proceed.

#Step 9: Go to your email inbox to find a new email received from LTO. Open that email and note down your LTO Client Number.

#Step 10: Click on the link to verify your email and create password at LTMS Portal.

#Step 11: Create a strong password, enter it twice and click on Set Password for Login to confirm the password.

#Step 12: Provide Emergency Contact Name & Number (your spouse or friend) whom you want to inform first in case of meeting an accident.

#Step 13: Provide your General and Medical Information, then submit to finish the registration process.

Stage-2: Apply for LTO Student Permit

#Step 1: Go to LTMS Portal at portal.lto.gov.ph.

#Step 2: Click on Login to open LTO Login Page.

#Step 3: Provide your Email or LTO Client Number and Password.

#Step 4: Enter the Security Code and click on Sign In.

#Step 5: Click on Licensing, read the Reminder and click OK.

#Step 6: Provide your complete address and click on Apply Changes.

#Step 7: Read the Reminder, click OK and then click on Add Medical Certificate.

#Step 8: Enter your medical certificate number and click on Verify.

#Step 9: Select Student-Driver’s Permit and choose type of application as New, then click on Next.

#Step 10: Fill up required personal information and click on submit/save button.

Stage-3: Set LTO Appointment and Pay the Fee

After completing all steps given in stage-2 above, you need to submit your application for student permit online. As you submit, you will reach the LTO Appointment Page.

Kindly select your nearest LTO Branch where you can visit to attend the appointment. You should also choose your desired date and time for your LTO Appointment for Student Permit Application.

After setting appointment, please pay the Student Permit Fee (₱317.63) by a credit/debit card or GCash or any other online payment method. Make sure that the transaction is successful, then print the payment receipt.

Stage-4: Visit LTO Office and Collect Student Permit

After setting your appointment at an LTO Office, you should prepare all documents required for it. Make sure that you have following documents original and photocopies.

• A Valid Government Issued ID (for Filipino Citizens)
• PSA Birth Certificate (for Applicants Born in Philippines)
• PSA Marriage Certificate and Passport (for married women)
• Passport and Valid Visa (for Foreign Citizens Not Born in Philippines)
• Parent’s/Guardian’s Consent Letter (for applicants under 18)
• Tax Identification Number [TIN] (for employed applicants)
• Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Student Permit Fee Payment Receipt

Once you have above given documents handy, you can visit your selected LTO Office on your appointment day. It is recommended to reach 10 minutes before the appointment time to avoid last minute rush.

In this way, you can apply online for LTO Student Permit, book Online LTO Appointment, Pay Student Permit Fee Online and then visit the LTO Office to complete remaining process and collect your LTO Student-Driver’s Permit from respective service personnel.

LTO Student Permit Walk-in Application Process

The Land Transportation Office accepts student-driver’s permit application online and in-person. If you want to apply for LTO student permit offline, you can simply walk-in to an LTO Office with a duly-filled application form and required documents.

In order to make your LTO student permit walk-in application process easy, here I provide its requirements and application steps.

Stage-1: Create LTMS Account [Online Registration]

You can create an LTMS Account by doing online registration at the official LTMS/LTO website (portal.lto.gov.ph).

1. Go to LTMS Portal website.
2. Click on Register Now and Agree to LTMS Terms.
3. Select Enroll as an Individual and follow on-screen instructions.
4. Provide required personal information.
5. Verify your email and create password for LTMS Account.
6. Note down your LTO Client Number.

Stage-2: Complete Theoretical Driving Course

You need to take the 15-hour theoretical driving course (TDC) at an LTO Accredited Driving School or TESDA Training Center or LTO Driver’s Education Center. After completing the course, you need to pass a written test and collect your TDC certificate.

You also need to undergo a medical fitness test at an LTO Accredited Clinic or Health Center where the certified doctor will check your physical health and mental health. At the end, you need to collect your medical certificate.

Stage-3: Download LTO Student Permit Application Form PDF

The Land Transportation Office has crafted Form No.21 for the LTO Student Permit Application Form. It is available to download for free for everyone at LTMS portal.

• Click to Download LTO Student Permit Application Form PDF

To apply for LTO student-driver’s permit in-person, you need to download, print and fill up the prescribed application form with your personal information. Kindly use the above given link to download LTO student permit application form and take its printout.

