List of LTO Exams for Drivers and Conductors in the Philippines

The written exams dished out by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are there for a reason: to measure the driver’s and conductor’s license applicants’ comprehension of crucial subjects like road rules and regulations, traffic signs, road markings, and emergencies. Doing so ensures that those who work with vehicles know everything they need to know in order to behave and act appropriately on the road. 

There are different types of LTO exams that both drivers and conductors are required to take in order to secure the requirements they need to get a license. There are practical and written exams, and some of them are available online and in person, via a pen-and-paper test. In this guide, we rounded up a complete list of all the LTO exams there is, to help you identify and prepare for the ones you will need to take to secure your license. 

lto exams list types of lto exams for drivers and conductors

Types of LTO Exams for Drivers and Conductors

Here’s a complete list of LTO exams for both drivers and conductors in the Philippines:

For Drivers

Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam

LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam refers to the written exam at he end of the 15-hour TDC seminar.  The driver’s license applicants are expected to attend a classroom session covering numerous topics or modules—from the LTO basics to the comprehensive discussion on the safe use of motor vehicles. It also comes with actual driving practices, when taken in private driving schools.

It can be taken either at an LTO branch, online, at an LTO Driver Education Center (DEC), or at any LTO-accredited institutions. The course culminates in a written exam that varies in number depending on the following license classifications:

  • For non-professional driver’s license application: Applicants need to get at least thirty (30) correct answers out of forty (40) questions.
  • For professional driver’s license application: Applicants need to get at least forty-five (45) correct answers out of sixty (60) questions. 

The TDC exam covers the following topics:

  • The progress and role of the LTO in our society’s growth
  • The organization and operation of the LTO
  • Requirements and process of getting a driver’s license
  • Traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way
  • Specific directives and laws designed by the LTO
  • Scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks
  • Operations of automotive parts and related accessories
  • Effective driving with proper maneuvering
  • Different parking skills
  • Techniques and tips on how to save fuel
  • The correct way of checking the safety of a vehicle
  • Practicum on basic troubleshooting
  • Defensive driving, road discipline, and other related practices 
  • Comprehensive discussion regarding the safe use of motorcycle and light motor vehicles 

LTO Driver’s License Application Written Exam

The Driver’s License Application Written Exam, generally known as LTO (written) exam, refers to the pen-and-paper or online exam taken right before the practical driving test. This test will decide whether or not you can proceed to the practical driving test which is yet another step towards acquiring a driver’s license. To pass the test, you need to get the following score:

The LTO written exam for driver’s license application, whether taken in English or Filipino (Tagalog), remains a randomized 25-, 40-, or 60-item multiple choice exam that covers the same six (6) different subjects including:  

  • General Driving Knowledge
    • defensive driving
    • proper techniques
    • road safety
    • stress management
    • driving rules
    • licenses, and 
    • maintenance
  • Parking
    • parking rules and restrictions on Philippines roads 
  • Emergencies
    • road emergencies, 
    • what to do when involved in mechanical failures, and 
    • accidents
  • Handling & Driving
    • how to drive the optimal way
    • rights and responsibilities of drivers on the road
    • common regulatory rules
    • traffic signs and signals, and 
    • making sure that the vehicle’s documents are up-to-date and in order
  • Road Signs & Lane Markings
    • traffic signs
    • signals
    • pavement markings
    • This also ensures that you know enough of the rules regarding regulatory signs such as no U-turn, no right turn, or left turn not only to pass the exam, but also to ensure both yours and others’ safety on the road. 
  • Road Position
    • yielding 
    • right of way and 
    • everything else about where you should position your vehicle while driving

Practical Driving Test

The Practical Driving Course (PDC) Exam is a practical exam that every aspiring driver needs to pass. It is taken during the license application, after the applicant passed the LTO written exam.

The actual practical test is a short one, maybe around five (5) minutes or so, depending on the driver and it requires the license applicants to make only one round on an obstacle course.

It involves driving straight on a flat and elevated road, parking, and making tight turns and can be taken using either an LTO vehicle, your own car, or your driving school’s vehicle. To pass, the applicant needs to score 70/100. 

