How to Apply for a Professional Driver's License
A Professional Driver's License is required for anyone who drives for hire or compensation in the Philippines. This includes PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and TNVS/ride-hailing drivers (Grab, Angkas, etc.). A professional license allows you to drive all vehicle types depending on your restriction code.
Overview
Cost
~₱585-₱808
LTO license fee
Timeline
Same Day
2-4 hours processing
Key Fact
Valid 5 Years
Required for all for-hire driving
Who Needs a Professional License?
Under Philippine law, any person who drives a motor vehicle for hire or compensation must hold a valid Professional Driver's License. This includes:
- PUJ/PUB/UV Express drivers - Jeepney, bus, and UV Express operators
- Truck and trailer drivers - Heavy vehicle operators for cargo and logistics
- TNVS (Grab/Angkas) drivers - Transport Network Vehicle Service operators
- Delivery riders and drivers - Food delivery, parcel delivery, courier services
- Company drivers - Employed as professional drivers by companies
- Anyone driving for compensation - Any person who receives payment for driving services
Requirements
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duly accomplished Application Form | Available at LTO office or downloadable from LTMS portal |
| 2 | Valid Non-Professional Driver's License | Must have been held for at least 1 year |
| 3 | PSA Birth Certificate or Passport | Original or certified true copy |
| 4 | Medical Certificate | From LTO-accredited clinic (physical, visual, hearing exam) |
| 5 | Drug Test Result (Negative) | From LTO-accredited drug testing facility |
| 6 | Comprehensive Driving Course (CDC) Certificate | 40-hour course from LTO-accredited driving school |
| 7 | 1x1 and 2x2 ID Photos | Recent photos with white background |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Prerequisites
Before applying for a Professional Driver's License, make sure you meet all the following prerequisites:
- Must have held a Non-Professional Driver's License for at least 1 year - You cannot skip directly to a professional license
- Must be at least 18 years old - Minimum age requirement for professional license
- No pending traffic violations - All outstanding violations must be settled before applying
Step 2: Complete Comprehensive Driving Course (CDC)
The CDC is a mandatory 40-hour training course for professional license applicants. This is different from the 15-hour PDC required for non-professional licenses.
- 40 hours of training at an LTO-accredited driving school
- Covers: Defensive driving, traffic management, emergency procedures, vehicle maintenance, and passenger safety
- Cost: ₱3,000 - ₱8,000 depending on the school and location
- Duration: Typically completed in 5-7 days of full-time training
Step 3: Get Medical and Drug Test
Visit an LTO-accredited medical clinic for your physical examination and drug test. These are mandatory for all professional license applicants.
- Physical examination - General health check, visual acuity test, hearing test
- Drug test (mandatory) - Must return a negative result; positive result disqualifies application
- Cost: ~₱300 - ₱500 for both medical and drug test
- Validity: Medical certificate is valid for 60 days from date of issuance
Step 4: Go to LTO Office
Proceed to any LTO District or Extension Office with all your requirements. Booking online through the LTMS portal is highly recommended to save time.
- Visit any LTO District/Extension Office - No need to go to the same office where you got your non-pro license
- Bring all requirements - Original documents plus photocopies
- Book online via LTMS portal - Recommended to avoid long queues (portal.lto.gov.ph)
- Arrive early - LTO offices typically open at 8:00 AM; arrive before opening for faster processing
Step 5: Submit Application and Take Exam
Submit your documents and undergo the required examinations to demonstrate your driving competency for professional-level operation.
- Submit documents at receiving window - Your application form and all supporting requirements
- Take practical driving exam - Demonstrate your driving skills with an LTO examiner; includes maneuvering, parking, road driving, and vehicle handling
- May also take written exam - Covers traffic rules, road signs, and professional driving regulations
- Wait for results - Results are typically announced immediately after the exam
Step 6: Pay Fees and Receive License
After passing your exams, proceed to the cashier to pay the fees and have your biometrics captured.
- Pay at cashier - ₱585 - ₱808 (license fee + computer fee)
- Biometrics captured - Photo, signature, and thumbprint
- Receive Professional Driver's License card - Usually issued on the same day
- Valid for 5 years - Check expiration date printed on the card
Congratulations! You are now a licensed professional driver. You can legally drive for hire or compensation within the vehicle types specified by your restriction code.
