Guide to driver's license restriction codes in the Philippines
A, B, A1, B2: What Do the New Driver's License Codes Mean?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has completely modernized the Philippine driver's license framework by replacing the traditional numerical restriction codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) with standardized alphanumeric Driver's License (DL) Codes (A, A1, B, B1, B2, C, D, BE, CE). These categories align with international ISO standards, ensuring Philippine licenses are clear, globally recognizable, and strictly matched to vehicle gross weight and passenger capacity.
1. Why LTO Replaced Old Numerical Restriction Codes
For decades, Philippine driver's licenses used numbers 1 through 8 to define what types of vehicles a motorist was authorized to drive. For instance, Restriction Code 1 was for motorcycles, Restriction Code 2 was for private passenger cars up to 4,500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), and Restriction Code 3 was for trucks.
However, this older system caused significant confusion. Motorists with Code 2 frequently assumed they could drive motorcycles or high-occupancy 15-seater passenger vans, while international traffic authorities found the numerical system difficult to cross-reference against global treaties. Under LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 and subsequent circulars, the agency synchronized Philippine licenses with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and ISO classification standards.
2. Old Restriction Codes vs. New DL Codes Conversion Table
When you renew your Philippine driver's license or claim your physical plastic card at an LTO district office, your old numerical codes are automatically translated into the new DL codes as summarized below:
| Old Restriction Code | New DL Code | Vehicle Category | Permitted Vehicle Types & Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | DL Code A | L1, L2, L3 | Motorcycles (two-wheelers, scooters, mopeds with or without sidecar; manual or automatic). |
| Code 1 | DL Code A1 | L4, L5 | Tricycles, passenger tuk-tuks, micro-cars, and three-wheeled light vehicles. |
| Code 2 | DL Code B | M1 | Passenger cars, hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and pickups with up to 8 passenger seats and ≤ 5,000 kg GVW. |
| Code 6 | DL Code B1 | M2 | Passenger vans and minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats up to 5,000 kg GVW (e.g., Toyota HiAce commuter vans). |
| Code 3 | DL Code B2 | N1 | Light commercial cargo trucks and freight utility vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVW (e.g., Mitsubishi L300, Isuzu Traviz, Hyundai H-100). |
| Code 3 / 7 | DL Code C | N2, N3 | Heavy commercial trucks and rigid cargo lorries exceeding 3,500 kg GVW. |
| Code 8 | DL Code D | M3 | Heavy commercial passenger buses with Gross Vehicle Weight exceeding 5,000 kg. |
| Code 4 | DL Code BE | O1, O2 | Passenger vehicles (Category B) hauling light trailers or towed caravans up to 3,500 kg GVW. |
| Code 5 | DL Code CE | O3, O4 | Heavy articulated commercial vehicles, semi-trailers, container haulers, and tractor-trailers. |
3. Interactive DL Code & Vehicle Matcher Tool
Not sure if your driver's license allows you to drive a specific vehicle? Click any DL Code tab below to instantly review authorized vehicle models, weight constraints, passenger limits, and mandatory transmission rules:
LTO DL Code & Vehicle Compatibility Finder
Select your Driver's License code to see what vehicles you can legally operate in the Philippines.
Authorizes operation of two-wheeled motor vehicles, mopeds, standard underbones, sports bikes, and big bikes. Subdivided by transmission indicator (MT or AT).
4. Detailed Breakdown of New DL Codes (A, A1, B, B1, B2, C, D)
DL Code A: Motorcycles (L1, L2, L3)
Authorizes you to operate two-wheeled motorcycles of any engine displacement (from 110cc commuter scooters to 1000cc+ superbikes). If your license indicates AT, you can only ride twist-and-go automatic scooters. If it indicates MT, you can ride clutch-operated bikes as well as automatics.
DL Code A1: Tricycles & Micro-Cars (L4, L5)
Covers three-wheeled motor vehicles including traditional passenger tricycles with sidecars, tuk-tuks (Bajaj RE, Piaggio Ape, TVS King), and light four-wheeled quadricycles or micro-cars.
