Driving motorbike in the Phils

15POSTS

10 years ago

Hi !

I'm french and I'm going to live and work in Manila soon. I would like to drive a motorbike over there. I learned that with my french driver's license I could drive a motorbike in the Phils even if I do not have this option in France.
I also have a NJ driver's license. I would like to know if it works in same way. I mean if I "change" my NJ driver's license into a Philippines driver's license, could I validate the motorbike option even if I don not have it in the New Jersey.

Thank you so much for your help

See also

Obtaining a Philippines driving licence - Guide
Bohol Motorbike Licence Plates - 6 Replies
Driving in the Philippines - 6 Replies
Driving Enhancement Program - 3 Replies
Driving in The Philippines - 39 Replies
Website calculates Cost of Living in Phils, and Phils Cities - 18 Replies
What Motorbike to Buy? - 9 Replies

colin wright Member

14POSTS

10 years ago

Sir,your licence will only last for three months then you will have to apply for a PHILIPPINEO license if you want to drive a car you will need a part one and for a motorcycle a part two.But I tell you this driving here is something else and very dangerous as most think the road is a race track.well I won't go into that just ask the question about driving in the Philippines I'm sure you will have loads of comments.As most Ex pats will not drive at night.That's all for now all the best Colin.

henrypowersteelcdo New member

6POSTS

10 years ago

you have to get a phil. drivers license sir...

USAMichael Active member

52POSTS

10 years ago

Dear Motorcycle guy:

In Manila Metropolitan area or near there, you need a Philippino license.
Because you will get stopped at checkpoints and they will look over your license and
your registration.
Also in Manila you need a bike of at least 150 cc's to use the expressways. My 100 Kawasaki does not get it. So if I go to that area I stay off the expressways.
Philippine driver's license. Probably about 2000 piso. which is what I paid. I
went to LTO Office with my gf. Used a "fixer" there. They will come up an contact
you as soon as you alight from however you get there.
In the provinces, 99 percent of the time you won't need a current driver's license
unless you get very unlucky and get stopped at a checkpoint. But checkpoints are
held very infrequently in the provinces.
You might not even need a helmut in the provinces but surely you need one in Manila and area of. In the provinces it Depends on whether your cities' current mayor insists on helmuts or not. But stick a helmut on when you go to any another city
and your partner has to wear one too.
I depend like crazy on my motorbike. Its the best way albeit a bit dangerous
to get around.
Always keep a wary eye out since the roads are essentially chaos and a mess in
terms of upkeep or planning.
People, bikes, other motors, pedicabs, tricycles and those are just the vehicles going slower then you, getting in your way is the norm. Then there are the vehicles going as fast or faster than you--these you have to look out for also. So you must be on your toes every single second.
Good luck.

1 member reacted to this post

tn101112 Active member

64POSTS

10 years ago

Yes, with the documents you have from France and NJ you can get a license here and ride your bike. Good luck with riding in Manila.

versan Serial expat

209POSTS

10 years ago

I just want to clarify on USAMichaels post in regards of riding a bike on an expressway, you need to have 400cc and above for you ride a motorbike inside expressway.

you can message me for help or other queries.

good luck.

3 members reacted to this post

Shifueya New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

One thing I can say is that Filipino driver is one of the best driver in the world. Maybe that's why in the foreign country, they prefer to hire Filipino driver over some other nationality. Maybe you can agree with me after you managed to drive around Manila together with those bus, taxi and Jeepney who looks like playing dodge ball with each other on the streets of Metro Manila.

Why did they became the best driver? Imagine if you can give a bus driver or a jeepney driver a sports car. Those driver can managed to cut in with each other using their wide and big vehicle without hitting or scratching their vehicle during rush hour, what more they can do if they're driving a sports car?

So it is best that you get a Philippine driver's license first so that LTO can give you briefing/seminar and make you ready for the obstacle that you will be facing to.