The exam criteria is as follows:

  • pre-driving check-up
  • driving skills, and 
  • observance of traffic rules

Driver Enhancement Program (DEP)

The Driver Enhancement Program is a program exclusively designed in accordance with RA 10930 for those who are looking to renew and extend the validity of their licenses. The program is divided into two types: the Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam for law-abiding drivers and the Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam for driving who like to live on the edge and has made violations for the duration of the validity of the license to be renewed. 

Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam

The Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam is the “final exam” for the drivers who are renewing their expired licenses. It’s the culminating activity in the LTO-mandated complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course, a five (5) hour mandatory refresher course for drivers and motorcycle riders designed to ensure that only qualified applicants with adequate driving skills, knowledge of road safety, and proper road etiquette have their licenses renewed.

To secure a Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) certificate, the licensee must pass the CDE Validating Exam either in person at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC) in select LTO offices or online through the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal. To take the exam online, they must first create an account in LTO’s LTMS Portal and pass the exam with at least 20 correct answers out of 25 multiple choice questions (80 percent rating) regardless of license classification.

The actual CDE Examination covers the following topics:

  • Road Safety
    • Road etiquette, dealing with driving stress, and avoiding road rage
    • The causes of traffic accidents and how to avoid them
    • Engine breakdowns: what causes them and how to avoid them.
    • Roadside emergencies: how to respond and what to do in an emergency.
    • A driver’s duties, responsibilities, and legal rights
  • Traffic Rules and Regulations
  • Land Transportation-Related Laws
    • RA 4136 – Traffic and administrative rules, policies and regulations, fines, penalties, and demerit system. Take special attention to over-speeding and overloading.
    • Special laws on driving such as the
      • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)
      • the Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)
      • Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)
      • Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)
      • Child Safety in Motorcycle Act (RA 10666)

Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam

The Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam is a lot like the CDE validation exam, it’s like the flip side of a coin. The course, which was designed pursuant to Sections 14 and 15 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as well as Section 26 of the Republic Act 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, is the counterpart of the CDE for licensees who had accumulated at least five (5) to ten (10) demerit points or who had committed the same violation for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license.

This Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) exam is a pen-and-paper test proctored by either the Traffic Safety Division (TSD) or Driver Education Center (DEC) personnel. Upon passing the DRC culminating exam, the driver will receive a Certificate of Completion (COC) which is a requirement for driver’s license renewal with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is available in English and Filipino and like the CDE, also features twenty-five (25)-item randomized multiple choice questions to be answered within 30 minutes. Likewise, it requires 80% or 20 correct answers to pass. Unlike the CDE, however, the DRC is exclusively designed for those who have committed traffic or driving violations during the validity of the driver’s license to be renewed. It is particularly important to go through the DRC as failure to do so within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension shall cause the suspension of the driver’s license until the required attendance to the course is complied with.

The LTO DRC exam covers the following topics: 

  • Road Safety
    • Road etiquette, especially when dealing with stress and road rage
    • Traffic accident causes and how to avoid them
    • Engine breakdowns causes and how to avoid them
    • Roadside emergencies and how to respond and act accordingly
    • Driver’s duties, responsibilities, and legal rights
  • Traffic Rules and Regulations
    • Road discipline
    • Identifying traffic signals, traffic signs, and road markings
    • Proper usage of highways and expressways
  • Land Transportation-Related Laws
    • RA 4136 – Traffic and administrative rules, policies and regulations, fines, penalties, and demerit system. Take special attention to over-speeding and overloading.4
    • Special laws on driving such as the
      • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)
      • the Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)
      • Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)
      • Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)
      • Child Safety in Motorcycle Act (RA 10666)

For Conductors

Conductor’s License Application Written Exam

Like the driver’s licenses issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the mandate of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), the Conductor’s license comes with both a written and practical test taken at the LTO. After all, conductors need to know what they are doing since they are the ones who are held liable in cases of violations regarding overloading of passengers or freight or cargo beyond its registered carrying capacity.

