Waking up a dormant privilege
Hello Hiveans. It's a Thursday once again and the weekend is fast approaching. I just finished renewing my drivers' license and I'm excited to drive around even if it is just our weekly trip to the grocery store. As you may know, this is a privilege granted by the government through the Land Transportation Office and not something fundamentally guaranteed by the constitution. Because of this, it can also be easily revoked if you abuse this privilege; public safety is always at the forefront in these cases.
I renewed my "dormant" drivers' license at one of the newer extension offices, which was a good decision because it was so much better than the ones I used to go to before; the facility is cleaner and the air-condition units are new. Here in the Philippines, a DL is considered dormant if it has expired or have been delinquent for more than two years, but not more than 10 years. After 10 years, you will be considered a new driver and will have to get a student permit before you can get your non-professional or professional DL.
Expenses
I paid a penalty of PhP225 (US$3.94 as of today's exchange rate) so it's not that bad, especially since I will now be able to drive a motor vehicle legally. So, it's a case for celebration with a Triple Cheese ensaymada and soy milk-based Cafe Latte at one of my favorite spots here in the city. The license fee itself is PhP585 (US$10.25)
I also paid PhP600 (US$10.51) for the "medical" certificate (basically just asking and typing in my details, getting my height and weight, and determining if my vision passes. A bit overpriced if you ask me, but this is something that can't be helped unless I want to cause some good trouble and stir the pot. I also paid PhP600 (US$10.51) "rent" for the vehicle used in the practical examination, which, again seems overpriced given that I just drove it around the lot for two minutes or so. The application fee itself is PhP100 (US$1.75). All in all, I paid a total of PhP 2,110 (US$36.96) at the site. Add my transportation, snacks (without the ensaymada and latte) and DL jacket of PhP450 (US$7.88) and my total expenses went up to PhP2,560 (US$44.84). Not bad for the privilege of driving in and around the Philippines for the next four years and eight months. Sadly, I didn't get 10 years even if I don't have demerits under my name, but I will try again the next time around.
Final Thoughts
It's interesting to have my license back. Driving around in Metro Manila is an experience that will help one grow in spirit. It's an experience unlike any other depending on the weather, what day it is or if there's any special event going on where you are traveling. I will definitely make it a point to renew my DL in advance to get my 10 year validity. For one, it will save up on fees that I wouldn't have to be charged otherwise if I had only renewed early. But then again, I did not drive around much during the pandemic so that kinda evens out the cost vs expenses argument I'm having in my mind. LOL.
So, that will be all for today. I was supposed to publish this yesterday but I was pooped. Anyways, thanks for dropping by and spending your precious time here on my blog. I wish you a happy and meaningful weekend. Have fun, go to church, do yoga - do your thing but also remember to do something good for others because we cannot have enough kindness out in the world.
Love and peace,
@juanvegetarian
*I own all the images used here. 😀