DAVAO CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to implement a stricter policy in the issuance of driver’s license, which means all applicants must pass a 15-hour theoretical examination in a driving school.
LTO-12 Director Macario Gonzaga in an interview with NewsLine.ph said t a new memorandum circular is coming out which highlight the agency’s Drivers Enhancement Program (DEP) .
“We are just waiting for the publication, afterwhich, implementation takes effect,” he said.
Under the program, a new guideline will be issued “That will require all drivers license applicants to undergo the 15-hour mandatory theoretical training with driving instructors through an accredited schools.”
Driving instructors or schools must be accredited with the LTO and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Should one pass the theoretical exam, the same driving school will issue a certificate that the applicant can process his drivers license with the LTO.
Enrolling in a driving school will mean additional expense to the applicants, but Gonzaga said , “we have to follow it–if it will be implemented.’
As it is now, an applicant is required to submit birth and medical certificates to be issued a student permit.
After the SP is issued, the applicant has to wait for six months to process his drivers license which would require him to undergo written examination on traffic rules and regulations, then, if he pass, he will be issued a drivers license.
Gonzaga said the new guidelines will discourage prospective drivers from getting lessons through family members, relatives, and friends before applying for student permits.
“We will be stricter, especially in the issuance of student permits. Applicants will be required undergo theoretical assessment before they get one,” he said.
The LTO has amended the guidelines as records of the agency showed most of the vehicular accidents were caused by human error and reckless driving.
“Safety and defensive driving with proper road rules orientation will play a major role in creating a safer road for every motorists and/or pedestrian,” he added.
Chrester Jean Alit, 19, a holder of student permit viewed the new guideline as a tool to road safety but she said, applicants like her must prepare a bigger amount to get a license.
A student permit will only cost P650.00 while a driver’s license will cost about P1,650, with the new rule, the applicant need to spend about P3,000 to enroll in a driving school or hire services of an accredited driving instructor.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline
