Month: May 2019

Driving is a privilege, not a right. That’s why anyone who wants to drive a new or old car is required by law to obtain a driver’s license. In the Philippines, this mandate is based on Republic Act 4136 and Batas Pambansa Bilang 398, while the license itself if obtained through the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Below are the four types of driver’s licenses LTO issues.

Student’s Permit

This license is bestowed to people who wish to learn how to drive. A person must be at least 16 years old or above to obtain this license, and they must present the duly-accomplished application form, proof of their identity, and their TIN if they already have one. You should take note that while it is technically a driver’s license, you’re legally not allowed to take your vehicle on the road with this license unless you’re accompanied by a person holding a Professional Driver’s License. This license is mainly used in order for aspiring motorists to enroll in driving schools or as a prerequisite to getting a non-professional or professional license.

Non-Professional License

Next, you have the Non-Professional Driver’s License. This license is given to people who have already learned to drive and whose Student’s Permits are at least one month old. You have to be at least 17 years of age to qualify for this license, and it grants you the privilege to operate vehicle for private use. To obtain this license, you must submit all the required documents (i.e., application form, medical certificate, etc.) as well as pass the written and practical examinations.

Professional License

Meanwhile, Professional Driver’s Licenses are issued to people who need to use a vehicle to earn a living. You must be at least 18 years old to get this license, and alongside submitting the required documents and passing the exams, you also need to present an NBI Clearance, a Police or Court Clearance, and a Certificate from Commanding Officer (in case you’re driving as a military personnel).

International License

Lastly, the International License is issued to permanent residents of the Philippines, including students, employees, and government officials, who wishes to drive a car in other countries. It’s granted by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and is valid for one year. Requirements include a valid driver’s license (along with at least two photocopies of it) and two copies of your latest two-by-two-inch pictures with white background.

Get a License Before Driving

Everyone may know how to drive, but only those who have valid driver’s licenses can do so legally in the Philippines and beyond. So before you start your car engine, hit the pedal, and take your car out for a spin, better make sure you’re duly licensed first.
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Types of Driver’s License Issued in the Philippines
Alertness and concentration is essential if you want to take your ride out for a spin. Anything that can affect these two should be avoided at all costs. And the best way you can do that is by making sure you’re in a good state to drive. Below are factors that can determine your fitness.

Good Health

Make sure you are well enough first before hitting the road. One of the main things required to obtain a driver’s license is a medical certificate. How you feel affects how you drive. If you feel sick, it is advisable to refrain from taking your own ride out for a while. Sickness can also negatively impact your concentration and alertness levels, adversely affecting your presence of mind and reaction time. Thus, compromising your safety by driving in a weakened physical state must be avoided at all times.

Good Eyesight

Having clear vision is also essential in order for you to drive safely. Therefore, it is advisable to have your eyes checked to make sure they have acceptable vision range as well as to detect any defects that could affect your driving for the worse. In any case, good eyesight is a prerequisite to obtaining a driver’s license. And if you’re using corrective eye wear, it is recommended that you have your prescription glasses or contact lenses on before you rev up your car engine.

Medicines

Certain medications have side effects that can negatively affect your driving capabilities. These effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, among others, and they could impair your concentration and alertness while on the road. Thus, you need to be aware of the medicine you need to take shortly before driving. Check the labels for warnings and indicated side effects.

Alcohol

Alcohol impairs your ability to concentrate, adversely affects your reaction time, and gives you a false sense of confidence that could lead to unwanted and unnecessary risks. Drunk driving is also a prime threat to safety (yours and other people’s), and it is punishable by law. So don’t drive while you’re drunk under any circumstances.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine chloride, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin have unpredictable if not downright dangerous effects to begin with. Not only would these substances impair your ability to drive, but it could also damage your state of mind and physical well-being. Thus, driving under the influence of any of these drugs is a big no-no.
Be Fit Before You Drive
Making safety your prime consideration when driving is an important and responsible decision. By keeping the things listed above in mind, you’ll be able to better ascertain your fitness to drive and ensure your safety while on the road.
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Things to Check to See If You’re Fit to Drive

Driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Thus, you need to be fully prepared before you take your brand new or pre-owned car for a spin. That means a lot of things, like preparing yourself, having the right documents, and what-not. To help you out, listed below are five of the most essential things responsible motorists have.

Driver’s License

Obviously, you shouldn’t drive without a driver’s license, even if you have mad skills behind the wheel. In any case, the law requires anyone wanting to operate an automobile to have a license first, with hefty penalties for those who fail to comply. So if you’ve just bought that shiny albeit secondhand car you’ve been daydreaming about, better get a license before starting its engine.

Car Registration

Next, you need to make sure that your car’s registration is up-to-date. Like your driver’s license, a vehicle’s registration is critical; you shouldn’t take your ride out if it’s unlisted. Therefore, as soon as you have your license (or before, it doesn’t really matter which comes first as long as you get both), bring your auto to the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) and get the necessary registration documents.

Spare Tire

As soon as your license and registration are ready, you can start driving. But first, you need to make sure you bring a spare tire. Though you probably won’t use it, it’s still important to bring one on your road trips. That way, you’ll be prepared to replace one of your tires in case something does happen.

Tool Box

And you also need to bring a toolbox with you (complete with all the tools and gadgets you might need, of course). Mishaps and accidents can happen while you’re on the road no matter how careful and responsible you are. By having all the sets of necessary tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to remedy whatever damage your beloved ride incurs along the way.

Fitness

Last but definitely not least, you need to be physically fit before you drive. Most people neglect factoring in their health and well-being when it comes to driving. Don’t be like those guys! Instead, make sure you’re in tip-top condition before hitting the road. This means having good eyesight, having proper presence of mind, and many more.

The Takeaway

Before you can start driving, you need to make sure you have everything you need. By keeping the things listed above near at hand, you’ll be one step closer to hitting the road with your beloved ride.

If you are ready to drive but do not have a ride yet, check out the best second-hand car deals here.

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Things You’ll Need If You Want to Be a Responsible Motorist