In the past, obtaining a driver’s license (DL) from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is virtually cheap, just a little more than a thousand pesos with some to spare for a banana-Q and soda. Unfortunately, this old system also gave rise to fixers who, with their cohorts inside the LTO, would let anyone illegally obtain a DL for a few hundred pesos more.
With the passage of RA 10930, new drivers, as well as current DL holders, are now required to undergo a Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) as well as a Practical Driving Course (PDC) in order to weed out those who are not qualified to drive a motor vehicle.
Unfortunately, enterprising individuals have taken advantage of the new requirements and are charging exorbitant fees to those who wish to obtain a DL.
The LTO says they are trying to fix this and would make obtaining a DL more affordable again, and has formed a Technical Working Group (TWG).
According to LTO, applicants needed to pass the TDC and PDC requirements, as well as the medical test in order to obtain a DL. Currently, without these added requirements, says LTO, the Student Permit would only set back applicants PHP 250, while a DL is only PHP 685.
“LTO is aware of the issue of driving schools charging excessively for TDCs and PDCs which is why the agency is continuously conducting consultative meeting with stakeholders related to this activity. What we are proposing, which will be based on the recommendation of the TWG, is a reasonable standard fee-based structure for driving schools aimed for the benefit of the public,” says LTO chief, Atty. Jayart Tugade.
For now, the LTO wants the public to take advantage of the free TDC that they offer. Unfortunately for Juan dela Cruz, these free TDC classes offered by LTO are only limited in terms of class schedule and where it is conducted.
