But anyway, on my third take, I was hoping I could actually apply on a driver's license by this time though my problem was when taking or applying for it, my license was expired. Why not take it earlier before the expiration? Well probably I was really hoping to hone my skill on driving. I don't often get an opportunity to take hold or to take our car (my parents' car or van) for a drive nor practice for that matter.
But anyway, I did try to ask first the one in-charge of giving out the forms for application. I asked if what if my student license have expired, can I still apply for a non-pro driver's license? And the person said "No." So, no choice... But if I would think about it, they should allow such things since it still goes along with their requirement of a minimum of one month old of having a student driver's license. They should be adding such a step or possibility since they do it for expired driver's license. They could just add up some extra fee just like on expired driver's license. That would solve the problem.
Anyway, one of my observations really, these fixers. I just can't understand how is it that the LTO has no authority or even capability in dealing with them. They have all the placards saying don't go to the fixers, and yet how come there are still many fixers on plain sight just around the corner of the LTO. By the way I'm in Baguio, the LTO I'm talking about is found in Pacdal, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines. Somewhere the map below is showing... made a map of my own since google maps hasn't updated the location of LTO-CAR or LTO-Baguio. (See map below)
So that's just my disappointment with the LTO department and perhaps to the Government. Maybe really describes or just gives a glimpse of how corrupt our government is, when even at the smallest or simplest function, they can't even deal with it. And the problem I think is the people, us as well. We never learn. And yet, I wonder why in other places, people are very much disciplined on this matter. Such a shameful thing for our so called heroes fighting for our freedom, when in reality we are in bondage of corruption, selfishness, greed and others....
Anyway, where were we... Oh, taking a driver's license... so since the person-in-charge (the one who gives the application form) said "no." No choice but to get a student permit. By the way, you can download LTO Application form before hand and search or know their requirements in applying in their website http://www.lto.gov.ph/. In such a way you don't have to fill up forms at their branch office but fill it out at home already. And if ever you wish to apply for driver's license, you can google up driver's license exam reviewers to give you some idea on what might be in the exams. Did this in preparation for my application but since I wasn't able to apply one, I just like to share it. Maybe in a few months, I would be trying to apply for driver's license already, just the non-pro.... And I would like to try the non-fixer experience, so I know how our branch in Baguio LTO or LTO-CAR handles such application.
Applying for the student license was pretty much awesome though.. I mean it was fast, I think it didn't took an hour... though I had to wait for minutes. But it was fast. Of course provided you give the complete requirements... I think if you have an expired student license, you can use that provided you also have the receipt of it (so keep your receipts) along with the filled up form, you can now start processing the student license permit. Though mine? I used my TIN ID with a photocopy of it with your filled-up application form. After confirming the details, the officer gives back your TIN ID then asks you to proceed to a window for you to submit the form. After submitting the form you will have to wait for your name to be called to go to another window where your picture will be taken and digitized signature. After that, you'll have to wait again for you to go to another window (cashier) to pay up the fees then your student permit with the receipt be given. Then they will ask you to fill up or enlist your name signature along with the number given to you.
Walah! That's it! you are given a student driver's permit. Of course just a caution, student driver's permit IS NOT A DRIVER'S LICENSE... it just allows you to handle a vehicle along with someone who has a legit driver's license.
