Can a Person with Disability get a driver’s license in the Philippines?—PWD licensure guide

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) extends driving privileges to Filipino citizens and is proofed by a driver’s license. This privilege can even extend to Persons With Disabilities or PWDs. The Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, or Republic Act (RA) No. 7277, provides that disabled persons shall be allowed to drive motor vehicles, subject to the rules and regulations issued by the Land Transportation Office pertinent to the nature of their disability and appropriate adaptations or modifications made on such vehicles. 

In short, the LTO does allow PWDs to operate motorized vehicles in the Philippines, provided that they are equipped to do so, and able to do so while following the rules and regulations of the road. 

There are many different disabilities that are recognized by the Philippines under RA No. 7277. Up to seven categories are listed: 

• Psychosocial disability 
• Disability caused by chronic illness
• Learning disability 
• Mental disability 
• Visual disability 
• Orthopedic disability 
• Communication disability  

According to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, R.A. No. 4136, every person who desires to personally operate any motor vehicle needs to file an application to the Director or his deputies for a driver’s license. Once applied and after undergoing the licensure process, the PWD may operate a motor vehicle and comply with the rules and regulations on Philippines roads. 

However, not all disabilities will be allowed. Take note of this list of allowable disabilities: 

• Orthopedically impaired person (Single amputees: Left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg) 
• Polio victims (post) with a paralyzed leg. 
• Weak legs
• Partial blindness (missing one eye, but still with the ability to see in the other eye) 
• Speech and hearing impairment (mute, or partially deaf) 

Only these types of PWDs will be entitled to a driver’s license. Any other PWD like a double amputee, totally blind person or a person with two paralyzed legs will not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle. 

The process for PWDs is similar to standard licensure and must go through the process of getting a student permit. 

• Must be 17-years old or above to avail of a student permit
• Must be physically and mentally fit to drive a motor vehicle
• Must also be literate in both English and in Filipino
• Must have completed the mandatory 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) seminar at an LTO accredited driving school that serves as a Practical Driving Course (PDC)

Once those prerequisites have been fulfilled, the applicant must now gather his requirements: 

• A completed student permit application form
• Birth Certificate and Marriage Contract (for married women) 
• Original and one photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant 
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate from an accredited LTO clinic (Must indicate the mental or physical state of the applicant) 
• Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion for 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) issued by LTO Driver's Education Centers (DECs) or any LTO accredited driving schools
• A Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Then it's time to process your permit application: 

1. Head to your preferred LTO licensing center
2. Get a copy of the student permit form and fill in the required information
3. Wait for your number to be called as you will be assigned one with the form
4. Submit your paperwork when called including your other required documents
5. Wait for your picture to be taken and prepare to give your signature as well
6. Head to the cashier for payment and receive your official receipt (OR)
7. Wait again for your name or number to be called then head to the releasing area
8. Present your OR and receive your student permit

For professional and non-professional licenses, the process and requirements are as follows. 

Prerequisites: 

• You will need to be at least aged 18 years or above to apply
• Physically and mentally fit
• Literate both in English and Filipino
• Must hold a valid student permit for at least 30 days prior to application

Requirements: 

• A completed driver’s license application form
• A medical certificate from an accredited LTO clinic
• Electronically transmitted Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate 
• A valid student permit
• A certificate of completion for the 15-hour seminar

Process: 

1. Head to your preferred LTO licensing center of choice
2. Get a copy of the non-professional driver’s license application form and fill up the required information
3. Wait for your number to be called and submit all of your completed paperwork
4. Wait again as you will be called to have your picture and signature taken
5. Once this is done head to the cashier for payment and make sure to get your OR
6. Wait for your name to be called as this will be done by batch for the written examination for the Basic Driving theory test
7. Once done, wait for your name or number to be called for the practical driving exam
8. Wait again for your name or number to be called as you will head to the claiming area to get your non-professional driver’s license

In order to operate a motor vehicle, some PWDs get creative and adapt their space in order to operate their vehicles, and the LTO allows this provided that it meets the standard specifications set and is requested by the owner at the LTO. Following this, the PWD driver’s license holder must only drive the customized vehicle, and it should be noted in their driver’s license. 

The customizations done to the vehicle will be up to the discretion of the LTO whether to allow it or not. 

It is stated, however, that PWDs may only drive in the daytime from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.