Module 2.

Lesson 6
Driver’s License

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to be able to:
a. identify the different types and uses of driver’s licenses;
b. differentiate the different types of licenses; and
c. demonstrate understanding on the legal system of traffic safety.

MATERIALS:
Handout in Traffic Management

LESSON PROPER:
Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines as in other countries is NOT a right but a privilege
granted by the Philippine Government through LTO based on R.A. 4136 and B.P. Blg. 398. Further, it
is a privilege, which may be suspended or revoked.

The Legal system for Traffic Safety:

Licensing System – In the Philippines under R.A. 4136 as amended, the administration of the issuance
of driver’s license is administered by the Land Transportation Office.
 
Driver’s License – is issued to the driver it is not a right but only a privilege granted by the state to its
citizen who possesses the statutory qualification as provided therefore. This classificatory statement is
made to put to rest a wrong notion that the driver’s license is a right.
  It is also a public document which has the legal presumption of genuineness. (CCC Insurance
Corp. vs. Court of Appeal, 31 SCRA 264)

Licensing Procedure
Generally, issuance of driver’s license are open to all citizens provided that at the time of the
filing of application, for student driver’s permit the applicant must be at least 16 years of age, non-
professional driver’s license 17 years of age. Professional driver’s license 18 years of age and he must
know how to read and write, must be physically and mentally fit to drive motor vehicle and must be
clinically free from contagious diseases.

Types of Licenses, Procedures and Requirements

1. Student-driver permit - This kind of document is issued to persons who desire to learn how
to drive. A student driver cannot operate a vehicle unless accompanied by an instructor who
may either be a licensed professional or non-professional driver.
 For the requirements for LTO student-driver permit, please visit this link
(https://lto.gov.ph/license-and-permit.html#student-permit)
2. Non-Professional Driver’s License - This kind of license is issued to owners of privately
owned motor vehicles or those not for hire or paid for driving.
For the requirements for LTO Non-Professional Driver’s License, please go to this link
(https://lto.gov.ph/license-and-permit.html#new-driver-s-license-non-professional)
3. Professional Driver’s License - This license is issued to a driver hired or paid for or operating
a motor vehicle whether private use or for hire to the public. Any person driving his own
motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver.
For the requirements for LTO Professional Driver’s License with same restriction
code, please go to this link (https://lto.gov.ph/license-and- permit.html#change-
classification-from-non-professional-to-professional-with- same-restriction-code)

For the requirements for LTO Professional Driver’s License with additional restriction
code, please go to this link (https://lto.gov.ph/license-and- permit.html#change-classification-
from-non-professional-to-professional-with- additional-restriction-code)

4. Military Driver’s license - Enlisted military personnel of the AFP operating motor vehicles
owned by the government shall be licensed in accordance with R.A. 4136 but no license or
delinquency fees shall be collected thereof.
All licenses so issued shall bear the words “FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES
ONLY” plainly marked or stamped in red inks across the face thereof. A military driver’s license
does not authorize the holder to operate a privately owned motor vehicle.
5. International Driver’s License
A. For tourist - Bonafide tourists and transients who are duly licensed to operate motor vehicle in their
respective countries may be allowed to operate motor vehicles during their stay but not beyond 90 days
of their sojourn in the Philippines.
For more information about international driver’s license for tourist, please visit this link
(https://www.philippinesvisa.com/international-drivers-license/)
B. For Filipinos who wishes to drive a car in other countries - the International License is issued to
permanent residents of the Philippines, including students, employees, and government officials, who
wishes to drive a car in other countries. It’s granted by the Automobile Association of the Philippines
(AAP) and is valid for one year. Requirements include a valid driver’s license (along with at least two
photocopies of it) and two copies of your latest two-by-two-inch pictures with white background.
Driver’s Examination
1. The Written Examination
Written examinations will contain questions concerning proper driving procedures, road rules
and regulations, emergency procedures, etc. Number of questions will be as follows:
a. Non-Professional License – 40 questions
b. Professional License – 60 questions
Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the following marks:
a. Non-Professional License – 30 out of 40 questions
b. Professional License – 50 out of 60 questions
2. The Road Test
The actual road test will be undertaken under the auspices of a “DRIVING SKILL RATER”. This
actual road test will have to be scheduled in advance and the applicant will have to provide the
vehicle in which the road test will be conducted. The applicant should make sure that the vehicle
to be used is in proper working condition and is currently registered.
During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to his proficiency on the following
aspects:
a. That the applicant is aware of and capable of performing a check on the primary components
of the vehicle such as the engines, the tires, the battery, lights, windshield wipers, brakers,
transmission and clutch, etc.
b. Proper use and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel.
c. Proper engine control and use of the gear shift lever and the foot pedals.
d. Proper speed control and observance and practice of road discipline.
e. Proper knowledge and interpretation of road sings and markings.
f. Proper turning procedures.
g. Proper backing procedures.
h. Proper parking procedures.
The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the start of the road test. Each
infraction or unsatisfactory performance will be listed down on a ROAD TEST SCORE SHEET and
the corresponding deductions made at the end of the test. Passing grade will be 70 points or a total
possible deduction of 30 points.

Mandatory Drug Test - It is mandatory to all drivers’ license applicants except for student driver’s
permit to pass a drug test conducted by duly LTO accredited drug testing centers.
 Driver’s Restriction Code - Restriction codes are based on the kind of vehicle and their Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW). GVW refers to the net weight of the vehicles plus the weight of the cargo, driver,
passengers and any accessories.
Restriction 1* Motorbikes or motorized tricycles
Restriction 2* Motor vehicle up to 4500 kg GVW
Restriction 3 Motor vehicle above 4500 kg GVW
Restriction 4* Automatic transmission up to 4500 kg GVW
Restriction 5 Automatic transmission above 4500 kg GVW
Restriction 6 Articulated Vehicle 1600 kg GVW & below
Restriction 7 Articulated Vehicle 1601 kg up to 4500 kg GVW
Restriction 8 Articulated Vehicle 4501 kg & above GVW
It is important to note that Restrictions 1, 2, and 4 only apply to Non- Professional
driver’s licenses.

For Differently Abled Drivers – Condition Code - The condition of the driver’s license holder while
operating a motor vehicle is indicated as follows:
A – wear eye glasses
B – drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
C – drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
D – daylight driving only
E – accompanied by a person with normal hearing

NOTE: LTO will implement New Driver’s Restriction Code, visit this link for more information
(https://www.motopinas.com/motorcycle-news/lto-is-changing-driver-s-license-restriction-codes.html)

Enhancement ACTIVITY:
A. Identify the LTO’s soon to be implemented new Driver’s Restriction Code
(https://www.motopinas.com/motorcycle-news/lto-is-changing-driver-s-license-restriction-
codes.html) 20 points.

Assessment. Log in to your dashboard (study this lesson and be ready for a quiz)
REFERENCES:
Refer to your handout. And to the links provided.