New Drivers License for Foreigner

@inqgoh

With no previous license you're going to have to take all the tests. I would suggest looking up online for LTO (Land Transportation Office).

If you had a current license from another country they would simply give you a license with the same endorsements, good until that current license expires. (There is an eye test first).

Larry Fisher said. . . . If you had a current license from another country they would simply give you a license with the same endorsements, good until that current license expires. (There is an eye test first).

***************************

Actually the eye test is part of a Doctors exam, not much of an exam, blood pressure and so on. The Doctors office was within walking distance. The LTO shared space with a church with blaring loud speakers.

Proper attire was/is required in the Manila LTO. I showed up in cargo shorts and they sent me to a nearby store to rent a pair of slacks.
   

   

@inqgoh much easier to have a valid dricer license.

Just need to translate in English with your embassy stamp on it.

Then go to the Main office LTO in Quezon with other required documents and their copies (passport, Visa,  driver license...) and some cash ( about less than1000 pesos )

It takes less than a hour, doctor visit included for 500-800 pesos

If no driver license, yes you'll have to pass driver test...

Good luck

Maybe the rules have changed but when I first applied in 2016 they required a valid Visa with at least 1 year remaining on it, one day less and they would not accept application.

In my case, I went to main (Manila) 2 days after I received my 1 year Probationary 13a. They refused application because I was 2 days short of a year remaining on Visa.

Not saying anyone else should do it, but I just purchased a new car so while living in the provinces I drove until I received my permanent 13a.

Big hassel and didnt make any sense, so hopefully you will find out differently from someone here, or just go ask LTO.

But in any event not having a current license will create many more requirements for you as far as Testing/Courses etc...If they require you to take the Two courses, its going to set you back in the wallet.

I forgot to mention that. The visa needs to have at least 120 days remaining on it. That's as of last May. It's on the LTO website.

Another reason all Expats should obtain a Philippine drivers license is because you may want to take a trip back to your home country and your license may have expired.

Also with online renewals of your home country license and at a certain age they might require an eye test, physical or letter from your Doctor. So you may not be able to do an online renewal, then a Philippine license could be your Plan B if you ever plan a trip back home.

    Another reason all Expats should obtain a Philippine drivers license is because you may want to take a trip back to your home country and your license may have expired.
Also with online renewals of your home country license and at a certain age they might require an eye test, physical or letter from your Doctor. So you may not be able to do an online renewal, then a Philippine license could be your Plan B if you ever plan a trip back home.
   

    -@Enzyte Bob

Fortunately, NC allows online renewal and we did renew for 10 years! However, our DL is not the type of ID that can be used for ID at the airport (true-id or something like that). For that type of DL we must apply in person. So at the airport we just use the passports, even for domestic flights. No problem.

        Another reason all Expats should obtain a Philippine drivers license is because you may want to take a trip back to your home country and your license may have expired.Also with online renewals of your home country license and at a certain age they might require an eye test, physical or letter from your Doctor. So you may not be able to do an online renewal, then a Philippine license could be your Plan B if you ever plan a trip back home.        -@Enzyte Bob

************************************

danfinn replied . . . . Fortunately, NC allows online renewal and we did renew for 10 years! However, our DL is not the type of ID that can be used for ID at the airport (true-id or something like that). For that type of DL we must apply in person. So at the airport we just use the passports, even for domestic flights. No problem.

*************************

(1) For me because of age I needed a Doctors exam.

(2) My license renewal was for Nevada, my official address is for my remailer/forwarder in Houston Texas.       

   
        Another reason all Expats should obtain a Philippine drivers license is because you may want to take a trip back to your home country and your license may have expired.Also with online renewals of your home country license and at a certain age they might require an eye test, physical or letter from your Doctor. So you may not be able to do an online renewal, then a Philippine license could be your Plan B if you ever plan a trip back home.        -@Enzyte Bob
************************************

danfinn replied . . . . Fortunately, NC allows online renewal and we did renew for 10 years! However, our DL is not the type of ID that can be used for ID at the airport (true-id or something like that). For that type of DL we must apply in person. So at the airport we just use the passports, even for domestic flights. No problem.
*************************
(1) For me because of age I needed a Doctors exam.
(2) My license renewal was for Nevada, my official address is for my remailer/forwarder in Houston Texas.     

