Here’s a step by step guide on how to get an LTO student driver permit this 2021.
- Take a 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) either via LTO directly, or from any accredited driving school. At this point, you will be required to present your PSA Birth Certificate.
Depending on the driving school, you may need to reserve a slot anywhere between one week and up to one month in advance. The waiting time is of course longer when taking this in LTO.
How much does a TDC cost? This is free in LTO, but if you decided to enroll in a driving school, it normally costs around Php2300 in Metro Manila. - The TDC lasts for 15 hours and often scheduled for 3 days at 5hours per day. During those days, you will be required to take and pass an exam:
Day 1: 50 Questions where the passing score is 40.
Day 2: 30 Questions where you need to get at least 24 right answers.
Day 3: You need to get 80 correct answers out of the 100 Questions.
Depending on the driving school, you may need to retake the exams if you fail but not after re-attending the specific session where you failed. - After passing all the exams, you will be given a certificate. The driving school will also be sending a copy of this certificate to LTO.
- With your certificate on hand, go to any LTO office to take their medical. You’ll be charged with Php480 for this procedure (as of 2021). You will be given two copies of your medical certificate, both valid for 60 days.
- Upon passing and submitting all your requirements, your picture will be taken. You will be asked to double-check all your details before your student permit gets printed and released.
Depending on the branch, the entire process only takes less than an hour.
Overall, expect to spend:
PSA Birth Certificate – Php330
TDC – Php2,300 (if taken via a driving school, this vary between driving schools). If you want it free, take your TDC directly from LTO.
Medical – Php480
Certificate – Php317.63
TOTAL – Php3,427.63 (or Php1127.63 if you did not enroll in a driving school for the TDC)