Driving License

The crowds gather outside the LTO which is the land transport office. They resemble basking sea lions waiting for the moment to catch a fish. In fact we will catch several different sorts of fish on this single visit.

First to discover the process. I have a British passport and a French licence. After earlier visits I now also have a translation of my licence into English with the translator's signature verified by the French embassy in Manila. Just in case I have my passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate , and several photos.

We collect a simple form to fill in and are instructed to visit the medical office where we are to photocopy parts of my passport and the French original licence.

The medical wants my height, weight, eye colour, hair colour, complexion, build, and blood group. They take my picture and my blood pressure and check my hearing. We return to verify the result and collect a waiting ticket. As someone over 60 I have a priority number. Fish 1 swallowed.

Then they take my photo and signature electronically. We wait again.

The next fish is payment. The cashier smiles and remarks that is is much less than the translation which is true! We return to the basking herd.

Sign against my name on a clipboard. Wait again.

Go to the back room for another photo of me and my finger prints. We check the data entered on the screen giving all my important details. Wait again.

And then back to window 7 for a receipt and the licence, pictured and coded and ready to use.

Done. In about 2hr 20 because I am priority. We leave the younger seals to continue feeding.

I use my new licence twice before getting home. Once in the restaurant and once on the bus. Each time it proves my age and earns me 20% discount. That's going to be the best bit!