USAMichael Active member

52POSTS

10 years ago

One of the best drivers in the world? ? Huh? Probably wouldn't make the Top Ten.
No...not in the Top Twenty. No....Not in the Top 100. No training (except what his
Kuya taught him), No knowledge of Rules of the Road ('cause there are no rules except
DO NOT COLLIDE), However, in a game of "chicken" I'm sure they'd come out on top.

4 members reacted to this post

versan Serial expat

209POSTS

10 years ago

USAMichael wrote:
One of the best drivers in the world? ? Huh? Probably wouldn't make the Top Ten.
No...not in the Top Twenty. No....Not in the Top 100. No training (except what his
Kuya taught him), No knowledge of Rules of the Road ('cause there are no rules except
DO NOT COLLIDE), However, in a game of "chicken" I'm sure they'd come out on top.

I say the topic is all about wether you can or cannot drive a motorcycle in the Philippines with the licensed you were holding. Its not who is the best and who is on top. "NO ONE" here mentioned what country holds the number record and who are not. I believe if you can't say something good to this thread, better not comment anything.

Keep in mind that this website are made to give helpful information and learn, and not about bragging and saying something rude to other.

May I request the admin to close this thread as it is now starting to sound uncomfortable. As we are not going down to his level of intellectual manners.

God Bless us all.

Shifueya New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#10

USAMichael wrote:
One of the best drivers in the world? ? Huh? Probably wouldn't make the Top Ten.
No...not in the Top Twenty. No....Not in the Top 100. No training (except what his
Kuya taught him), No knowledge of Rules of the Road ('cause there are no rules except
DO NOT COLLIDE), However, in a game of "chicken" I'm sure they'd come out on top.

Oh! The Lord of Grumbler is back! Hey Mike, why don't you try and drive one of those jeepney in Manila and let's see who will be the chicken?

colin wright Member

14POSTS

10 years ago

#11

its not about driving a car or bike its how you drive where in other countries you have to take long tests before you can get a licence i'm sorry but the drivers here most pay under the table for there lincence.in the uk i had to go through a writen test and road test for my bike then my car and my hgv lincence.when i came to the philippines i was asked if i want a licence and it would cost 1,500,paso.i told them i would take the test which i did and passed no problem as it was only a tick the answers no road test.i think that if most philippineos go abroard they will be in for a big shock and find it hard to get a lincence.i know how it sounds when we rubbish drivers here but if you have never driven abroard then you just don't know how you should drive.as for jeepney drivers all the accidents speak for themselves.i do apologise but as a professional driver for over 45 years i am talking with experience.

3 members reacted to this post

waynEng New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#12

Hi, can someone provides the contact details for the LTO licenses agent or someone connected? I have a license and would like to convert it to Phils license. Thanks

dhnindc Serial expat

583POSTS

10 years ago

#13

If you want to convert your non Phil DL to a Phil DL with motorcycle permit, then the non Phil DL should have the motorcycle permit checked. Problem with France is that the DL is not in English and will need one of those international DL translation permits attached. NJ should be fine if you have the motorcycle permit checked.

waynEng New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#14

Hi, thanks for reply, but I'm from Malaysia, not France. I read on the LTO website stated that license with English can be converted to Phils license but not sure about how it works. Anyone has the experience before?

dhnindc Serial expat

583POSTS

10 years ago

#15

Go to Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia and they will translate for 20 RM. If your feeling lucky, maybe can get them to indicate motorcycle permit.

waynEng New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#16

I'm a Malaysian, and possess the Malaysia license, now I want to convert to Phils license. Do the same way at LTO?

davtjo Contributor

100POSTS

10 years ago

#17

I ride a cbr 1000 have driven in Cebu and now Mindanao Iligan city, I travel around as well. The biggest problem is everybody drives in the middle of the road, so undertaking is prevalent a dangerous manouver as jeepneys will just pull to the right gto pick up olr drop off passengers. As to licence I got mine in 2005 In Cebu did 20 questions( I think) did a urine test and that was about it. I drive fairly fast but when approaching to get past any body it's hooter time or when approaching junctions same thing. It's a dangerous operation riding a motorcycle here, if you are not a long time rider or a bit timid my advice stay well away, get a trike or jeepney both very very cheap

