MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – While driving under the influence (DUI) is a big no-no in almost all countries, road rules as well as licensing requirements vary from one continent to another.

In Thailand, for example, driving shirtless is against the law, and while it may be frowned upon in the Philippines, it is not a violation.

But when applying for a driver’s license in the Philippines, there are rules and requirements that must be adhered to.

An applicant must be at least 18 years old, able to read and write in Filipino or English, in possession of a valid student driver permit, have a medical certificate, pass a drug test as well as a written and practical examination.

There’s more. The applicant must be “clean, neat and presentable.”

The wearing of sando (sleeveless t-shirt), sports shorts, and slippers during photo-taking and examinations is not allowed.

A spokesperson for the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the government agency tasked with issuing driver’s licenses, told The Adobo Chronicles that the reason wearing slippers during the application process is prohibited because it doesn’t look good in the license photo (see picture above).

So, when in the Philippines, you can drive wearing slippers, but you can’t wear them when applying for your driver’s license.