Professional License Guide for Uber and Grab Drivers

Since its launch, Grab and Uber have been attracting more riders to use its services. According to the Uber General Manager Laurence Cua, 682,000 passengers took an Uber ride just from September to October 2016.

The increasing patronage of Filipinos has enticed the public on signing up for these ride-sharing apps to earn extra money. A common notion for people who are interested in signing up is that if you have a driver’s license and a registered car, you can easily sign up for their network.

It may seem like a rented private car but cars used for Uber and Grab are classified as Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), which simply means an application-based Public Utility Vehicle (PUV). This requires drivers of ride-sharing application to get a professional driver’s license. This is more tedious than getting a non-professional driver’s license.

Read more: Buying and Selling a Car in the Philippines: Tips to Remember for a Worry-Free Transaction

But how do you do it? Here are the steps:

• You should be at least eighteen (18) years old.
• You should be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• You should be able to understand and communicate in Filipino, English or the applicable local dialect through reading, speaking and writing.
• For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 1,2,4 and 6 – you should have a valid Student Permit (SP) issued at least six (6) months prior to the application.
• For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 3,5,7 and 8 – you should have a valid Non-Professional Driver's License (NPDL) at least one (1) year prior to the application or PDL holder with RC 1,2,4 and 6 for a period of at least six (6) months prior to the application.
• You should not have a record of 2 or more counts of reckless driving during the validity period of his/her existing license.
• Foreigners must have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) month with proof that he/she will stay in the country for at least one (1) year from date of application and is allowed to work in the country.

CHANGING LICENSE CLASSIFICATION FROM NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (NPDL) TO PROFESSIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (PDL)

1. Duly accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL);
2. For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 1,2,4 and 6 - You should be a holder of a valid Student Permit issued at least six (6) months prior to the application;

   For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 3,5,7 and 8 - You must be a holder of a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) issued at least one (1) year prior to the application or PDL holder with RC 1,2,4 and 6 for a period of at least six (6) months prior to the application.

1. A medical certificate issued by any licensed practicing physician stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
2. A clearance that the applicant has not been convicted of any offense involving moral immorality or reckless imprudence resulting from reckless driving from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP).
3. For foreigners, an original and photocopy of passport with the entry of at least one (1) year from date of application. If the foreigner was born in the Philippines, present an original and photocopy of the birth certificate duly authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

RENEWAL OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (PDL)

1. An accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL);
2. A Professional Driver's License that is not expired for more than ten (10) years;
3. Medical Certificate that states the physical and mental capacity of the applicant to drive a vehicle.

APPLICATION FOR VEHICLES UNDER ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION CODES

1. Have an accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL);
2. Valid Professional Driver's License (PDL);
3. Medical Certificate that states the physical and mental capacity of the applicant to drive a vehicle.

REQUEST FOR REVISION OF RECORDS

1. Have an accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL);
2. Valid Professional Driver's License (PDL);
3. In the case of change/s in your name, date of birth and/or civil status, original and photocopy of birth certificate or marriage contract, as the case may be, duly authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Give the required documents to the nearest LTO branch. The evaluator will check if the correct documents were submitted. If yes, the applicant will proceed to the photo and signature station.

Once done, pay the required fees with a total of PHP 585.26 to the cashier.

Proceed to take the written examinations in the form of the PDL Basic Driving Theory Test for the RC/s applied for or Conductor's License examination and will be immediately informed of the results of the same.

Passing the written examinations shall be required to immediately take the practical driving test for the RC/s applied for.

Read more:

• Can a Dash Cam Reduce Car Insurance Costs in the Philippines?
• 10 Car Insurance Myths You Should Stop Believing
• Get Car Insurance Discounts for your Vehicle

After passing both examinations, the application shall be approved by the Approving Officer.

• If you fail to pass the Conductor's License Examinations, Basic Driving Theory Test and/or the Practical Driving Test, you will not be allowed to take the same test within a period of one (1) month from the date of the last examination.
• If you fail to pass any of the written or practical examinations twice within a period of one (1) year, you will not be allowed to apply for the same within a period of one (1) year from the date of the last examination.
• If you fail to pass any of the written or practical examinations thrice, you will no longer be allowed to apply for the same for a period of two (2) years from the time of the latest failure. However, in case the application is only for additional RC/s, he/she shall be allowed to renew his/her PDL or Conductor's License and, for this purpose, such shall be annotated on the record of the applicant.

Upon approval, the PDL or Conductor's License card with the Official Receipt will be released. You must write your name and affix your signature in the appropriate Release Form.

If you’re looking for motor insurance, then your best option is to compare the insurances available and select the best one for you here at Moneymax.