Much like the Professional Driver’s License (PDL) exam, the Conductor’s License exam is a necessary step for those who wish to work as a conductor and earn. It requires applicants to take a 20-item written assessment and to attend an orientation or enhancement program, regardless of whether he can or cannot drive. It doesn’t require or give one the authority to drive, but it does allow the bearer to legally perform the following:

  • collecting and issuing tickets, passes or fares
  • checking the validity of issued tickets
  • attending to the passengers
    providing assistance regarding boarding, seating and luggage particularly to the elderly, sick, disabled, or injured passengers;
  • opening and closing doors for passengers;
  • performing safety checks prior to departure
  • signaling to drivers to stop or proceed when passengers disembark
  • greeting passengers, checking boarding transportation equipment, and announcing routes and stops
    ensuring that safety regulations are observed
  • responding to passengers requests and complaints; and
  • taking charge of appropriate actions in cases of emergencies or accidents

Conductor Theoretical Course (CTC) Exam

All applicants for a Conductor’s License are required to undergo the mandatory eight (8)-hour Conductor’s Theoretical Course (CTC) conducted by the LTO DECs. They also need to pass 80% of the required examination after the completion of the course before they can be issued a CTC Certificate of Completion (COC) which will then be electronically transmitted to the LTO LTMS. The DECs usually offer CTC classes at least twice a month through an appointment system. No other driving institution is allowed to conduct the CTC unless duly authorized by the LTO, as per Memorandum Circular MC_JMT_2023_2390. 

Conductor Enhancement Program (CEP)

Just like the Driver Enhancement Programs (DEP), conductors need to complete and pass the culminating exam of the Conductor Enhancement Program (CEP)—a program exclusively designed in accordance with RA 10930 for those who are looking to renew and extend the validity of their conductor license. The program is not divided into two types, though it is a lot like the Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam for the law-abiding conductors who like to live on the edge and has made violations for the duration of the validity of the license to be renewed. 

Summary

The LTO exams are in place for good reasons. First, they remind and refresh the license applicants, regardless if it’s for a driver’s or a conductor’s license, of the things they need to do and remember to do.

These exams also ensure that they remember the dos and don’ts of the road, before they are allowed to run free on open roads. Passing the exams mean that the license applicant has earned his license, even though not every license holder is as careful on the road as they are expected to be. 

How to Request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate from PNP-HPG

Just like how the Certificate of No Alarm (CNA) proves that a vehicle is free of any alarm tags or bad records at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Lifting of Alarm Certificate proves that whatever alarm tag was on the vehicle is effectively banished or removed. Usually, this is usually requested after a vehicle is cleared or retrieved after being involved in circumstances like accidents, theft, or other situation that calls for an investigation. It is also of particular importance as a vehicle with an alarm tag cannot be registered or renewed since payments of fines won’t be accepted either. Hence, the need for a Lifting of Alarm Certificate.  

You might think that no sane owner or buyer will ever buy or want a motor vehicle (MV) with such history, but whether you believe it or not, there is actually a significant number of motor vehicle owners and buyers whose vehicles were tagged and placed under an alarm with the LTO. It doesn’t necessarily mean that these vehicles are stolen or were in an accident, but it does happen. That said, such alarms affect the renewal of their registrations, consequently causing trouble for the car owners, so it’s best to learn about getting them out of the way. 

Request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate from PNP-HPG

What is Lifting of Alarm Certificate

A Lifting of Alarm Certificate or Certificate of Lifting of Alarm is a document issued to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant requesting for the lifting of alarm on a motor vehicle. This certification document is issued after the requesting party submits or complies with the required documents needed in filing of alarm and after such request is granted the approval of both the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee (MVCC) and the Director of the HPG himself. 

A Lifting of Alarm Certificate needs to be requested from the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle and Concerns Section (MVCS) before it can be issued. It is issued only after the registered owner or his authorized representative successfully requests the cancellation or lifting of alarm on the subject MV. There are also specific requirements that the requesting party needs to provide, before such a certificate can be issued. The certificate document itself is free of charge, but the same cannot be said of the requirements needed before you can acquire one. 

What does Lifting of Alarm mean

Lifting of Alarm means that a recovered motor vehicle can be released to the owner or party entitled to the possession of the subject MV upon submission of the required documents coupled with an application for the lifting of alarm as approved by the Director, HPG, upon endorsement by the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee.

