Philippine Non-Pro License: A Complete Guide

9 min readJun 7, 2024

For many people, the process of obtaining a non-pro Philippine driver’s license is not an easy task. It requires completing processes, including filling out applications and passing the necessary 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.

What Is Non-Pro License in the Philippines?

A non-professional driver’s license (NPL) is a driver's license type in the Philippines. Along with it, you can drive a certain part of vehicles in the Philippines. A non-professional driver’s license allows you to obtain the following DL codes: A, A1, B, B1, and B2. You can operate sedans, SUVs, vans, private jeepneys, motorcycles, and three-wheeled vehicles using these codes. You should be aware of the limitations and restrictions associated with this type of license. For instance, you are unable to operate a big vehicle or public transportation using a non-professional driver’s license. Please also 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.

Types of Driver’s License

There are three types of Philippines driver’s licenses. See the detailed introduction of these types in the following:

👉Students Permit

A student permit is a requirement for obtaining a driver’s license, allowing you to drive a car as long as a licensed driver is with you. This license is valid for one year.

👉Non Professional Liscense

You can operate any legal private vehicle with a non-professional driver’s license. You have one to twelve months from the date of issuance of your student permit to apply for this kind of license.

👉Professional Liscense

If you wish to drive for a living, you should obtain a professional driver’s license. If you operate any kind of vehicle, whether private or public, for compensation, you have to apply for a professional license.

There are several differences between the student permit, non-pro license, and pro license. You can check the table below to learn more about the three types of driver’s licenses.

Non-Pro License Requirements

Not anyone can apply for a nonpro license in the Philippines. To be eligible for an NPDL, you need to be satisfied with the following items:

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

Foreign nationals may obtain a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines if they already have one in their home nation. For the conversion, the non-pro license requirements are usually the same. Additionally, candidates must have a valid visa that is valid for at least 120 days and demonstrate that they have been in the Philippines for at least one month.

Documents for Non-Professional Driver’s License Application

The Land Transportation Office has been enforcing a new, more stringent driver’s license application process from 2021. Getting a driver’s license for convenience or fun is no longer an option. These days, obtaining a driver’s license takes a significant amount of time and money. The following paperwork must be obtained before visiting the LTO to obtain your non-professional driver’s license:

Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form completed: This can be obtained through the LTO license office or on their website.

The following items are required if you are a 17-year-old applicant:

Permission of a parent or guardian
Valid parent or guardian ID from the government, with photo and signature (one photocopy for submission and one original copy for presentation)
A medical certificate that is sent by an LTO-accredited clinic electronically.
Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate: Once the eight-hour practical driving course is over, you can obtain this.
A valid student permit
Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) is also required for employed applicants.

How to Get Non Pro License

Get all the required paperwork ready before you begin your application. In addition, you must be prepared 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 with the process.

Step 1: Visit the closest licensing center or district office of the LTO. Inform the customer service representative or the guard that you are submitting an application for a driver’s license. An Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form will be given to you or you can download it online. Complete the form with the necessary information and write legibly.

Step 2: Send the ADL form to the Evaluation Window with the additional documentation. Your documents will be examined by the evaluator to ensure completeness and authenticity. He or she will offer you a queue number if everything is in order.

Step 3: Watch for the cashier window to call your name or number. Pay the application and computer fees when contacted.

Step 4: Report to the exam center to take the written test. While the majority of branches now have automated examinations, some LTO offices continue to employ the old-fashioned approach. The exam results will be sent to you in a few minutes.

Step 5: The practical driving test must be taken outside of the LTO office in step five. By the limitation code or codes you are applying for, a driving proficiency test will be administered. If you arrive with a licensed driver, you can use your car; otherwise, you can hire a car from the LTO or testing facilities close by. You can move on to the following phase if you pass the driving exam. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to retake the test and go through the entire process again on a different day, excluding the medical exam.

Step 6: Return to the office and wait for the cashier to call your name. Make the required payment when contacted.

