Ano ang takdang bilis ng tako bo? (What's the Speed Limit?)

On the day I finally achieved my much desired Philippines Drivers License, we were advised about an earthquake that hit Japan and the resulting tsunami. We had over 19 provinces placed on tsunami watch. I was very fearful for our adopted country as the infrastructure here is very weak and there are so many impoverished people. Working with the help of the women's group I belong to, we raised almost 70,000P for the Philippine Red Cross who are working directly with the Japan Red Cross.

So belatedly - here is the story of how Heather got a license to drive in the Philippines!
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What a week! I have decided that I need to be less reliant on our drivers and learn how to drive and get around here in Manila. I started out around my subdivision, then branched out into our community, then finally, have driven into downtown - woo hoo!!!

I realized I needed a Philippine drivers license (for extra ID and residency) and was curious about the process, so decided to pursue the venture...

Tuesday, March 1
Went to Mutinlupa LTO Office (Land Transportation Office) Was advised that they are sub-station only - need to go to Las Pinas. The traffic was absolutely terrible.

This is typical Manila intersection - every car & jeepney for themselves

Wednesday, March  2
En route to Las Pinas - we get flagged down by an eagle eye traffic enforcement guard for having the wrong plates on a color coded day (A PHI way to reduce traffic "color coding" is actually based on last digit of your license plate - doesn't seem to reduce traffic), can't talk him out of it, decide to take ticket....lucky for me I had let my driver take this leg of the journey. Unfortunately, after we arrived, I am advised that the signatory is out of the office until, "for a while mam" and I should come back in a week. This only spurs me to want to get the DL as soon as possible!

Here you have to either pay bribe or surrender your license to be picked up when you pay your fine

Entrance to Las Pinas LTO Office

There are guys lurking around "fixers" who, for a price, will take care of your paper work for you. Sounds shady...

Friday, March 11

Went to Binan LTO Office (Land Transportation Office)

Binan LTO

As Aiden and Sophia needed to be picked up, my driver dropped me off, told me not to deal with any "fixers", don't talk to strangers, hold my purse tight and God Bless...not reassuring, but I am a confidant woman of the world who makes friends, I can do this... right?

With confident smile I start the process. First stop, Director's Office to make sure my paperwork is in order (it is). Then I must do requisite drug test and medical exam, huhmmm.

The Drug testing center is across the parking lot, so I head over. It  is 11:45, and I am advised they cannot help me as it's lunch time. I said "wait, all I need to do is a UA test, 15 minutes, please??!?!" They finally agreed, so I went into the least private, least clean urinal I've seen in a long time (and that's saying something for Manila) and do my drug test - I pass!

OK - now for the Medical Exam, I'm ready! Except the whole show shuts down for lunch until 1:00. I am in Binan (not a super pedestrian friendly town) the only expat I've seen is me. So I decide to do some exploring. I walked about 2 km down one side of the main road looking for a place to have lunch - no luck - mostly jeepney repair, motor repair, engine repair, tire vulcanizing...sense a trend? I cross the street and see a hotel and decide to take a chance. They actually had COLD soda, and a nice rice & tofu dish. I relaxed for a while and headed back to the LTO, waving away all the jeepney that kept trying to pick me up as a passenger.
I go into the Drug Test center and they say:
"Get in the truck."
"I don't want to get in the truck, we drug tested here, can't you check my eyesight here?"
"Get in truck mam"
"Um, yeah, I really don't want to get in the truck, where is the truck going? Why do we have to get in the truck? Why is this part of the test" (Meanwhile sending texts to Adam & friends "getting into truck in Binan for eye exam..."
"I REALLY DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE TRUCK"
Lucky for me a really nice Filipino had been in all the tests with me so far, patted the seat next to her and said "It's OK" I took a deep breath and got in the truck. We headed down the highway, took a left turn down a dirt road, and ended up at a medical clinic. 

Republic of the Philippines Dept. of Health Regional Health Office No.4 Rural Health Unit I Binan, Laguna

Now for the Medical Test. I have no idea what to expect. I wait with my new friend Anne. And wait... And wait... it's finally my turn! The test is this: you sit in a chair facing a mirror. Behind me is an eye chart. I have to cover each eye and read the eye chart, alternating lines & eyes, in the mirror. Note: the mirror is completely warped and it made me quite sea sick taking the test. Then we wait for the results. And we wait...and wait... watch the old men in the clinic waiting room smoke cigarettes next to young mothers waiting for OB appointments... Finally - results! I have "20/20" vision and can return to the LTO to complete my drivers license application. But the truck that brought me is no where to be seen. In its place is a station wagon with 10 people in it. I am told to jump in and we all head back to the LTO. My new friends and I pile out and head over to the various LTO Windows.

So, all one needs to do is follow this simple diagram to get a Philippine Drivers License:

This reminded me of of cha-cha dance flow charts from the 1960's

Start at Window 3

Proceed to Window 2

Head down to Window 9 to pay your fees

Proceed to Window 5

Oh, wait, go back to Window 3 again mam...

Eleven Days; Three LTO Offices; Multiple Hoops; and Five Hours later...

I got my Philippines Drivers License!!!!! I am so proud! I am glad I went through the correct and legal channels as I have a new and profound respect for the California DMV and I promise not to complain while waiting in line there again - pinky swear. Please read this and remember - life in USA is not so hard at times, look at the infrastructure here - limited computers, lots of paperwork, major bureaucracy.

I am now enjoying my freedom to drive legally here in my new home land!

Bahala na!

Heather