As you say, you can use your Filipino license in the US. However I have heard of possible problems renting cars (insurance reasons) with foreign DL and I wonder if private auto insurance policies cover foreign DLs. Actually I would have to look that up but the PI license itself is legal.

Not to mention a new photo will be required upon expiration (at least for a Calif Real ID driver's license) ...

    Not to mention a new photo will be required upon expiration (at least for a Calif Real ID driver's license) ...
   

    -@jozica

Same in PA, not even a Real ID license.

    Not to mention a new photo will be required upon expiration (at least for a Calif Real ID driver's license) ...
   

    -@jozica

When I renewed our NC drivers licences for 10 years, no photo was required. They just used the photos on file. Not all states are as bad as the Communist Republic of California.

Some car rental agencies have age restrictions (lower & upper). About 20 years ago a non internet friend in his 70's asked me to arrange airfare & car rental for him for Ireland. I finally found an rental agency that would rent to him.

Recently on Youtube person rented a car online. When he showed up they denied the rental and refused  to give him a refund, as they claimed he did not read the contract regarding the age limitations.

So if you made advance arrangements check for the age clause or you may be stranded at the airport.

This may not apply to anyone here, but some credit cards gives you free coverage for rental insurance  beyond your own coverage. When going on vacation I would contact my insurance agent and increase my personal coverage to protect me in all ways regarding rental cars. Then after vacation I would change it back to the original coverage.       

        Not to mention a new photo will be required upon expiration (at least for a Calif Real ID driver's license) ...        -@jozica

When I renewed our NC drivers licences for 10 years, no photo was required. They just used the photos on file. Not all states are as bad as the Communist Republic of California.
   

    -@danfinn

So because they want up to date photo on your LEGAL IDENTIFICATION/DRIVER's LICENSE they're communist? Actually I prefer they do have accurate photo at time of renewal. Makes for less hassle showing some old-ass 20 yrs ago photo. And yes, Real ID is a thing. I got mine to prevent possible issues later.

danfinn said. . . . Not all states are as bad as the Communist Republic of California. 

*********************************

Larry Fisher replied. . . . So because they want up to date photo on your LEGAL IDENTIFICATION/DRIVER's LICENSE they're communist?

*************************

Maybe Communist is a little to strong, but maybe Socialist Republic of California is better. If California was a bit more to the left they would be in the Pacific Ocean. California representative Barbara Lee is calling for a $50 dollar an hour minimum wage.

            Not to mention a new photo will be required upon expiration (at least for a Calif Real ID driver's license) ...        -@jozicaWhen I renewed our NC drivers licences for 10 years, no photo was required. They just used the photos on file. Not all states are as bad as the Communist Republic of California.        -@danfinn

So because they want up to date photo on your LEGAL IDENTIFICATION/DRIVER's LICENSE they're communist? Actually I prefer they do have accurate photo at time of renewal. Makes for less hassle showing some old-ass 20 yrs ago photo. And yes, Real ID is a thing. I got mine to prevent possible issues later.
   

    -@Larry Fisher

No, I jokingly said that because California has such strict rules about everything and sure, I realize that some people in any group are of the type who find security in rules and never complain. I know real-id is a thing and it is generally most useful at the airport when boarding flights, especially when you do not have your passport. In NC, to turn your DL into a real ID, you must appear in person and also bring some documents. What you have with real ID isuch more than a DK. Meanwhile, with my online non real ID renewal, I can legally drive to the DMV to upgrade it to federal standards.

      California is a state in the USA, not any kind of republic.

So y'all don't think voter ID is needed either right?

    So y'all don't think voter ID is needed either right?
   

    -@Larry Fisher

Did somebody bring up the topic of voter ID? That is not relevant to this thread but feel free to start a new topic. Thanks.

          California is a state in the USA, not any kind of republic.
   

    -@mugteck

Gorgeous Calif is almost the entire west coast. It's like the country within the country because everybody wants to live here, so we need extra heavy regulations to keep things under control. Nobody dreams of living in, say, sh¡tfµk NC or any of those other inbred eastern hick states. Those states are flattered if anyone wants a DL or plates bearing its name. The other issue with Real ID is you can't change your address online. Must be by mail or at DMV office.

