Question & AnswerQ&A (BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 398)
It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle without possessing a valid driver's license, which must be carried at all times and shown or surrendered upon lawful demand.
The applicant must be at least eighteen years old, possess a valid student-driver's permit, and have undergone at least five months of instruction under a qualified instructor, crediting any time driven with a non-professional license.
The driver must secure a driver's identification card upon payment of five pesos, which must be displayed in plain sight while operating the vehicle.
It is unlawful, and the driver who allows others to use their license to operate a vehicle may face penalties.
The license becomes delinquent and invalid, and renewal requires payment of an additional 50% delinquency fee; a lost license application must include a sworn statement of loss.
For cause, such as improper conduct, crimes involving vehicle use, or upon three or more convictions in a year for traffic violations, subject to hearings and appeal to the Minister of Transportation and Communications.
The bond, usually five thousand pesos, serves as security for claims during vehicle operation; higher bonds apply for certain serious offenses, and the Director may release bondsmen upon application.
Typically valid for three years from the birthdate and renewable for five years if the holder commits no violations during the three-year period.
A fine of five hundred pesos and/or imprisonment not exceeding fifteen days.
A fine of not less than one thousand pesos, imprisonment of three to six months, or both, at the court's discretion.
Licensed instructors accompanying student-drivers are equally liable for any violations or damage caused by the student-driver's operation of the vehicle.
Penalties range from fines (such as fifty percent of registration fees for late registration, or three hundred pesos for driving with invalid registration) to imprisonment depending on the offense.
The Director, with the Minister of Transportation and Communications' approval, can revise fees and promulgate rules for license issuance and renewal to ensure efficiency and fairness.