2 members reacted to this post

dirk c Serial expat

264POSTS

10 years ago

#18

hi ,i went to LTO well prepared i had my license fotocopyd translated and the translation oficialised by my embassy
a few hrs later i had my PH driverslicense and it costed about 800 php
sogo for it
i both a Racal 150cc trike and love driving it all over the place ,it's also great for shopping lol
greets Dirk

1 member reacted to this post

davtjo Contributor

100POSTS

10 years ago

#19

I'm sorry but you really are dreaming, Jeepney drivers really are atrocious, the lack of serious accident is due mainly to the fact that everybody knows to expect the most stupid maneuvers and is prepared to take evasive action. If they drove in London or New York they would not get past the first 10 mins with their driving skills.

4 members reacted to this post

mujeeb23 Member

12POSTS

10 years ago

#20

I totally I agree with you they brag all bad about this place while they are still here
So weird they should not be even allowed to stay ,GO BACK WERE YOU CAME FROM

Allanna Active member

50POSTS

10 years ago

#21

Shifueya wrote:
One thing I can say is that Filipino driver is one of the best driver in the world. Maybe that's why in the foreign country, they prefer to hire Filipino driver over some other nationality. Maybe you can agree with me after you managed to drive around Manila together with those bus, taxi and Jeepney who looks like playing dodge ball with each other on the streets of Metro Manila.

Why did they became the best driver? Imagine if you can give a bus driver or a jeepney driver a sports car. Those driver can managed to cut in with each other using their wide and big vehicle without hitting or scratching their vehicle during rush hour, what more they can do if they're driving a sports car?

So it is best that you get a Philippine driver's license first so that LTO can give you briefing/seminar and make you ready for the obstacle that you will be facing to.

You are freaking kidding arent you? In the real world they wouldnt be allowed on the road at all. There is more to driving than hogging the road and being totally inconsiderate to other road users.

1 member reacted to this post

Shifueya New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#22

Nope, I'm not kidding. I'm talking about filipino driver here in the Philippines. That are driving here in the Philippines. The world that you're saying doesn't exist in Manila. You may try and watch in youtube "Josh West", the famous London bus driver that takes the challenge to drive a passenger jeep in manila.

Allanna Active member

50POSTS

10 years ago

#23

Oh you're not kidding. No worries. We'll just leave you on your own planet then. LOL.

Kulchavulcha New member

6POSTS

10 years ago

#24

Shifueya wrote:
One thing I can say is that Filipino driver is one of the best driver in the world. Maybe that's why in the foreign country, they prefer to hire Filipino driver over some other nationality. Maybe you can agree with me after you managed to drive around Manila together with those bus, taxi and Jeepney who looks like playing dodge ball with each other on the streets of Metro Manila.

Why did they became the best driver? Imagine if you can give a bus driver or a jeepney driver a sports car. Those driver can managed to cut in with each other using their wide and big vehicle without hitting or scratching their vehicle during rush hour, what more they can do if they're driving a sports car?

So it is best that you get a Philippine driver's license first so that LTO can give you briefing/seminar and make you ready for the obstacle that you will be facing to.

1 member reacted to this post

GuestPoster254 Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#25

Shifueya wrote:
One thing I can say is that Filipino driver is one of the best driver in the world. Maybe that's why in the foreign country, they prefer to hire Filipino driver over some other nationality. Maybe you can agree with me after you managed to drive around Manila together with those bus, taxi and Jeepney who looks like playing dodge ball with each other on the streets of Metro Manila.

Why did they became the best driver? Imagine if you can give a bus driver or a jeepney driver a sports car. Those driver can managed to cut in with each other using their wide and big vehicle without hitting or scratching their vehicle during rush hour, what more they can do if they're driving a sports car?

