LTO: Driving seminar now mandatory
Starting August 3, 2020, new applicants of driver’s license must undergo a mandatory driving seminar course before they can be issued a student permit, this according to Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante.
This is in accordance with Republic Act 10930, which seeks to rationalize and strengthen the policy regarding driver’s license by extending the validity period of driver’s licenses, and penalizing acts in violation of its issuance and application.
Galvante said, “as we ready for the nationwide activation of this new system, I have directed all concerned regional offices and district offices to be fully equipped and ready to accept electronically-transmitted certificates, which are the prerequisite in securing driver’s licenses before August 3.”
The driving course consists of a 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC), which can be obtained from any of the LTOaccredited driving schools, authorized driving school instructors/administrators, and by LTO-Driver Education Centers (DECs) in LTO offices nationwide. The seminars started since first day of July.
Moreover, for new driver’s license applicants, whether non-professional or professional drivers with student permits issued from August 3, 2020, onwards, will also be required to secure a Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate showing that they have completed 8 hours of hands-on driving training, which can be obtained from any of the LTO-accredited driving schools.
Meanwhile, applicants for additional restriction codes (RC), like driving a semi-truck (18-wheeler) or motorcycles shall now be required to present the appropriate PDC completion certificate prior to the issuance of the additional RC.
This new measure is in response to criticisms from the public hurled against the Transportation office for issuing licenses to unqualified drivers.
LTO earlier made an announcement that it will be temporarily suspend the regular Student Permit applications as they slowly transition into this new system.