What is the best age to purchase your own car?

Owning a car takes more than just having the means to acquire one; there are still legalities that you have to consider. You may wonder as to why there is a need to do so.

It’s because some people think that owning a car is just a symbol of social stature and status. Truth be told, it’s not a question of age, but rather of capability. However, before delving into that topic, Philkotse.com will discuss the laws covering car ownership.

I. Legality: Own a car with a legal driving license in the Philippines

There is none stated on Philippine laws that limit a person as to what age he can own a car. Even if you’re at your golden years, or a 16-year old whose parents gifted a new Sedan for graduating at the top of the class, there is no restriction.

However, there is a law that requires every people that drives a vehicle to register their car and obtain a driving license. Take it from those who have obtained their professional driving license, it is a lengthy and quite a pain in the neck kind of process.

You’ll be submitting yourself to a lot of medical exams, a written and a practical driving tests so that you’ll be rewarded with a privilege to drive around the Metro and cruise around with a new ride.

The country of Philippines issues three classifications of driver’s permits; student driver permit, non-professional driver’s license, and a professional driver’s license. We’ll discuss each in detail below.

1. Student Driver’s Permit: 16 years old and above

A student of 16 years old and above can apply for this permit and he can use this whenever he is driving a vehicle with an adult that has a non-professional or professional driver’s license. Requirements when applying for a student drivers' license in the Philippines include a filled-in student driver’s application form, a valid ID or a birth certificate, a notarized parents’ or guardians’ consent, and a fee to pay in the Land Transportation Office.

A student of 16 years old and above can apply for student' driver's permit

2. Non-professional driver’s license: 17 years old and above

Whether a student or a working pre-adult, as long as you are 17 years old and above, you can obtain a non-professional driver’s license given that you are qualified (qualifications are the same as per student driver’s permit) and a medical certificate that proves you are not using illegal drugs or an alcoholic. 

Moreover, a bearer of a non-professional driver’s license can operate a motorcycle or a vehicle with no weight greater than 4500 kilograms. These vehicles may include sports utility vehicles (SUVs), pick-ups, minivans, jeepneys or sedans.

As long as you are 17 years old and above, you can obtain a non-professional driver’s license

>>> Worth to note: The Difference Between Professional and Non-Professional Driver's License.

3. Professional Driver’s License: 18 years of age and above

For those who want to obtain a professional driver’s license, one must be 18 years of age and above. Physically and mentally fit to drive and with proof of a medical certificate from DOH-accredited hospitals, does not have ailments or sickness that may affect driving capabilities such as epilepsy.

For those who want to obtain a professional driver’s license, one must be 18 years of age and above

Documentation requirements include medical certificate indicating a negative result for the drug test, a student permit that is valid for at least 5 months prior to application, tax identification number from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, filled-in application form and a fee to be paid.

The coverage of a professional driver’s license can let a person operate all types of vehicles even the ones with the weight of 4600 kilograms and more.

II. Personal Capabilities

Since the law does not restrict anyone in the Philippines from legally owning the car, here are some considerations that one needs to understand before purchasing one.

1. Contracts and Financial Documents

Although it is a given that even an infant could possibly be entitled with a car of his own, a dealership would not probably allow the vehicle to be named into someone that does not have the capability to pay or even operate the vehicle.  

This goes for the minors as well. Yes, we get the fact that you want to surprise your kid with a vehicle of your own but you cannot just let them sign over legal documents as first, they are legally deemed as a minor and most of the time, the terms and conditions of a legal transaction would require an adult to decide for the major aspects of the purchase.

What you can do is to purchase the vehicle as your own, you can let them use the vehicle (provided that they have a license) and transfer the ownership later on as they turn into the age of 18.

A dealership wouldn't allow the car to be named into someone that doesn't have the capability to pay or operate the vehicle

2. Physical, Emotional and Mental capacity

Notice how the Land Transportation Office would require a person to undergo practical driving exams and written ones for a license applicant?

This will gauge the person’s knowledge and skills when it comes to handling real-life situations on the road. Moreover, this will let the agency be aware of a person’s extent of knowledge when it comes to traffic rules and regulations.

LTO would require a person to undergo practical driving exams and written ones for a license applicant

In addition, a quick assessment of an applicant’s health is given focus to as it can hinder his ability to operate a vehicle. It is a given that the road is a harmful and stressful environment.

For example, an elderly who do not have any issue when it comes to physical health and knowledge can drive his car to the hospital provided that his license is still valid. In fact, he can own a car even at an old age because there is no law restricting him to do so.

How about a woman, let’s say in her thirties, plans to purchase a car despite the fact that she is an epileptic? Such conditions should be taken into consideration as it can put not only her at risk but could endanger other people’s lives as well.

Women at 30s knows what she wants, so be the boss and keep in control

In conclusion, you can purchase a car at any given age considering the legalities, capacity to pay and operate plus, health factors to add. However, one should not be swayed with the societal standards or peer pressure that may affect your decision.

Owning a car is more than a symbol of wealth or stature, it is an investment that needs to be evaluated as to whether it can bring convenience and ease rather than debt or worse, death.

>>>  Click to get more helpful tips and advice for your car buying.