The Land Transportation Office (LTO) today have confirmed with MotoPinas.com that the implementation of the 15-hour seminar requirement for student permit applicants, as well as shorter seminars for new driver's license applicants are temporarily suspended, due to the coronavirus crisis. This is also in accordance with the government's guidelines against mass gatherings (classroom seminar).
Originally planned to go live starting April 6, 2020, all Student Permit applicants will need to undergo Theoretical Driving Course lessons that will last a total of 15 hours. This is in accordance with Republic Act 10930 or the “Act Rationalizing and strengthening 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, amending for those purposes Section 23 of Republic Act 4136, as amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”
Unfortunately, due to the lockdown brought about by COVID-19, all LTO offices were closed and transactions suspended. Earlier this week, Assistant Secretary, Edgar Galvante, issued an order to resume operations in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with certain health and sanitary protocols to be imposed.
The LTO has also announced previously that the agency will be giving a 2-month extension to expired licenses and vehicle registration due for renewal during the quarantine period. It will also be waiving penalties associated with delays in renewing.
The LTO will make its own official statement regarding when the driver seminars will be implemented.
