A visitor to the Philippines can drive on his or her own countries, valid and unexpired, licence for 90 days while in the country.
After 90 days they must get a Philippine Drivers Licence.
The cost to get this, in 2013, is 618 pesos according to the Philippines Land Transportation Office (LTO) www.lto.gov.ph. That page also states “valid foreign license, no examination”. I take that to mean that we can just show them a valid overseas licence and we get a Philippine one without a driving exam.
Guidelines on Conversion of Foreign Driver’s Into Philippine Driver’s License:
- Original and 1 (one) photocopy of valid foreign license. If the foreign driver’s license in not in English Language, the applicant should submit an official English translation from the local Embassy of the issuing Country;
- Original and machine copy of a valid passport showing the latest date of arrival in the Philipp ines of the foreign applicant;
- Original and machine copy of valid visa or Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) if the foreign applicant temporarily resides in the Philippines;
- Original copy of Medical Certificate issued by an LTO accredited or government physician;
- Original copy of drug test result issued by DOH Accredited Drug Testing Center;
- If, foreign license is expired, applicant shall undergo written and practical examinations.
- Completed application form.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues all drivers’ licences, and has offices located throughout the country.
This only applies to standard drivers licences. For a professional licence you will have to take both a written examination and a road test.
Annual renewal of a Philippines Driver Licence appears to be 418 pesos (2013).
Links:
- Philippines Land Transportation Office: www.lto.gov.ph
- http://www.lto.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/driver-s-licensing
59.1 - 867,601