Different Recovery Cases that Require Lifting of Alarm

  • In case of self-recovery, the owner of the vehicle shall be required to execute an affidavit about the circumstances leading to the retrieval of the vehicle. 

  • In case of recovery by a police unit, other than HPG, the appropriate spot report or recovery report shall be submitted as a requirement for lifting of alarm. In case of recovery by the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPUs) or other HPG Units, the HPG recovering unit shall inform the registered owner or the party-in-interest of such recovery, in writing, within fifteen (15) days from recovery thereof.

Upon the release of the recovered vehicle, the HPG recovering unit will need to photograph the actual turn over of the vehicle to the owner (or the party-in-interest) and such photos along with a report must be submitted to the Director, HPG, copy furnished the Intelligence Division, Operations Division and Investigation and Detection Management Division of the HPG.

Lifting of Alarm/ Cancellation from the Watchlist

The process of requesting the lifting of alarm is usually done by the owner of the motor vehicle or his successor-in-interest or duly authorized representative may apply for the vehicle’s cancellation from the HPG watchlist as soon as the basis for its inclusion in the watchlist ceases to exist

Who Needs a Certificate of Lifting of Alarm

The following people are the only ones who are eligible to or may need to request for and acquire a Certificate of Lifting of Alarm:

  • Registered owner 

  • Authorized representative of motor vehicle owner

Requirements For Cancellation or Lifting Of Alarm Certificate

Listed below are the complete documentary requirements that one must prepare prior to making a request for Cancellation or Lifting of Alarm for the subject MV.

General Requirements

  • One (1) original copy of Request form for Lifting of alarm  

  • One (1) original copy of Original OR/CR or sales invoice of the Subject MV

  • One (1) original copy of the Police report from the local PNP unit who has territorial jurisdiction on the area where the incident occurred.

  • One (1) original copy of the lifting endorsement from concerned recovering RHPUs. 

  • One (1) original copy of authenticated copies of MV records from LTO

  • One (1) original copy of Complaint Sheet/ filed Carnapping Case/Alarm Sheet

  • One (1) original copy of HPG Alarm and or Complaints Sheet/Endorsement from RHPUs.

  • One (1) original copy of Spot Recovery Report or Affidavit of Self Recovery

  • One (1) original copy of Macro Etching Result (Original Copy);  

  • One (1) photocopy of MV inspection report (authenticated by the LTO and clearly showing the stencil of the engine and chassis numbers)

  • One (1) original copy of turnover release of MV

  • One (1) original copy of notarized Certificate of No Claims from Insurance or Affidavit of No Claims (Notarized) – ( 1 original copy);

  • One (1) original copy of picture of Motor Vehicle (rear/front) 

Additional Requirements

  • One (1) original copy of 2×3 Pictures of Applicant/representative /registered owner

  • One (1) original copy and one photocopy of two (2) pcs. of Valid ID’s of applicant/registered owner with three (3) specimen signatures

  • Two (2) pcs of 2×3 picture of the person who had control of the motor vehicle when it was seized.

  • If the MV is encumbered: One (1) original copy of Certificate of Encumbrance and Statement of Account and a photocopy of OR/CR authenticated by the financing company);

  • If the registered owner of the rightful owner is a private individual: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney 

  • If the subject MV is owned by a corporation: One (1) original copy of Corporate Secretary with Board Resolution  

  • If the rightful owner of the vehicle has not yet processed the transfer of ownership with LTO: One (1) original copy of Deed of sale

  • If the previous owner has already claimed insurance proceeds from the insurance company: One (1) original copy of Release of Claims and One (1) original copy of Deed of Sale

  • For surviving spouse: One (1) original copy of Death Certificate and Marriage Certificate

  • For surviving heirs: One (1) original copy of Extrajudicial Settlement  

  • For authorized representatives: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and One (1) original copy and one (1) photocopy of Valid ID

Procedures for Requests of Cancellation or Lifting of Alarms

For the complete procedures for securing a Lifting of Alarm Certificate, please see the steps below:

Step 1. Visit the nearest office of the PNP-HPG which is usually in close proximity to the nearest branch of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 

Step 2. Head on to the Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section and secure an Application Form for Lifting of Alarm from the MVCS /RHPU’s Duty Investigator. 

