Licensing Requirements, Registration and Documentation
Licence types and who may drive
Three credentials matter on the exam: the Student Permit, the Non-Professional (NP) licence (private vehicles, up to certain weight and passenger limits) and the Professional licence (public utility vehicles, trucks and for-hire operations). The classic trap: a student permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver seated beside them - a permit alone does not authorise solo driving. Minimum ages are commonly tested (roughly 16 for a student permit, 17 for non-professional, 18 for professional), but confirm the current LTO issuance, since requirements are updated periodically. Under RA 10930, licences are valid for five years, with a ten-year renewal available to holders with clean records.
Registration and papers you must carry
A motor vehicle must be registered with the LTO, which requires an inspection (MVIC), an emission test and compulsory third-party liability insurance (CTPL). Initial registration runs for three years, with annual renewal thereafter. On the road, carry:
- the Certificate of Registration (CR) - evidence of ownership;
- the Official Receipt (OR) - evidence of registration for the current period;
- your driver's licence, and the CTPL policy for the vehicle.
Violations and consequences
Traffic violations carry fines, and repeat or serious offences - driving under the influence, driving without a licence, reckless driving - can lead to suspension or revocation. Drunk driving is separately penalised under RA 10586, and a licence may be suspended or revoked after a positive test.
Trap
Questions mix up OR and CR. The CR proves ownership; the OR proves you paid for the current registration period. Both must be carried.
Rule of thumb
Before the wheels move: right licence, right person beside you (if a permit), OR and CR on board, insurance current.