Stage-4: Fill up the Form with Correct Information

After printing the LTO student permit application form, you should fill up the form with required information. Here I provide the list of information that you must fill up in your student permit application form.

1. Applicant’s Name, Address, Telephone Number, TIN (if available), Nationality, Gender, Birth Date & Place, Height, Weight, Civil Status and Educational Attainment.
2. Applicant’s Father’s Name, Mother’s Name and Spouse Name.
3. Applicant’s Employer’s Business Name, Address and Telephone Number.
4. Emergency Contact Person Name, Address and Contact Number.
5. Tick Student-Driver’s Permit in License Classification and New in Type of Application.
6. Applicant’s Blood Type, Eyes Colour and tick the Organs if Organ Donor.
7. Choose Vehicle Category as applicable.
8. Tick the boxes applicable to health condition like wear corrective lenses, hearing aid is required, daylight driving only and others.
9. Applicant’s Name and Signature at the end in its given box.

Stage-5: Gather Required Documents and Cash

In order to submit your application for LTO student permit at the LTO Office, you must have a duly-filled application form and all required documents as well as the student permit fee amount in cash.

Here I provide the list of documents and exact fee amount needed for LTO student permit application submission at the LTO Office.

• Duly-filled LTO Student Permit Application Form
• A Valid Government Issued ID (for Filipino Citizens)
• PSA Birth Certificate (for Applicants Born in Philippines)
• PSA Marriage Certificate and Passport (for married women)
• Passport and Valid Visa (for Foreign Citizens Not Born in Philippines)
• Parent’s/Guardian’s Consent Letter (for applicants under 18)
• Tax Identification Number [TIN] (for employed applicants)
• Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate
• Medical Certificate

Stage-6: Walk-in to LTO Office to Apply for Student-Driver’s Permit

With duly-filled application form and required documents, you can visit your nearest LTO Office for walk-in application. Kindly follow the steps mentioned below to apply for LTO student-driver’s permit in-person.

1. Visit your nearest LTO Office.
2. Go to the Permit/License Service Counter and stand in queue.
3. Wait for your turn and hand over your application form with documents to the service personnel.
4. Let the service personnel check and verify your form and documents.
5. Move to other counter as asked, get your live photo and signature captured.
6. Go to the cashier and pay the student permit fee of ₱317.63, you can pay ₱318 as rounded amount. The cashier will give the Official Receipt as fee payment proof.

Stage-7: Collect Your Student Permit

After fee payment, you need to wait for a few minutes. Soon, you will hear your name aloud when your student permit is ready to collect.

1. Go to the final counter and show the Official Receipt. The service personnel will release your Student Permit/License and give you.
2. Collect your original documents, if any, from relevant personnel and exit the LTO Office.

In this way, you can submit a walk-in application for LTO student permit at an LTO Office in your city. You must provide required documents and fees as well as complete the application steps (given above) to obtain your LTO student-driver’s permit from the LTO Authority.

LTO Student Permit Validity and Renewal

The LTO Student Permit comes with One Year Validity. So, your student-driver’s permit is valid for one year from its release date. The applicant can apply for student permit renewal on or before expiration date if they are not ready to apply for the NPDL (Non-Professional Driving License).

After renewal, the LTO student permit is valid for one more year. After two years, the renewal is not allowed. If the applicant is still not ready to apply for NPDL then they must submit a fresh application for LTO student permit using their existing LTMS Account and LTO Client Number.

Can I get a driving license without Student Permit?

No, you cannot get any driving license without student permit in the Philippines. Getting an LTO Student Permit is mandatory for all first-time applicants who want to obtain a driving/driver’s license irrespective of license type or category.

As per LTO Rules, nobody is allowed to directly apply for a driver’s license (driving license) without obtaining an LTO student permit and completing associated courses and tests.

Conclusion

The LTO Student Permit is an essential document for every individual living in the Philippines. It is like a learner’s driving license that provides the applicant enough time to learn driving a motor vehicle under a valid license holder’s supervision.

In order to obtain an LTO student permit, you can apply online or in-person. I have explained all the steps for LTO student permit application process both the online and offline methods.

If you still have any doubt or query related to LTO student permit requirements, documents, fees or renewal, you can ask your query in the comment section given below.

FAQs