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What are the basic driving rules in the Philippines?

I do know how to drive and own a license. But like most Filipinos, I did not learn from a driving school. The theory test was a breeze, forget the practical test. Basically the examiner just wanted to know if I knew where the ignition key is.

My questions are:

Is there a speed limit within the city? I know expressway max is 110 kph.

Is there such a thing as priority is given to the right? (ie when a car is coming from a corner on your right hand side)

I'm asking because after just getting a european license, it's like a whole new world of rules and regulations for me. And it makes a lot of sense. Whereas when I was driving in Manila, I was driving cluelessly around.

11 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    IN REALITY, there are no speed limits ( you cant overspeed anyway, because of the traffic)

    There are no "right of way" - just drive defensively , just because its a hassle getting your car fixed.

    Keep you COOL - for sure some drivers will piss you off but always keep in mind that its a hassle to get your car fixed, specially if you only have 1 car , its not like here in the US for example they give you a temporary car to use while they fix your car, that doesnt happen in the Philippines.

    An automatic car is more convenient if you have lots of GAS (Petrol) money to burn. A manual car will make your left leg ache (clutch) :-( (Good news: Spa massage is affordable there).

    Just be vigilant when driving at night specially when you're alone, dont stop at anything or anyone.

    Just make sure you have a camera handy just in case.

    Source(s): Experience
  • 1 decade ago

    The speed limit in Metro Manila is, if I remember correctly, 60kph. However, because of the constant traffic, I doubt if it is even observed. As for your second question, there are drivers who would be considerate enough to give priority to vehicles coming from the right hand side, but in Manila, you cannot expect that all the time. Defensive driving is important when driving through Manila, but remember to assert yourself on the road, and don't let people bully you, especially if you are a female driver. Some drivers have this ugly stereotype about women drivers in Manila.

  • 1 decade ago

    Speed limit there is but almost non-existent as you can't move too much anyway because of the amount of traffic in front of you. Drive defensively and always expect the unexpected. If you can survive driving in Manila without getting into an accident, driving anywhere else in the world will be a breeze. Good luck!!!

  • 1 decade ago

    driving in the philippines is the best testing ground if you a smart street driver..... in driving school they teach you how to be defensive, but here in the street you have to be offensive also. you have to be bold and brave. in some places the traffic rules is being obey a little bit. there's a street which is one way but you have no idea because there no sign..... you have to follow the flow of the traffic is the best thing to do. speed limit its depend upon the driver ability to accelerate and to apply the breaks at an appropriate time. one rules no contact or no bumps in other vehicle your driving very well! good luck and happy driving.....

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The basic rules are much the same as many countries the only problem nobody obeys them that is why it's so chaotic to drive in Manila especially, nobody gives right of way it's always a scramble, you have to be a brave heart to cope.

  • 1 decade ago

    Taga maynila ka pala. So alam mo na ang mga batas.

    The only rules are there are no rules. And if you get pulled over, let President Roxas or Osmena be your lawyer.

    The only problem is like your experience. People get licensed abroad and have to learn how to drive properly. And when you come back here, it's a shock after driving in an orderly environment.

  • 1 decade ago

    actually, they have a saying that if u can drive in manila, u can drive anywhere! if u are experienced with driving there, u are practically a professional, where u can enter crowded roads, people are walking anywhere (no sidewalks) and bus drivers will literally be stuck next to you without knowing it... u can however learn from an experienced driver... or just watch how the jeepney drivers and bus driver goes. They're defensive, alert and can go anywhere.

  • 1 decade ago

    As far as I can tell, anything goes.

    Except for the North/South Tollways, Makati Business District and Fort Bonifacio.

  • 5 years ago

    even once you've your old pupil's enable with you that isn't do. you elect an unexpired enable so that you need to re-word back then word for a non professional a number of weeks/months later. you're taking the exam and drug try and in case you bypass then you actually are issued a enable

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    drive like a maniac!!!! if u do drive safely.you WILL get into and accident...cars, bikes, trikes,people and more moving in all directions at the same time... a madhouse...but you gotta love it...Korea is not far behing either

    GOOD LUCK!

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