So it is best that you get a Philippine driver's license first so that LTO can give you briefing/seminar and make you ready for the obstacle that you will be facing to.

I disagree with the above post regarding bus and jeepney drivers. From my experience, they're the worst and most inconsiderate drivers around. I think if you have them drive in a race, they will be banned after their first race. They are so reckless. There will be lots of pile ups.

I drive a car in my area in Quezon City and had been a car passenger on busy highways like EDSA. (I don't have the courage to drive at EDSA.) The reason why bus drivers seem like they can avoid hitting or scratching their vehicle is because other vehicles avoid them, in the same way that wimps (like myself, a motorist who's worked hard to buy a car and has 2 young children to support) give way to bullies (bus drivers who do not own the bus) to avoid getting hurt. I'm guessing that if the bus has a scratch, it's from scraping or crashing against a stationary object like a wall or a post.

There are times when these bus driver bullies race with other bus drivers. The result: a serious accident with possible fatalities. The drivers will often run away from the scene of the crime if they are not injured or dead. Sometimes, they can be distracted half-awake drivers, taking in double or triple shifts. They might even take a narcotic to keep awake.

So, if you value your life, limbs and vehicle, whether your ride be a Racal motorcycle or a Ford Expedition, it's wise to give way to buses and jeepneys. Keep a cool head and put the who-has-the-right-of-way rule in the back burner. In the "rule" of bullies and wimps, these drivers have the right of way.

3 members reacted to this post

dhnindc Serial expat

583POSTS

10 years ago

#26

Good answer fam. Bus and jeepney drivers have very little in way of penalties in case of accidents. If they cause the accident and its serious, the driver and assistant will simply abandon the bus and go back to their province for a short period of time it takes to buy a new fake drivers license.

As long as the bus companies are unregulated and require the bus drivers to maximize passengers, then crazy drivers will continue. BTW, jeepneys are not allowed on EDSA, but buses are so prevalent, they have tried to set up barriers to keep them in. But they are temporary and are slowly being moved around so that it causes more traffic accidents then before.

1 member reacted to this post

dirk c Serial expat

264POSTS

10 years ago

#27

i went to LTO with my belgium drivers license translated and oficialised by the embassy with dokters clearance it costed my 800 pesso ,did not used a fixers as this is tottaly not nessessary ,and it took only 1 day to get it ,i drive a RACAL 150CC trike and i love it hahaha,i dont understand all the bad comments about the traffic here ,i just go with the flow ceep my eyes on the road and my mirrors and anticipate as much as possibol the traffic around me .
one thing is different to western traffic , seen no road rage here .
so go for it get ya drivers license and as long as you be careful just as wereever else you woold drive ya soold beall right
ps;i know the traffic on the perefrique around Paris in France so before some comment on traffic here they maibe soold drive there for a wile hahahahaha

1 member reacted to this post

barkz Active member

60POSTS

9 years ago

#28

filipinos best drivers in the world ??? you must be pinoy, no discipline, no respect for any rules of the road, might be because there is none, i asked LTO when i got my license about rules of the road he just said no sir, its just a free for all do what ever you want, stop in the middle of the road and park as long as you put the hazzards lights on your ok, worst drivers i have ever seen lucky the traffic only moves at snail pace,
never drive at night too many ppl walking on the road, no lights,dressed in dark clothes , jeeps, trikes peticab, you name it driving without lights. if you ever hit someone DO NOT STOP keep going to the next police station and report what happened.
to respond about license just go to LTO do drug test, test your eyesight show your home license its easy costs me less than p1,000 you dont need fixer, their is no driving test for car or motorcycle, if your new to driving in PH, forget everything you were taught about driving in your home country it dont apply here, watch out for traffic coming towards you on your side of the road if they are bigger than you get out of the way, also on corners in town everyone cuts the corner.
remember in any accident you the foreigner are always in the wrong,
best of luck you will need it

2 members reacted to this post

USAMichael Active member

52POSTS

9 years ago

#29

You right, sori po.