Step 3. Fill up Application Form for Lifting of Alarm MVCS /RHPU’s and have the duty investigator check the form.

Step 4. Secure a copy of the Notary of Lifting request form from the Duty Investigator.

Step 5. Have the Lifting request form notarized.

Step 6. After getting the Application form for Lifting of Alarm notarized, submit it, along with the other photocopies of the requirements to the duty investigator for review and evaluation of completeness.

Step 7. Upon approval, head on to the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory for the Macro-Etching Examination.

Step 8. Secure the order of payment from the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory.

Step 9. Settle the fees for the Macro-Etching examination at Landbank.

Step 10. Once paid, bring the motor vehicle in for the Macro-Etching examination and wait for the release of the Macro-Etching results.

Step 11. Submit the original requirements to the Duty Investigator and wait for the completeness evaluation of the documentary requirements. 

Step 12. Wait while the duty investigator prepares the Investigation Report (IR) or Memorandum (SOD-MVCS/RHPU’s) and get it approved by the Chief of MVCS. 

Step 13. Once approved, wait until the IR is signed by the signatories for endorsement of the lifting request to HPG MVCC and Director of HPG for approval. 

Step 14. Once signed, take the document to the Encoding window of the Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) (MVCD) for the Duty MVCD Encoder to encode in the system.

Step 15. After encoding is done, wait for the lifting of Alarm certification to be issued by the Record Section of the DDO Office.

Processing time

The processing of the request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate will take approximately eighteen (18) days and twenty (20) minutes to complete, after the complete documentary requirements have been submitted.

Fees

It’s free, though you may have to spend some for the requirements like the notary fee, macro-etching, and photocopy and certification of certified true copies of required documents.

Where to file the Request

To file the request for cancellation or lifting of the alarm certificate, you will need to go to the PNP-HPG Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section (MVCS). 

Downloadable Request Form

The forms for Request For Lifting Of Alarm or Watch List, along with other forms used when making requests involving the PNP-HPG and any of its departments, can be found via this link: http://hpg.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Request-for-Lifting-of-Alarm.pdf

Important Reminders

If you are among those who need the LTO to lift or cancel the alarm on a particular vehicle to secure a lifting of alarm certificate, then here are some things you’d want to remember:

  • An LTO Alarm on the text message indicates if a car is stolen or not. 

  • If the LTO text message says that the vehicle ‘has no alarm,’ then you have a strong indicator that the used car you are about to buy is completely legal.

  • LTO alarms may be caused by apprehended drivers or because the vehicle is a “hot car” that was previously carnapped.

  • Owners and/or buyers of used cars with LTO alarm tags may now renew and/or transfer their registration with the LTO after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) requests that the Stradcom Corporation temporarily lift the tagging and alarm of the affected motor vehicles under the MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

  • The license can be confiscated and revoked by the LTO if you are found to be a perennial violator.

  • LTO alarm tags can be applied to both vehicle and driver’s license. 

  • An alarm tag does not always mean a vehicle was carnapped, stolen, or involved in accidents and crimes.

Video: LTO Lifting of Alarm via the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS)

To learn more about Lifting of LTO Alarm on a motor vehicle, you may check out this video from Kuyas TV:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers regarding the processing of requests for Certificate of Lifting of Alarm: 

1. What is an LTO Alarm?

LTO alarms refer to alarm tags on vehicles. Having an alarm tag means that the motor vehicle has an active LTO record of existing or pending traffic violations or apprehensions. Having an alarm tag on your vehicle means the vehicle may also be previously involved in an accident or in the commission of a crime or it may be on the watch list of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP – HPG) for stolen or carnapped vehicles. It may also mean that the vehicle has an active complaint against it or an active case with either the Department of Health (DoH), the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), or the Internal Investigation Division (IID). 

