LTO: Driver’s license applicants must pass accredited driving school classes

Starting April 6, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to implement a stricter policy on the issuance of a driver’s license to new applicants.

LTO said that all new applicants must pass 15 hours of theoretical driving lessons from an accredited driving school before they can apply for a driver’s license.

An automated logbook and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in accredited driving schools to ensure that driver’s license applicants have undergone driving lessons.

The agency will also conduct regular visits and audit of the driving schools to ensure there is actual conduct of driving classes.

In a report of 24 Oras in GMA, the chief of LTO Licensing Section Richard Cortez said that driving instructors are the best educators who can show young drivers the ropes.

“Hindi ka basta basta uupo sa manibela na parang nanghuhula lang sa instructions sa kapitbahay, sa kapatid, sa magulang. Dadaan ka sa instructor mismo,” Cortez said.

Cortez added that LTO is planning to set up its own driving schools in each region, to provide affordable driving classes through the schools.

Applicants would also be required to take an automated exam before they can apply for a driver’s license.

After acquiring a student permit, applicants would need to undergo another eight hours of practical driving, to be supervised by the LTO, in preparation for the issuance of a non-professional driver’s license.

This new program is part of the vision of the LTO to only issue a driver’s license to people who have the capability to drive to minimize, if not eradicate, road accidents. (With reports from PNA)