DL Code B: Passenger Cars & SUVs up to 5,000 kg GVW (M1)
The most common license classification in the Philippines. It permits operating passenger vehicles with not more than 8 passenger seats (excluding driver's seat) and a Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 5,000 kg. This includes sedans, hatchbacks, compact crossovers, 7-seater SUVs (Fortuner, Montero Sport, Everest), and pickup trucks (Hilux, Ranger, D-Max).
DL Code B1: Passenger Vans & Minibuses (M2)
Specially designated for passenger motor vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats up to 5,000 kg GVW. If you drive a 12-to-15 seater passenger van such as a Toyota HiAce Commuter, Nissan Urvan, or Hyundai Staria for commercial passenger transport, DL Code B1 is mandatory.
DL Code B2: Light Commercial Cargo Trucks (N1)
Covers commercial cargo vehicles designed primarily for carriage of goods with a Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 3,500 kg. Examples include cargo delivery vans, closed-aluminum vans, drop-side utility trucks (Mitsubishi L300 FB, Isuzu Traviz, Kia Bongo).
DL Code C: Heavy Commercial Cargo Trucks (N2, N3)
Rigid freight vehicles and heavy dump trucks exceeding 3,500 kg GVW. A professional driver's license with appropriate medical certification and heavy truck Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate is required.
DL Code D: Heavy Commercial Passenger Buses (M3)
Heavy public utility buses, tourist coaches, and articulated city transit buses with Gross Vehicle Weight exceeding 5,000 kg.
5. Transmission Rules (MT vs. AT) & Driver Condition Codes
Beside each DL Code on your card, the LTO prints a transmission specification: MT (Manual Transmission) or AT (Automatic Transmission). Understanding this rule is critical to avoid driving violation citations:
The Gold Standard Rule:
• MT License Holders: Legally authorized to drive BOTH Manual Transmission and Automatic Transmission vehicles.
• AT License Holders: Strictly limited to driving Automatic Transmission vehicles only. If an enforcer catches you driving a manual clutch vehicle with an AT-only license, you will be cited for driving with an improper license condition.
Driver Condition Codes (Health & Physical Assist)
On the reverse side of your license card, the LTO lists Condition Codes based on your official medical evaluation:
- Condition 1 (Corrective Lenses): Driver must wear prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses at all times while operating a vehicle.
- Condition 2 (Special Equipment / Prosthetics): Driver requires specialized vehicular modifications (such as left-foot accelerator, hand controls, or prosthetic limb support).
- Condition 3 (Daylight Driving Only): Driver has night-vision limitations and is barred from operating vehicles from sunset to sunrise.
- Condition 4 (Hearing Aid): Driver must wear a functional hearing aid while on public roads.
- Condition 5 (Accompanied by Normal Hearing Person): Driver has profound hearing impairment and must travel with a co-passenger who has unimpaired hearing.
6. How to Add a New DL Code in the LTMS Portal
If you currently hold DL Code B (Cars) and want to legally ride a motorcycle (DL Code A) or drive commercial delivery vehicles (DL Code B2), you must file for an Additional DL Code Application at an LTO licensing center:
Enroll in an LTO-Accredited Driving School
Complete the Practical Driving Course (PDC) specific to the vehicle code you wish to add (e.g., 8 hours minimum motorcycle PDC for Code A, or 8 hours light truck PDC for Code B2). Ensure your driving school uploads your electronic PDC Certificate to the LTO IT System.
Secure an LTO Electronic Medical Certificate
Visit an LTO-accredited medical clinic for visual acuity, blood pressure, and physical fitness screening. The clinic will directly upload your medical certificate to the LTMS database.
Log In to LTMS and Book an Appointment
Log in to the official Land Transportation Management System (portal.lto.gov.ph), select "Licensing", choose "Additional DL Code", and schedule an appointment at your preferred LTO Licensing Center.
Take the Practical Driving Examination
On your appointment date, bring your current license and valid government ID. You will be required to perform a practical driving test on the obstacle track using the vehicle category being added. Upon passing and paying standard application and card fees (typically ₱225 to ₱450 total), your new license card with updated DL codes will be printed.