2. What is the Motor Vehicle and Concerns Section (MVCS)?

The Motor Vehicle and Concern Section (MVCS) is a department of the PNP-HPG created to serve as a One-Stop-Shop for providing frontline services concerning different problems arising from motor vehicle related crimes. It was designed to offer services to PNP-HPG clients, especially in cases which require intricate investigations, tactical and strategic interview, and thorough scrutiny of documents. The Motor Vehicle Concern Section does not only serve as the repository of records of carnapping cases nationwide but also serve as a first layer of safeguard in confronting carnapping incidents and handling and investigation of carnapping cases and other modes of losing possession of vehicle/s.

3. What is VIMS?

VIMS refers to Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS), a software used by the PNP-HPG to monitor the vehicles and various aspects of vehicle information entered in the LTO database. It is also a useful tool that helps the PNP-HPG and its MVCS to search and generate reports regarding vehicles in the database based on various parameters.

Summary

The Lifting of Alarm Certificate is an important document issued to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant requesting for the lifting of alarm on a motor vehicle. It proves that a recovered motor vehicle can be released to the owner or party entitled to the possession of the subject MV upon submission of the required documents. It is issued after an application for the lifting of alarm is processed and approved by the Director, HPG, upon the endorsement of the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee.

RA 10930: Extension of Driver’s License Validity

The Republic Act (RA) 10930 is a new law signed into effect the amendment of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) in order to “establish a system that promotes the ease of access to government services and efficient transportation regulation favorable to the people.” It also details everything you need to know about how to secure a license with longer validity and with an IRR, gets more guidelines on its implementations.

RA 10930 extends the validity period of all driver’s licenses from five to 10 years from the previous three years for drivers with no violations. The law also details the amendments it made to the existing Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) as well as the additional sections which details the penalties and conditions in acquiring one. In this guide, you can learn more about the law behind the driver’s license with longer validity, as well as the other provisions and implementations that come with it. 

Republic Act 10930 Extension of Driver's License Validity

What is RA 10930

RA 10930 is a Philippine law officially entitled as, An act rationalizing and strengthening the as amended by the policy regarding driver’s license by extending the validity period of drivers’ licenses, and penalizing acts in violation of its issuance and application amending for those purposes section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136,  Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, otherwise known as the Land Transportation And Traffic Code. 

As a law, it was designed to amend Section 23 of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code by establishing a system that promotes the ease of access to government services and efficient transportation regulation favorable to the people. It also helps the people do away with repeated processing of renewal of driver’s licenses as the new one will have up to 10 years of validity before it expires. 

Licensing Requirements 

Naturally, a professional or non-professional license may be issued to the applicant if they meet the qualifying conditions stated in the Section 23 of RA 4136. These conditions include:

  • the applicant possesses the necessary qualification and proficiency in the operation of motor vehicles, 

  • is able to read and write any of the official languages or a major dialect, 

  • knows how to read and interpret various traffic signs, signals and road markings

  • has paid the fee prescribed in accordance with law

According to the same law, all drivers’ license issued must be signed in the presence of LTO Head or his/her deputies and shall bear among others, the full name, date of birth, height, weight, sex, color of eyes, blood type, complete current address, biometrics, license number, and its date of issue and expiration.

RA 10930: Provisions for Qualifying Conditions for Driver’s License with Longer Validity

According to RA 10930, however, a licensee will qualify for the license with the longer validity by making sure that they have the qualities and knowledge of a good driver and that they deserve the license because they have sufficient driving skills and knowledge on road safety and proper road courtesy.

They can only prove this by completing the additional courses and examinations set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as stated on the new additional Section 23-A on RA 4136, as lifted from the provisions of RA 10930.

The said section reads as, 

. . .Sec. 23-A Establishment of Stricter Rules Before the Issuance of Driver’s License:

“Toward this end, the conduct of theoretical and practical examinations, among others, must sufficiently measure the competency of drivers and must be designed to the type of license applied for its corresponding restrictions: Provided, That for professional drivers, the tests must be appropriated to the vehicle and type of service the applicant intends to operate.”