Step 7: Proceed to Window 2 to provide your biometric information. Your 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.

Step 8: Proceed to the releasing window to obtain the official receipt and your non-professional driver’s license.

Non Pro License Exam

To be eligible to take the LTO exam, you must pass both the written exam and the actual driving test. The 40 (non-pro) to 60 (pro) item LTO written test comprises questions about Philippine traffic and road laws. The non-professional driver exam has a passing score of thirty out of forty. To obtain a non-professional driver’s license, you must pass an actual driving test as well.

The LTO written exam questions will relate to:

The LTO driving test details:

When taking the LTO driving test, you need to choose the vehicle you would use in the first place. You can select the LTO vehicles (Php 250 rent), the TDC or the PDC from a driving school, or your own car.

Depending on your driving style, you may have between fifteen and sixty minutes to drive in a specified driving course for the real driving test. You need to receive at least 70 out of 100 to pass the practical driving exam. Immediately following the test, you can get your results and immediate feedback.

An applicant for a driver’s license who fails one or both written and driving exams may retake the LTO exam within one month. You will not be allowed to reapply for a year after your second attempt at failure. Finally, you will have to wait two years before you can reapply if you fail the driving exam on your third attempt.

Non Pro License Fee & Processing Time

The non pro license application is not free at all. Here are the detailed costs to obtain a nonpro driver’s license.

The whole application process is about 3–4 hours. It depends on how many applicants are on that day.

Non Pro License Expiration

A newly issued driver’s license is valid for five years. You can renew it and obtain one with a 10-year validity when it expires. Only if your driving record is clear of any infractions or demerits is this feasible.

How to renew your non-pro license?

You can make an appointment online, and then renew your driver’s license in the LTO office. Just follow the steps here.

Step 1. Go to the online LTMS Portal website, then log into the system.

Step 2. Select the Driver’s License Renewal Course, then start it.

Step 3. Decide on the day and hour of your LTO appointment.

Step 4. Select your desired payment method and make the necessary renewal payments.

Step 5. On the day of your appointment, visit the LTO office. Send in the necessary paperwork and get your fingerprints taken. Await to receive your updated driver’s license.

Non Pro License Restriction

Non-professional drivers are only allowed to operate the following vehicles:
1. Motorized tricycles and motorcycles (Restriction code 1)
2. Vehicles up to 4500 kg in weight (Restriction code 2)
3. Vehicles weighing up to 4500 kg and having an automated clutch (Restriction code 4)

How to Change Non Pro to Pro License

You must meet six (6) broad requirements to modify the classification on your driver’s license.

The age requirement of at least eighteen
To drive, one must be mentally and physically healthy.
Must be proficient in reading and writing in English, Filipino, or any other widely spoken language.
Must not have any outstanding traffic violations.
The Automated Theoretical Examination must have been passed.
A valid non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) is needed.

If you are qualified for the nonpro to pro license requirements, you can go to the LTO office in person to apply for a nonpro to pro license classification change.

FAQ

📌Can I drive 4 wheels with a non pro license?

Yes. If you possess a non pro license, you are allowed to drive 4 wheels only if it is compliant with these DI codes: A, AI, B, B1, B2.

📌How to change student license to non pro?

You need to pass the LTO written and practical driving test and then go to the LTO office to apply for the student permit to non pro license change.

📌What is the age limit for non pro driver’s license in the Philippines?

For Filipinos, the age limit for a non pro driver’s license is 17. While for foreigners, the age limit is 18.

📌Can I drive in the Philippines with a US license?

Yes. A US license is admitted in the Philippines. You can use it for 90 days after you arrive in the Philippines. But you need to make sure the license is in English.

The Bottom Line

That’s the ultimate guide to Philippine non pro license. In a word, to get a non pro license, you need to make sure you are qualified and then prepare the required documents and apply for it. To get one, a written exam and practicing driving test are also needed. Be well prepared and start to obtain your non pro license according to the guide above!