        So y'all don't think voter ID is needed either right?        -@Larry Fisher

Did somebody bring up the topic of voter ID? That is not relevant to this thread but feel free to start a new topic. Thanks.
   

    -@danfinn

y'all the ones whining about Real ID. But I am 100% positive you want Voter ID. So, my point is, you're being effing hypocritical and deflecting to avoid accepting it. Real ID is here. Get used to it. You want protection from terrorism this is one of those steps in the digital age. Furthermore Danfinn, is Real ID relevant to the thread? I didn't bring it up. I just responded to the whine about it. 

            So y'all don't think voter ID is needed either right?        -@Larry FisherDid somebody bring up the topic of voter ID? That is not relevant to this thread but feel free to start a new topic. Thanks.        -@danfinn

y'all the ones whining about Real ID. But I am 100% positive you want Voter ID. So, my point is, you're being effing hypocritical and deflecting to avoid accepting it. Real ID is here. Get used to it. You want protection from terrorism this is one of those steps in the digital age. Furthermore Danfinn, is Real ID relevant to the thread? I didn't bring it up. I just responded to the whine about it. 
   

    -@Larry Fisher

Umm, Larry you are making sh#t up and looking for a fight lol. As I used to say, 'Wanna fight me buddy? Go fight him, he's me buddy"😂. Real ID is probably a good idea, certainly convenient and I will convert to one next time I go home. Yes, real ID is relevant to the thread because it "is" a driver's license. You bring up voter ID in a political sense and thanks but no thanks, I will pass on that except to say that all countries represented in this forum have some sort of ID requirement for voting...so go start your new thread Larry.

@danfinn, do you even realize what Real ID is? Or how it came about? Or who presented it to the 109th congress? Or who signed it into law? Or who voted for it overwhelmingly with massive public support? It's not just your driver's license. It's your federal ID. It's a small step in preventing 9/11 type incidents. Embrace, don't whine.

    @danfinn, do you even realize what Real ID is? Or how it came about? Or who presented it to the 109th congress? Or who signed it into law? Or who voted for it overwhelmingly with massive public support? It's not just your driver's license. It's your federal ID. It's a small step in preventing 9/11 type incidents. Embrace, don't whine.
   

    -@Larry Fisher

i have known what it is although I did not personally sponsor the bill that brought it to the 109th Congress. Don't worry bro, I am not against your real ID but I could actually take it or leave it. IDC.

Sigh. Once again, an interesting thread on life in the philippines gets hijacked. That’s why this forum loses good people.

    Sigh. Once again, an interesting thread on life in the philippines gets hijacked. That’s why this forum loses good people.         -@blacksheepjuno

😔

Sigh.

blacksheepjuno said. . . . Sigh. Once again, an interesting thread on life in the philippines gets hijacked. That’s why this forum loses good people.

**************************

True but . . . .

The thread was already played out as many repetitious threads often started by newbies. Thus, the hijacking of some repetitious threads is more interesting than the actual thread itself.

Your point of hijacking is another hijack, it enabled a knee jerk response from me.
   

   

@blacksheepjuno

Yip agree

           Speaking of motor vehicles, I have noticed about half a dozen electric bikes here in Ilocos Sur.  Each one was piloted by a female.  Guess the guys prefer to make noise,  also saw that about a dozen roads have banned electric bikes in the metro Manila area, mostly well travelled like Taft and Roxas Blvd.

Off topic but Ben entered his show bike in the local motor show and I keep asking why? Look at all my trophies is his response (ego?) but he did send me a video of the car send off or simply driving around the block for showing off, a Maserati, 2 Lamborghinis, 2 Ferraris several Mercs, Nissan GTO's  etc. etc. There are some very wealthy people here and I wonder how many are licensed and registered, insured even.

Can you imagine the highway patrol pulling up a Lamborghini? We only have a basic SUV and have been stopped a couple of times over the years and when they see me the driver wave me on, no rego or license check, very much doubt they would even stop an exotic set of wheels because it reeks of trouble until it's wrapped around a pole.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.