PHILIPPINES DRIVING LICENCE - TOURIST VISA

Member since 07 September 2022

SilverBirchNew member20 December 2022 09:08:00

I see another topic on Driving Licence - but this is specifically for those that are recent to PH and or on a TOURIST VISA

I am getting different advice and would like to know if anybody KNOWS what I should do next;

GOV.PH Before I came I checked on gov.ph and found I could use an International licence for 90 days and once I had an ACR transfer my national (UK) Licence to a local (PH) Licence for a small fee and without having to do the practical or theory test, but medical is still required.

LTO in Cebu City: It took me 110 days to get my ACR and on day 110 I turned up at LTO in Cebu City to get a driving licence. The medical for 600 PHP peso was super quick and efficient (yes and easy to pass). I registered with LTO online in 10 minutes and got to the LTO desk where I was told I had to have 120 days before I could get a PH licence. I was sent to window 4 "Approvals" for more information. Here I handed over my passport, ACR, UK driving licence (valid until 2031) and International Driving Licence (valid until 2025)... They said that I could not transfer to a PH licence because I was on a TOURIST VISA and only students and residents could transfer licences. They did say that my UK licence was valid for 90 days (now passed) and my International Licence was OK to use in PH. They would not give me advice or anything in writing to confirm this, other than suggest I go to Automobile Association of the Philippines. I went to Talisay LTO where I was given the same advice. So hooray I am safe?

Cebu Traffic Police: The bad news is I was stopped for a traffic offence a few days prior to going to LTO and they had a completely different view on what was allowed. We wont go into whether I was guilty or not ... that is a story for another day. But they asked for my licence. I gave my UK and International Licence . I was told by them that my UK licence was not valid at all, My International Licence was valid for only 90 days. SO they would have to confiscate my vehicle.

Call me naïve but I dont do fixers... what should I do to stay legal. Not driving is not an option I give 4 nursing students a lift to college 6 days a week

I have a few questions for you all?

1) What is the law? Are both the people at the two LTO offices I went to correct? FOr now I am assuming they are as they are most knowledgable.

2) Would applying for a resident visa solve this. How do you do that? Is it worth it?

3) Should I just take the full PH driving test with the practical, theory test? Is that allowed?

Your thoughts?

Kiwi Forever New member

Member since 25 August 2021

Kiwi ForeverNew member20 December 2022 23:16:14

You can drive on your Brtish drivers licence for 90 days, It clearly states that on the Philippines consulate website.

A lot of enforcers dont know the rules. I printed a copy of the driving licence rule from the consulate website and carry it at all times when driving.

Good luck.

talamban Contributor

Member since 13 April 2022

talambanContributor26 December 2022 01:49:37

193

@SilverBirch I am in Cebu City, been here 3 1/2 years. When I applied for a local Driver's License, I completed the eye exam and medical "Exam". Went to LTO and was promptly told that they would not give me a Drivers License unless my Visa was for at least 12 months; which is impossible for a Tourist 9A. I know of a number of "Tourists" who have obtained their License here. Maybe they were just trying to shake me down - who knows. I only wanted the License for ID purposes since I have no intention to drive here or own a vehicle. I could have paid a "Fixer" for 5,000 Pesos; but chose not to.

Frank Lyszkiewicz New member

Member since 03 July 2022

Frank LyszkiewiczNew member26 December 2022 03:02:35

@talamban it as just changed to 9 mouths so some of them mat still not know about the changes go on to the LTO website and screenshot it to show them

yiqipo Active member

Member since 28 November 2022

yiqipoActive member15 January 2023 09:11:27

if it is just for ID purpose, you can get post office ID, I have been told and it is very easy. Find your local Phlpost office. Or a barangay ID, check with your barangay office.

laymanm65 Active member

Member since 01 February 2022

laymanm65Active member15 January 2023 10:05:00

@SilverBirch Mine is a little different as I am here on a SRRV Visa. I went to LTO in cauayan and got mine last week. Neither test was needed because I had a current TX drivers license. Eye and physical were P800. Because I’m 66 and a senior I was take to front of line. In and out in little over an hour.

talamban Contributor

Member since 13 April 2022

talambanContributor16 January 2023 00:43:09

193

@yiqipo PhilPost ID may be "Easy" but takes longer than it should to obtain the picture ID. My Partner went to the local Post Office over four months ago (August 2022) and was promised delivery no later than early November. Still Waiting. For some Picture IDs, they must be prepared in Manila, and sometimes "the printer is not working". Driver's licenses had a one year + Lag for same reason.

laymanm65 Active member

Member since 01 February 2022

laymanm65Active member16 January 2023 04:40:45

@talamban strange. Same day service.

talamban Contributor

Member since 13 April 2022

talambanContributor16 January 2023 07:17:22

193

@laymanm65 Good for you. Are you in Manila? or where?

laurencedbriggs New member

Member since 05 August 2023

laurencedbriggsNew member05 August 2023 10:06:32

#10

@SilverBirch Did you resolve this?

I am living in Antipolo near Manila. After 90 days I went to the local LTO who sent me to the main Manila LTO IN Quezon.

It was all very straightforward simple and cheap. Filled out a form ,submitted my US Colorado license, went next door, paid for a simple medical ( basically en eye test) , went back to office, and within 20 minutes I was called up and told my licensecwould arrive in the mail in 3 weeks. I was given a temporary letter/ certificate. My license arrived by courier 3 weeks later.

No problem at all.

Enzyte Bob ViP

Member since 26 October 2018

Enzyte BobViP05 August 2023 13:02:41

#11

4080

laurencedbriggs said . . . . I am living in Antipolo near Manila. After 90 days I went to the local LTO who sent me to the main Manila LTO IN Quezon.
It was all very straightforward simple and cheap. Filled out a form ,submitted my US Colorado license, went next door, paid for a simple medical ( basically en eye test) , went back to office, and within 20 minutes I was called up and told my licensecwould arrive in the mail in 3 weeks. I was given a temporary letter/ certificate. My license arrived by courier 3 weeks later.
No problem at all.

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

Sometime ago on Old Dog New Tricks I remember something about him going to the LTO and they were out of blanks for the drivers license and he had to return when they were restocked.

Good grief, I hope Jollybees doesn't run out of chicken, I can't wait three weeks for that courier to deliver my meal. (Winner winner chicken dinner)