RodBoud Active member

28POSTS

9 years ago

#30

Rules for riding in PH
1.)Wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.
2.)Maintain 360 degree awareness
3.)Don't be bashful about blowing the horn. Pedestrians and other drivers expect to be warned.

barkz Active member

60POSTS

9 years ago

#31

RodBoud yes you forgot to add, adjust your review mirrors so you can see your face in both of them, otherwise they are useless so remove them like most people. just because you have your indicator on to turn dont think I wont overtake you. look out for people crossing the road to catch a jeep, trike they wait untill your really close then run across in front of you.
if this has not happened to you you have never driven in PH

2 members reacted to this post

barkz Active member

60POSTS

9 years ago

#32

I dont know what countries he is talking about most western ones dont have personal drivers,

USAMichael Active member

52POSTS

9 years ago

#33

I agree, it is the norm when driving to have somebody or something run out in front of you. Expect it always.

1 member reacted to this post

RodBoud Active member

28POSTS

9 years ago

#34

3 simple suggestions to keep them safe. Add all the details you like and remember the saying about assumptions.
All the best to you & yours

dirk c Serial expat

264POSTS

9 years ago

#35

in my view (and i have been provin wrong at times) the bad traffic situations are only du to a lack of traffic inforcement. lets say the inforcement in any western country is taking away ,i wonder how long it wood take before we see pinoy traffic situation there ? not long i think , lol. but as i say i can be wronggg.

greets Dirk

ps;am havin a big grin on my face now hahahaha

Duckiegirl Member

10POSTS

9 years ago

#36

Hello,

Yes, as far as I know you can have a drivers license in the Phil so you can use your motorbike.

dhershberger42 Member

1POSTS

3 years ago

#37

@versan Hello, my name is Dan I am an American citizen visiting my family in the Philippines for the fifth time, wonderful people and wonderful country! I will be buying a new motorcycle in Davao and riding it up to Baganga and around that area for the month of July. I will be getting my motorcycle license here before I leave for the Philippines. I would like to know if I will be able to get my registration within a day after I buy the motorcycle and if they will accept my U.S. motorcycle license for registration. Will I be able to get a temporary license plate? Or permit for the time that I am there, thank you

pnwcyclist Philippines Expert

1489POSTS

3 years ago

#38

Dan, it can take 2-3 months to get a permanent plate, unfortunately, in the meantime your motorcycle will have a temporary plate that reads "For Registration".

One is not really supposed to travel far until the permanent plate is received, but when I bought my 650 I went all over the place, took ferries, etc. You will probably be fine, just keep copies of your OR and CR.

1 member reacted to this post

dirk.c. Active member

65POSTS

3 years ago

#39

if your license is not in english you need an translation that is officialised by consul or embasy ,with a copy of the license and the translation you go LTO were you wil get medical examination and probaly a 4 hrs seminar (were ya will here or lurn nothing ya not all redy know) and then you you get your Ph license ,no fixers needed at all .in 9 yrs here we NEVER used a fixer ,they can do only wath you can do yourselve ,unles you like to trow away money on unnessesery things , you dont use fixers anny time as you risk legal problems wen they catch you using a fixer . usual ya get cought becourse one (or more )person(s) get anoyd becourse the fixer cut in the waiting line so they raport you and the fixer .so again do not be a fool dont do it !

in LTO they guide you true the proces and as long your frendly and respectful so wil they be to (beeing patient helps to hehe).

greets Dirk

dirk.c. Active member

65POSTS

3 years ago

#40

@dhershberger42 we gor the LTO same day as we bought the scooter and temporary plate drove long and short distances had checkpoints to never had problems and yes it took 4 months before we got the official plate heheh

wen we bought our car again from an official brand dealer between making the disision to buy and driving it home with LTO and bank insurance all completed it took 7 days , it wood have been 6 days but we had to wait for window tainting becourse they were out of stok in medium dark .

greets Dirk