By Jigger Jerusalem / Philippine News Agency
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Land Transportation Office-10 (LTO-10) reiterated that drivers will have to undergo a refresher course as a requirement for renewal of their licenses even if they are already experienced.
Nelson Manaloto, LTO-10 regional director, said in a statement on Sunday (Nov. 14), that the comprehensive driver’s education (CDE) being implemented by the Department of Transportation will not put a burden on drivers, contrary to criticisms from some transport groups opposing the mandatory refresher course.
“It’s not actually burdensome to the drivers as they have choices,” he said, referring to the free CDE course that drivers access through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal (https://portal.lto.gov.ph/).
The LTMS is a new system that allows online applications of new and renewed driver’s licenses under various restrictions.
An electronic device, such as a computer tablet, laptop, or mobile phone, may be used when applying for a driver’s license renewal.
Another option for the registrant is to visit the Driver’s Education Center at the LTO-10 office in Barangay Bulua where they can apply for free.
All applicants have to do is create an account and follow the procedures.
Registrants are required to watch a visual presentation on basic defensive driving, road courtesy, traffic rules, and regulations for five hours.
After watching the video, the applicants will answer a set of 25 questions. Those who can answer at least 13 correctly will pass and become eligible to be issued a license.
Drivers who have not have committed any violation prior to application can avail of the renewed license valid for 10 years.
“This rollout of CDE is for issuance of the license. If you have a violation for the past five years, it can be renewed, but as an incentive, validity is good for 10 years for law-abiding drivers,” Manaloto said.
While the driver’s education at LTO is free, the license fee is P589, and the computer fee is P68.
The LTO has also extended the validity of driver’s and conductor’s licenses, medical certificates, and student permits for two months in consideration of quarantine restrictions.
Those who had their licenses expired in October will be valid until Dec. 31 while those that expired in November are valid until Jan. 31, 2022.
Those with licenses expiring in December will be honored until Feb. 28, 2022. (PNA) – bny
