Driver's Permit

Philippine law requires one to secure the necessary driver's license before one could operate a motor vehicle in the roads. I went to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to apply for a Student Permit. You would normally receive a small piece of paper as a proof that you have undergone the first process in securing your driver's permit or driver's license as it is commonly called here in the country.

After six (6) months of possessing your student permit, you go back to LTO to apply for a Professional or Sub-professional driver's license.  I applied for a sub-professional's driver's permit because my dad told me so. In simple terms, he explained to me that I will only need a Professional Driver's License if I will work as driver or become a teacher of would-be drivers. I agreed to get the Sub-Professional License instead because the mere word "professional" does not fit me because I was still young back then. I have only tried driving our jeep and nothing else. For me, a professional is an expert in driving (or so I thought).

Back then, you will have to undergo drug-testing so I prepared a bottle of water so I could submit a urine sample to the medical attendant in the clinic.  They also checked for my temperature, blood pressure, tested my eyesight and they measure my height and weight.  (I love those days when I was still young, slimmer and healthier)

Then I got my license, and to add up to my pride, I bought a plastic case for my first ever government-issued ID which was laminated and my picture is in it. Imagine my excitement when they told me to just look at the camera that's attached to the computer and viola! My picture was captured! (My immature moments!)

Then you will have to renew your driver's license every three years just before your birthday. However, the latest driver's license now has 5-year expiration and LTO no longer requires drug testing for license applications.

This process usually takes half day to finish.

If you know how to drive a motor cycle, you will have to apply for restrictions codes 1&2 for motor cycle and four wheel or vehicles below 4500kg, respectively.

Just have lots of patience. You will definitely get your license no matter what.

Have a safe trip!

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My first wheels

One of the greatest gift I have ever received is the knowledge and skills in driving that my dad taught me. It was more important and exciting than having our first wheels.

I will always be thankful that among four siblings, I was the first who learned to drive. I am dad's favorite, that's what they used to tell me. Or maybe, I was the only one who is not too sensitive towards his short temper and loud voice. ;)

I haven't figured out yet which among those schools of thought are accurate. Let me just settle to the majority's idea: I am a daddy's girl.

Our first wheel was a make shift owner-type jeep. The mobile brand that used to be called Jeep became the famous "Jeepney" symbol for Manila.  You know that public transport which is very famous in Manila. It is longer than the branded Jeep in order to accommodate passengers or about 24-30.

Our makeshift jeep is one which you would find in the movie Mad Max. The under chassis of a car is visible. majority of the parts of the jeep were welded together. These parts are from recycled materials or surplus parts that are accessible in the Philippines.  I think our neighboring countries dump their vehicle parts in our country which is a third world.

I decided to write here about my reflections in driving and while on the road since the age of 15. I wish to relay to the people the goodness in driving and transportation other than getting to your destinations.  I will give you insights as well on how it is to drive here in the Philippines. You will have an idea on why drivers do this or that when they are driving. 

I want to share with you my experiences and realizations through decades of driving and travelling.

And I started it with my first wheel. I don't have a photo of that old makeshift jeep but I have its photo now in its reconditioned state. Yes, I had it reconditioned despite its age. Dad and friends assembled it in 1990 and I decided to preserve it.

Here it is:

I hope you'll like it.

O