LTO

Today, I went to the Land Transportation Office located in Municipal Compound, Las Piñas (opposite Pelayo) to apply for a student permit.

I woke up late, even though I wanted to be there early. I figure 8 am would be a good time for me to be there. I got there around 9:10 am. I was afraid there would be a lot of people, there were but not as bad as NSO. There were signs informing us where to go which is good.

First I went to Window 1 to get a form. I filled out a form as best as I could. Funny thing is, the height and the weight should be indicated, I have no idea why but I guess they have an explanation for it.

Then I submitted my requirements for checking to Window 2. The requirements that they ask are the usual ones,photocopy of the SSS ID, birth certificate, etc. You can check their website. The man at the window said that I should go to Window 9 for the Picture taking / Signature and wait for my name to be called out.


I proceeded to Window 9 which is at the back of the building and I waited there for a couple of minutes, I think around 30 or less. So I sat there and waited. They had a karaoke so they could call your name out loud. Most of the time though it was pretty useless since it would break up and you couldn't hear your name being called. Anyways, we tried to listen as best as we could and was I glad when my name was finally called. So I went up the window and leaned back on the "wall" which they made. I had to stand on the "stool" that they made...hehehehe...guess I'm that short. Then I had to write my signature on a piece of tablet. Better use your imaginaton for that one. I was told to wait for my name be called out in Window 5, which is the Cashier window.

I moved to another part of the building and sat in one of the chairs. I had noticed that when they call your name to Window 5, they also mention how much you need to pay. I sat there and waited for my name. It didn't take that long though, around 10 minutes. Then I went up to the cashier and gave him the exact amount, which is one hundred twenty-eight pesos. He told me to procee to Window 10, which is the releasing area and handed to me the documents as well as the receipt.

Again, I moved to Window 10, which is just next to Window 9. I gave the lady there my documents and again, waited for my name to be called out. This was probably the longest wait that I had. Probably because they still need to print out student permit. I just stood there at the side close to the window. I wanted to sit down but since that area was close to Window 9 as well, there were a lot of people there and not a lot of seats available. I didn't feel that bad though since there were a lot of people there too standing waiting for their name to be called in Window 10. While I waiting, I was observing the people around me. There were names called out for the written exams. They were to prceed to the second floor. I also saw a sign saying that for facilitation of new licenses, documents should be submitted before 12 NN. Makes sense, since aside from the written test, you still had the actual driving to do. Finally, the lady at Window announced names although we really couldn't hear them since again, the karaoke refused to cooperate. Finally, the guy inside had it fixed and they announced the names. Swarms of people started to crowd into the window. I heard my name and I lined up to sign my name and get my student permit.

Wohoo!!! Finally, I got it! I finished by 10:30 am. Not bad. I was expecting something worse. I expected to be there for like half of a day or the whole day. I figured that it wouldn't take me a couple of days since its only a student permit anyway. But I wasn't very disappointed. The service was quick, I didn't see anyone approaching me, trying to convince me to transact with him (like when I applied for my passport). Also, the people there whom I asked were very helpful. But then, I am just applying for a student permit, I will still wait and see if the service is just as efficient when I have it converted into a nonprofessional license.

In the meantime....driving...here I come!!!! Hehehehehehehehe.