The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced yesterday that issuance of student driver’s permit would be suspended starting July 1.
According to LTO chief Edgar Galvante, those applying for student driver’s permit should take the mandatory theoretical driving course under the agency. They could also take the course in LTO’s accredited driving schools starting August 3.
“Effective July 1, we will be suspending the issuance of student permits because, by August, we will be requiring applicants to go through 15 hours of theoretical session first,” Galvante said.
The new policy is according to Memorandum Circular No. 2019-2176. It states that the driving course should be completed within two years from the date of enrollment.
In the National Capital Region alone, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) already reported around 12,000 drivers who committed an estimate of three traffic violations weekly.
In 2019, MMDA apprehended a total of 377,429 traffic violators from January to May through its no-contact apprehension.
According to The STAR, “MMDA apprehended 272,440 motorists for violating the yellow lane policy; 41,641 for disregarding loading and unloading zones; 20,070 for disregarding traffic signs; 12,604 for illegal parking, and 11,588 for violating the number coding scheme during the first quarter of 2019.”
The 15-hour theoretical session would cover driving laws and regulations, Galvante said.
Also read: LTO opens driver’s license, student-driver’s permit online application
How to Renew a Philippine Driver’s License
1. Settle your records or violations
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you’re cleared of any traffic violations. Without settling your fines, you won’t be allowed to advance in the process and renew your license.
2. Visit the LTO’s online services portal
Simply visit lto.gov.ph and look for the “Driver’s License Renewal” option and click on the icon.
3. Fill out your license information
Provide your license number, date of birth, full name, address, e-mail address, and contact number.
4. Choose which LTO branch you’ll be visiting and make an appointment
Pick your preferred time and date. Once you’re done, log-in to your email. You will receive a notification saying your booking was successful. Be sure to confirm your appointment within three days of booking.
5. Fill out the license application form and get a medical
Provide your license number, date of birth, full name, address, e-mail address, and contact number.
6. Show up to your appointment and follow the instructions given by the office
Be sure to bring all the necessary documents needed. This includes a) your driver’s license application form, b) your current licensed card, c) medical certificate issued by an LTO-licensed physician, d) government ID, and e) a copy of your appointment slip.