Conditions Precedent to Driver’s License Renewal with Ten-Year Validity

In 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) also issued an amendment in the form of an Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for RA 10930. The said IRR provides the conditions precedent to driver’s license renewal with ten-year validity, which includes the completion of the driver’s reorientation course and comprehensive driver’s education on road safety and proper road courtesy. 

The pertinent Sections of the said IRR covers the following cases:

  • In cases when license applicants accrued at least five (5) demerit points

Every applicant for renewal of license to operate any motor vehicle who has accrued at least five (5) demerit points during the accumulation period shall be required to complete a Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) to be conducted by a duly accredited service provider. 

  • If a driver accumulates ten (10) or more total demerit points

Under Section 26 of Republic Act No. 4136, drivers who accumulate ten (10) or more total demerit points must, in addition to the completion of the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), pass the theoretical examination before he/she may be allowed to renew his/her driver’s license. 

  • For every ten (10) accumulated demerit points or whenever the same violation is committed for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license

The new law also offers provisions for intervention programs in cases when the driver’s license holder accumulates ten (10) accumulated demerit points or commits the same violation is committed for at least three (3) times

  • Failure of the driver to complete the said intervention program within thirty (30) days 

Failure of the driver to complete the said intervention program within thirty (30) days from the_clate of the last apprehension shall cause the suspension of the driver’s license upon prior notice until the required attendance to the course is complied with. 

Transitory Provisions of RA 10930

According to Section 27 of RA 10930, after the effectivity of the IRR, all driver’s licenses with a validity of three (3) years shall be entitled to a renewal valid for five (5) years. 

The section reads as…,

“All holders of driver’s licenses with 5-year validity shall undergo comprehensive drivers education on road safety and proper road courtesy upon the holder’s first renewal of driver’s license after the effectivity of this IRR.”

RA 10930: Penalties

RA 10930 is also clear about applicable penalties in cases of violations stated in the act. These penalties are detailed in Section 4, though it is also added on to RA 4136 and named and numbered as Section 23-B. 

According to this, the following equivalent penalties shall be imposed in cases of the following infractions:

  • Removal from service

This is the equivalent penalty in the following cases:

  • any officer who issues a driver’s license without the necessary examinations, 

  • Those who connives with the applicant for the irregular issuance of a license, 

  • Those officer, who, by gross negligence, issues a driver’s license to an unqualified applicant 

  • A fine in the amount of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00)
    • Willful misrepresentation with respect to material information in one’s application;

    • Connivance with the officer in the irregular conduct of examinations or issuance of license;

    • Falsification of documents; or

    • Cheating during examinations

  • Revocation of license and a two-year ban from applying for a new driver’s license

This penalty is imposed on the erring applicant, if they are found to have been granted a driver’s license by reason of such misrepresentation, connivance, falsification or cheating.

  • Perpetual disqualification from license application

This penalty will apply in cases an applicant is caught repeating the same offense such as misrepresentation, connivance, falsification or cheating to be granted a driver’s license.

  • Revocation of license for a four-year period

The law says that in cases of death or physical injuries resulting in the loss of any part of the victim’s body or the use thereof, insanity, imbecility, impotence or blindness, or incapacity to work for more than ninety (90) days, the license of the offending driver shall be revoked of the court deems that such driver was negligent or at fault.

Different penalties may also apply to the holders of a Philippine driver’s license if they act in violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 4136 and other existing traffic laws and other issuances.

Who Implements the RA 10930 and its IRR

RA 10930 is implemented and the information about it is disseminated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the LTO, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and other concerned agencies and relevant stakeholders. They are also in charge of information campaigns on the list of measures implemented pursuant to and violations punishable under this Act.

Summary

Getting a driver’s license with longer validity sounds amazing, especially if you are the busy type who doesn’t have the time or the patience to spend an entire day just waiting for your license renewal to be processed. Thanks to the Republic Act (RA) 10930, the original Land Transportation and Traffic Code has been amended and a new system has been put in place to promote the ease of access to government services and a more efficient transportation regulation favorable to the people by extending the validity period of all driver’s licenses from five to 10 years from the previous three years for drivers with no violations. If you wish to learn more about avoiding violations so you can qualify for this license with longer validity, then you can check this List of Driving Violations and Penalties.

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