Fees Breakdown
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| License Fee (5-year validity) | ₱585 |
| Computer Fee | ₱67.63 |
| Medical / Drug Test | ₱300 - ₱500 |
| Comprehensive Driving Course (CDC) | ₱3,000 - ₱8,000 |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | ₱3,953 - ₱9,376 |
Professional License Restriction Codes
Your Professional Driver's License will have a restriction code that determines which types of vehicles you are authorized to drive. Here are the restriction codes for professional licenses:
| Code | Vehicle Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycles / Tricycles | Motorcycle-for-hire, tricycle, delivery bike |
| 2 | Light Vehicles up to 4500 kg GVW | Taxi, TNVS (Grab), sedan, van, SUV, light truck |
| 3 | Heavy Vehicles above 4500 kg GVW | Bus, heavy truck, PUJ (jeepney), UV Express |
| 4 | Articulated Vehicles | Truck with trailer, tractor-trailer, container van |
| 5 | Agricultural Vehicles | Farm tractor, agricultural machinery |
| 6 | Special Vehicles | Construction vehicles, cranes, forklifts |
| 7 | Motor Vehicles with Automatic Transmission | Vehicles with automatic transmission only |
| 8 | Motor Vehicles with Manual/Automatic Transmission | Both manual and automatic vehicles |
Note: You can have multiple restriction codes on your professional license. For example, a Grab driver may have Code 1, 2 (motorcycle and light vehicle). To add restriction codes, you must pass additional practical exams for each vehicle type.
Complete Example
Rodel Santos, 25 years old, Quezon City - Applying for Professional License to Drive for Grab
- Got his Non-Professional Driver's License in January 2025 (held for over 1 year)
- Wants to become a Grab driver for extra income
- Needs Professional License with Restriction Code 1, 2 (motorcycle and light vehicle)
- Enrolled at an LTO-accredited driving school in QC
- Completed 40-hour CDC: defensive driving, traffic management, emergency procedures, vehicle maintenance
- Received CDC Certificate on January 12
- Cost: ₱5,000
- Visited LTO-accredited clinic near LTO East Avenue
- Physical exam passed: vision 20/20, hearing normal, blood pressure normal
- Drug test result: Negative
- Cost: ₱400
- Booked online appointment via LTMS portal
- Arrived at LTO East Avenue at 7:30 AM with all documents
- Submitted application form, non-pro license, PSA birth certificate, medical certificate, drug test, CDC certificate, and photos
- Took practical driving exam: drove for 15 minutes with LTO examiner, demonstrated parking, turning, lane changes
- Passed the practical exam
- Took written exam: scored 38/40
- Paid ₱808 (license fee + computer fee) at cashier
- Biometrics captured: photo, signature, thumbprint
- Received Professional Driver's License card by 11:30 AM
- Cost: ₱808
Total Time: 10 days (including CDC course)
License Valid Until: January 15, 2031 (5 years)
Restriction Codes: 1, 2 (Motorcycle and Light Vehicle)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly apply for a Professional Driver's License without a Non-Professional license?
No. You must first hold a valid Non-Professional Driver's License for at least 1 year before you can apply for a Professional license. This is a strict LTO requirement and there are no exceptions.
What vehicles can I drive with a Professional License?
The vehicles you can drive depend on your restriction code. Code 1 allows motorcycles/tricycles, Code 2 allows light vehicles (cars, vans, SUVs), Code 3 allows heavy vehicles (buses, trucks), and so on. You can have multiple restriction codes by passing additional exams.
How long is the Comprehensive Driving Course (CDC)?
The CDC is a 40-hour training course, typically completed in 5-7 days of full-time training. It covers defensive driving, traffic management, emergency procedures, and vehicle maintenance. This is longer than the 15-hour PDC required for non-professional licenses.
Can TNVS (Grab/Angkas) drivers use a Non-Professional License?
No. All TNVS drivers, including Grab car drivers and Angkas riders, are required to have a Professional Driver's License. Driving for hire or compensation with only a Non-Professional license is a violation and can result in penalties and apprehension.
Important Reminders
- Always carry your license when driving. Failure to present a valid license when asked by an enforcer is a violation.
- Renew before expiration. Your professional license is valid for 5 years. Late renewal incurs additional penalties.
- Drive only within your restriction code. Driving a vehicle type not covered by your restriction code is a violation.
- Settle all traffic violations before applying or renewing. Unresolved violations will block your application.
- Ensure your CDC certificate is valid. The CDC certificate has a validity period; check with your driving school.
- Beware of fixers. Transact only at official LTO windows. Report any fixers to the LTO hotline: 1342.
Need Help?
LTO Hotline: 1342
LTO Website: portal.lto.gov.ph
LTMS Portal (Online Appointment): ltms.lto.gov.ph
Email: customercare@lto.gov.ph
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the LTO Licensing Center you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest LTO Licensing Center first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.