The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a new directive that would make periodic medical examinations of driver’s license (DL) holders with 5 and 10 years of validity no longer necessary.
According to LTO chief, Atty. Jayart Tugade, studies and consultations conducted by the agency revealed that there is no evidence or data that connects periodic medical examinations in preventing road accidents.
“There’s no empirical data saying that the period medical examination could prevent road crashes,” says Tugade.
Because of this, DL holders with 5 or 10 years of validity are no longer required to undergo a periodic medical exam. Under the old LTO rule, those who possess a DL with 5-year validity are required to undergo a medical examination on the 3rd year, as well as before the renewal on birthdate. For those who possess a DL with 10-year validity, they are required to undergo a medical examination every 4th year, 7th year, and renewal on birthdate.
“For licenses who will be issued a 5-year validity driver’s license and 10-year validity driver’s license, the medical examination shall only be required sixty (60) days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” added Tugade.
For new and renewal of driver's licenses, however, a medical examination from an accredited LTO medical clinic is still required.
