Philippine Driving License on a Tourist Visa.

[Eddie1]

3 weeks ago I went to the LTO here in Dumaguete to ask what was required to convert my UK Driving License to a 5 year Philippine Driving License, was told come back with your Passport, ACR card and UK Driving License. I went back the next day with all the requirements but expecting all the hurdles/bullshit once they realised that I am on a renewable tourist visa (think its called a 9A), but no, nothing was mentioned, I was just told to go next door for a medical and a drug test, well an hour later it was all done, paid my money, given what I thought was a receipt and was told to come back in 20 days time which was today.  About 2 weeks later I found the receipt in my wallet and after actually putting on my glasses and reading it thoroughly I realised it wasn't a receipt, it was actually a temporary paper copy of a 5 year license. Wow, was that it?  Where was all the questions about length of stay, rental contract, tourist visa etc.?  AND why did I have an appointment this afternoon at the LTO?   The answer to that is that just 20 minutes after my appointment time I walked out of the LTO with a PLASTIC 5 year Philippine Driving License!!   Yep, I am a very happy chappy this evening.

All in all a really well organised experience, nice one Dumaguete LTO.

Edited March 27, 2018 by Eddie1

[Dave Hounddriver]

WELL DONE.

As we say, YMMV.  I still have not received my plastic after a year with a temporary paper.  You did the right thing.  Try the simple way first and if that does not work try another way.  Good to hear the simple way worked.

[JJReyes]

My relatives claim that getting a Philippine driver's license has become much easier. There are no longer fixers waiting at the entrance of the DMV (LTC) offering their services in expediting the process. 

 

[Jollygoodfellow]

I said this before and not long ago. My UK fried was in and out of Cebu office in no time with all done for a Philippines licence so really do not know what the drama is about.  

[RBM]

All depends where one is. Last time my renewal was done in less than hour. This time their system was down, they said it's going to down for a time so go to Bacolod. 

Received paper licence after a few hours in Bacolod as no plastic available, come back in 3 months. Drama started, inside the licence release room was a classic rugby scrum, impossible to even get inside. Some people had been lining since 5am, they release just 100 a day and 3 times this many people trying  to grab theirs.

Went next door to the other LTO office, asked for the manager, sweet elderly woman. Explained situation that I was from out of town and could not compete with the mob. She smiled and had me fill out a form and return at 4pm. By 5 had my new plastic licence. 

[John Chamberlain]

I am going for my annual holiday of 5 weeks to the Philippines, in the past I always thought I could just drive on my UK licence, am I right?? I think since I am going to retire to the Philippines soon I should get a Philippino licence, I know you have to have a medical which should be straight forward, what else do you need to do ?? 

[Dave Hounddriver]

1 hour ago, John Chamberlain said:

what else do you need to do ?? 

I believe you need an ACR care and proof of a permanent address before you can get a license now.  But different offices have different rules.  BTW, why are we not using default fonts like everyone else?

[intrepid]

19 minutes ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

BTW, why are we not using default fonts like everyone else?

Sme f us like t be different I guess

[John Chamberlain]

Thanks for that Dave Houndriver, I will check it out April, I have always assumed you could drive on a UK licence, since we intend to do a bit more travelling around I do want to make sure we are legal, insured and what ever else we need if we get a pull !!

[Mick]

2 hours ago, John Chamberlain said:

I am going for my annual holiday of 5 weeks to the Philippines, in the past I always thought I could just drive on my UK licence, am I right?? I think since I am going to retire to the Philippines soon I should get a Philippino licence, I know you have to have a medical which should be straight forward, what else do you need to do ?? 

You can drive for 3 months on a UK licence here on a tourist visa