Reminder: Just because you have a valid driver's license doesn't mean you can get behind the wheel of any vehicle. In case you did not notice it, there's a "restriction" section in the lower part of your license card that limits what type of motor vehicle the holder is allowed to operate, as well as a few possible conditions for when you do. Check out this handy guide below:
Driver's License Restrictions
Your license card restrictions will depend on what type of license you applied for (professional or non-professional), as well as the type of vehicle used and your performance during the Land Transportation Office's practical exam. If you have a restriction listed on your license, you are limited to operating the vehicle specified only. Let's have a look at each one of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driver's license's restrictions:
LTO driver's license's restrictions
- Motorcycle/motorized tricycles
- Vehicle up to 4,500kg gross vehicle weight
- Vehicle above 4,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW)
- Automatic clutch up to 4,500kg GVW
- Automatic clutch above 4,500kg GVW
- Articulated vehicle 1,600kg GVW and below
- Articulated vehicle 1,601kg GVW up to 4,500kg GVW
- Articulated vehicle 4,501kg and above GVW
Restrictions 1 to 3 pretty much speak for themselves. Basically, these restrictions depend solely on the weight of the vehicle being operated (based on the weight provided by the manufacturer) and whether or not it is a motorcycle or tricycle. Restrictions 4 and 5 mean the holder will be limited to the use of vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Articulated vehicles, meanwhile, feature pivot joints to allow for sharp turns and maneuvers. In the Philippines, articulated vehicles are usually trailer trucks and heavy equipment.
To give you an idea of what vehicles you are or are not permitted to drive based on weight, a current-generation Honda Jazz is listed at 1,043kg. The 4,500kg GVW limit on restrictions 2 and 4 should be more than enough to cover most available passenger vehicles.
Driver's License Conditions
License holders will also be limited by any of a number of conditions (A to E) placed by the LTO during application. What conditions are placed will depend on an applicant's physical disabilities or impairments, if any. Check out the LTO's list of conditions below (or on the back of your license card underneath the list of restrictions):
LTO driver's license conditions
- A) Wear eyeglasses
- B) Drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
- C) Drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
- D) Daylight driving only
- E) Accompanied by a person with normal hearing
The conditions are pretty much self-explanatory and are in place for your own safety, and the safety of everyone else on the road with you. You can check out which restrictions and conditions appply to you on the front face of your card below your address. Safe driving, everyone!