LTO Non-Professional exam-day guide
LTO Non-Professional · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Original Student Permit
Bring the original permit plus one photocopy. Confirm with the LTO office or your driving school whether your permit must be held for a minimum period before you can convert it to a non-professional license - the holding period is a policy detail you should verify rather than assume. needs_review
LTMS account and appointment reference
Most transactions are booked through the LTO's Land Transport Management System portal. Print or screenshot your appointment confirmation and reference number, and make sure the name on the account matches your IDs exactly. Confirm with the provider whether walk-ins are accepted at your chosen office. needs_review
Medical certificate from an accredited clinic or physician
Must be current and issued by an LTO-accredited provider. If the certificate carries a restriction code (for example, requiring corrective lenses), plan to meet that restriction on test day. Confirm with the provider which clinics are accredited and how recent the certificate must be. needs_review
Valid government-issued ID
Original, with photo and signature, showing the same name and birth date as your application. Bring a photocopy. A barangay certificate or company ID may not be accepted - confirm the accepted ID list with the provider. needs_review
Vehicle for the practical test
The unit must be registered and roadworthy, with the OR/CR on board, working lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, seatbelts and brakes. It should match the license category and transmission type you are applying for. Confirm with the provider whether the candidate must supply the vehicle and whether an accompanying licensed driver is required. needs_review
Black ballpen and a document folder
You will fill out forms on site. Keep originals in one folder and photocopies in another so encoding staff can check them quickly.
Cash for fees
Bring more than you expect to spend. Fee amounts and accepted payment methods vary by office and change over time - confirm the current schedule with the provider before you travel. needs_review
Closed shoes and neat, comfortable clothing
Closed-toe shoes give you proper pedal control and are expected at most offices. Avoid slippers, sandals and sleeveless tops. Uniform dress codes are office-specific - confirm with the provider if you are unsure. needs_review
Eyeglasses or contact lenses if prescribed
If your medical certificate carries a vision restriction, you must wear them during both the written and practical portions.
Water, light snacks and patience
Processing plus two test portions can take most of a day. Expect queues and bring something to read while waiting.
Plan the day
Re-check your appointment and document set against the official checklist. Test the vehicle you will use: tire pressure and tread, brake feel, all lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, fluid levels and seatbelts. Drive the vehicle in an empty lot and practise the core maneuvers - moving off smoothly, straight backing, parallel or perpendicular parking, three-point turn, lane change with signal and mirror check. Confirm with the provider if any item on your document list needs updating. needs_review
Assemble the folder: originals, photocopies, medical certificate, appointment printout, IDs, ballpen. Confirm the vehicle's OR/CR and insurance are on board. Plan your route and arrival time, check the office's opening hours, charge your phone and lay out your clothes and closed shoes. Get a full night's sleep and avoid alcohol.
Eat a proper meal and arrive 30–60 minutes before your slot. Proceed to assessment and encoding, pay the assessed fees, then have your photo and biometrics taken. Listen for your name and follow staff instructions on the order of the written and practical portions.
Read each item twice, answer the ones you know first, and watch for absolute words like 'always' and 'never'. Traffic signs, right-of-way, following distance, parking rules and defensive driving are the usual coverage. Confirm the current passing score and item count with the provider - these change. needs_review
Before moving, do a visible walk-around check, adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten your seatbelt and confirm the examiner is belted in. Announce each action. Signal before every maneuver, check mirrors and blind spots, keep both hands on the wheel, and obey speed limits and traffic signs inside and around the venue. If you are unsure of an instruction, calmly ask the examiner to repeat it rather than guessing.
Rules to check
Bring originals of every document. Photocopies alone are not accepted, and a falsified or borrowed document is grounds for disqualification and possible criminal liability.
Follow the examiner's instructions during the practical test. You may ask for an instruction to be repeated or clarified, but do not argue with the examiner mid-test - finish the test, then raise concerns at the counter.
Put your phone on silent and out of reach during both test portions. Taking calls, filming or photographing test materials is treated as a conduct violation.
Never offer money, gifts or favors to any staff member or examiner. That is a criminal offense, not just an examination irregularity.
Wear the corrective lenses or other aids noted as restrictions on your medical certificate. Testing without a declared restriction in place can invalidate your result.
If you damage the test vehicle or the examiner stops the test for a safety violation, the test may be terminated. Confirm with the provider which errors are treated as automatic failures. needs_review
Ask at the counter whether you may take a short break between the written and practical portions - practice on this differs by office and by queue volume. needs_review
The final score is recorded by the office. If you believe a result was recorded in error, ask the counter staff for the review procedure on the same day rather than leaving the premises.