We are bound to renew our driver’s licenses at some point. That is if you want to continue driving on Philippine roads legally. It is also a good way for us to refresh our minds regarding the proper road rules and regulations considering the Land Transportation Office's (LTO) reworked renewal process.
New non-pro driver's license
For this writing, the author will share with you his experience renewing a non-professional driver’s license, including the steps and requirements to complete the task. Spoiler alert, the process is faster and more efficient than ever.
1. LTMS Portal
If you received your driver’s license before 2020, chances are you haven’t used the LTMS (Land Transportation Management System) Portal, unless you decided to check your violations online. The LTMS Portal is an online website that provides information regarding your license, as well as the steps to get started with the renewal process.
LTMS Portal Home Page
The first thing you should do is register on the website. Information such as your license number and email will be asked for. Once done, you need to wait for the website to send a confirmation to your email. Some didn’t receive a confirmation, which led them to visit a Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch to fix the issue. Fortunately for me, I got it in less than an hour.
Log your new account in and head to the “E-LEARNING” tab on the top menu bar. You need to pass the CDE Online Validation Exam or Comprehensive Driver’s Education exam. To pass, you need at least 13 correct answers out of the 25 questions. I passed the first try. But the agency said that you can repeat multiple times until you get more than 50 percent correct answers.
LTO has improved its services in recent years
In case you want to ace the exam, you can head to the “Driver’s License Renewal Course” section found under the E-LEARNING tab. Here, you can refresh your knowledge about everything you need to know about your driving privilege – from driving fundamentals to fines and penalties for violations.
You must print a hard copy of the results of your CDE Online Validation Exam as it is one of the requirements when renewing your driver’s license.
2. Medical
Another requirement is a medical certificate, which will show that you are fit to drive on Philippine roads. The standard price for a medical certificate is Php 500, while senior citizens get a discounted price of Php 400, at least from where I took our physical examinations.
A medical certificate is essential in keeping roads safe
The agency has a complete list on its website of accredited medical clinics and registered physicians all over the country. Find the one most convenient for you. In my case, my preferred medical clinic is situated next to an LTO office where I renewed my license.
It only took me an hour to get my medical certificate as I don’t have a lot of health issues. I was asked to take the visual acuity test to ensure my vision is good for driving on the road. Once it was in my hands, I proceeded to an LTO office to complete the renewal process.
3. LTO Office
The last step is to visit an LTO office where you will receive your new driver’s license. As mentioned earlier, you need to present your medical certificate and the CDE Online Validation Exam results printout. From here, they will ask you to wait for your turn for biometrics such as a new license photo.
The renewal process has been made faster and more efficient
I paid Php 585 for the license fee, totaling Php 1,085 including the medical certificate. It was made better as the validity has been extended to 10 years. Unfortunately, motorists that have a violation won’t be granted the extended validity. Instead, they still will have to renew their license every five years.
If you are granted a 10-year driver’s license validity, you have to undergo periodic medical examinations, specifically on the fourth, seventh, and 10th year (renewal). This is to ensure that you are still fit to drive. Meanwhile, motorists with a 5-year validity must undergo medical examinations on the third, and fifth (renewal).
Like acquiring a medical certificate, it only took me less than an hour for my new non-pro driver’s license to be released. Overall, renewing your driver’s license can take around two hours including the online examination, which is significantly improved as compared to the past decades.
In addition, new driver’s licenses also have a new design, sporting a pearl white motif instead of blue.
Visit Philkotse.com for more tips and advice.
