Applying for a Student Permit @ LTO Las Piñas

     FINALLY! The main reason I wanted to start this blog was because I wanted a place to write all this information down where it might be useful for someone (and because most of the other stuff I've read in the internet is either outdated or incomplete... Well, not with as much info as I would have liked anyway)...

     Here's some information from someone who went there alone (and totally unprepared).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. The Place - LTO Las Piñas

     If you don't already know what the place looks like, ask the jeepney driver to drop you off there. I dunno, but I was expecting something more... impressive-looking. Good thing the driver notified me when we passed by. Before entering, I panicked a bit. I was getting hungry. A nearby street vendor sold (partially... =|) hard-boiled eggs.

     Upon entering, I saw... something. I can't quite describe how disorganized it was. I remember wondering, "What if organelles were this disorganized? We'd probably die..." Yeah I'm nerdy like that... It was here that I realized a few things: 1) This might take a while and 2) There's some food vendors available on-site, as well as some other amenities. So, here's a glance at them for everyone's information.

Badass Ate selling cigarettes next to that ironic sign (thoughtfully modified by a ballpen-wielder to refer to inside the CR)

I was told that this building is a private institution. No taking of pictures inside...

Here's some details posted around the place I took note of that might be useful for others:

SCHEDULE (likely for the whole establishment... the note was posted on top of the cashier)

• 7:30 am - 2:30 pm (probably operating hours as a whole?)
• 12:00 nn - 12:30 pm (Lunch Break)
• 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (??? Waste of ink?)

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

• Required for driver's license
• ₱ 100.00
• LTO Accredited (duh... Otherwise it wouldn't make sense for them to be next to the place)

XEROX

• Long - ₱ 3.50
• Short - ₱ 2.50

Food establishments! Therefore, you don't need to worry much about food. I didn't scout the prices or menu though...

Car Care Center and Car Wash. Just wanted you to know they exist nearby.

II. The Application Process - New Student Permit (Filipino)

     Yeah. That was what I applied for. I looked at a bunch of sites before coming, but most of them were not updated anymore. This was helpful, but beware of unupdated sites (particularly with regards to the application form). The form is the first step. Their on-site help desk gives the forms out for free, but accomplishing them takes time. Also, doing it at home makes it easier to provide complete information.

     It's always (?) safe to look at the LTO Website first. Actually I did that, but honestly the website turned me off. It seemed unintuitive at the time, so I googled up some other sites. However, don't let this turn you off! The site actually contains the form in use today (if the previous hyperlink is broken, try here and download the "Driver's License Application Form"). Don't let the filename mislead you, the form has a checkbox for "New" and "Student Permit."

     For the actual process, it's actually all written here in their website. Don't try the shortcut links you immediately see. You won't be able to scroll back up for some reason (if you do though, you can reload the page. Let Ctrl+F, PageUp, and PageDown be your best friends.

     Sooo what happens if you don't read ahead? Well, they have the process and the fees posted in situ:

To be fair to the one who left the C2 bottle, there were no trash cans conveniently nearby... Still not excusable though...

     They also have handy infographics above the office windows in case you don't wanna read:

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS:

• @ Step 1: Prepare a photocopy of you supporting document. My supporting document was my passport. They asked me to photocopy it. I was forced to use the relatively expensive service nearby. I found it odd that it wasn't specified in any of the procedures. Maybe LTO Las Piñas doesn't have it's own xerox machine?
• You'll notice a reliance on audio cues (number @ Step 2; name @ Step 3 onwards). Stay alert and listen.
• Do not believe any time estimates nearby. You might frustrate yourself. Prepare an allowance of 1-2 hours.

For reference, I arrived at around 10:45 am. I took nearly 3 hours.

• The "Driver's Road Safety Pledge" comes in both Filipino and English. Use whatever's comfortable for you. The teller will get frustrated if you can't be heard. Someone after me couldn't read English very well and the teller practically yelled at him. Both versions are below for your reference. I find it odd that it's not posted in the LTO Webste...

They may sound corny, but try to take these seriously. They're for the good of you, other drivers, pedestrians, and everyone else near the roads anyway.

    I guess that's all I got so far. After a month, I'll update with getting a non-professional license for Filipinos.

    May knowledge empower you! Good luck fellow future drivers!

III. The Application Process - New Non-professional License (Filipino)

     (To be continued ;P)

Do you have any useful tips or info? Comment below to share them! =)