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What is LTO CDE Online Validation Exam?

As the Land Transportation Office (LTO) starts issuing a 10-year driver’s license, they also added a five-hour mandatory refresher course, the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) culminating in a 25-item Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) online validation exam, and the issuance of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) certificate.

The CDE validation exam and CDE certificate are part of the requirements of the LTO for those who are looking to renew their license. Though some lawmakers have called for the abolition of the exam, the exam has yet to be removed, so it will be useful to avoid many driving situations by taking the CDE—in person at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) in select LTO offices or online through the LTMS portal.

This guide will tell you more about the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE), the CDE online validation exam, and everything else that comes with it—be it registration, coverage, and tips, that will help you ace the exam.

Table of Contents

What is CDE – Comprehensive Driver’s Education?

CDE stands for Comprehensive Driver’s Education, a five (5) hour mandatory refresher course for drivers and motorcycle riders mandated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from anyone who wishes to renew their driver’s license in the Philippines. It was designed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10930 in order to ensure that only qualified driver’s license applicants with adequate driving skills, knowledge of road safety, and proper road etiquette have their licenses renewed into one with ten-year validity.

It may be taken in person at any LTO-accredited driving schools, at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) in select LTO offices, or online via the LTMS portal.

The refresher course culminates with a 25-item multiple-choice exam known as the CDE online validation exam. Though there is no time limit, the test-takers are expected to get at least fifty (50) percent or thirteen (13) correct answers to pass. Nevertheless, the exam is free (when taken via the LTMS portal and LTO DEC) and can be retaken immediately, so there is, quite literally, no harm in trying again if you fail.

The CDE 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, including:
  - Traffic and administrative rules
  - policies and regulations
  - fines, penalties, and demerit system
- Special laws on driving, such as:
  - Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)
  - Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)
  - Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)
  - Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)

The CDE culminates at the issuance of a CDE certificate, a free, no-expiry certificate that proves that one has completed the refresher course and has successfully passed the CDE validation exam. It also proves that he or she has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills that a driver needs to operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly along Philippine roads.

CDE Online Validation Exam in LTMS Portal

Benefits

Completing the CDE and getting a CDE certificate offers drivers the following benefits:

A chance to fulfill the requirements for LTO driver’s license renewal
A free lifetime CDE Certificate of Completion that does not expire
A self-paced refresher course on the basics of driving, road safety, and associated laws
A self-paced exam that can be taken and retaken as many times as possible at your own convenience.
A certificate that proves that you are well-equipped to be a driver
Proves that you deserve the new LTO driver’s license with 10-year validity

Qualifications

While anyone can take the CDE Online Validation Exam provided that they are willing to pay (if taking at an LTO-accredited driving school) or has an active LTMS portal account (for free), the following people may benefit the most from taking the CDE and getting a CDE certificate:

Drivers who are holders of Philippine driver’s license
Motorcycle riders who are Philippine driver’s license holders
Filipino drivers who are renewing their driver’s license in the Philippines regardless of the number of demerit points accumulated
Foreign nationals in the Philippines who are renewing their driver’s license regardless of the number of demerit points accumulated
New car owners who wish to secure an LTO driver’s license in the Philippines
Anyone who wishes to learn more about driving, driving conditions, road safety measures, and relevant Philippine laws

Requirements

If you wish to take the CDE Online Validation Exam, you simply need:

An LTMS Portal online account
An electronic or computing device, whether a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet
A stable Internet connection

If you do not have an LTMS account yet, you will also need the following:

A valid and active email address
An active mobile number
Information
- For those who already have a license, but no LTMS account
  - Driver’s/conductor’s license number
  - Expiry date
  - Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
  - Full name
  - Birthday
  - Gender
  - Mother’s maiden name
  - emergency contact
  - medical information
  - Complete address
- For alien residents
  - Alien certificate of registration number (ACR)
  - ACR expiry date,
  - Nationality

How to Take the CDE Online Validation Exam

The CDE seminar is quite long with a lot of materials to study to prepare for the CDE Online Validation Exam. Though taking the test is a simple process in itself, the test isn’t easy to prepare for since there are only 25 questions. The good news is: It simply requires 50% or thirteen (13) correct answers to pass. This passing score applies to both professional and non-professional license holders.

The CDE exam is to be taken online via the LTO’s LTMS portal. With that, here’s a simple walkthrough of the CDE online validation exam, if you are taking it via the LTMS portal:

Step 1: Visit the LTO’s LTMS portal at https://portal.lto.gov.ph.

Step 2: Click the E-Learning tab.

Step 3: On the dropdown menu, click CDE Online Validation Exam.

Step 4: If you have an LTMS portal account, click Log In. Otherwise, click Register.

Step 5: Click Start Exam when you are ready to start.

Step 6: Choose whether you want to take the exam in English or in Filipino. You will then be redirected to the first of the 25-item multiple choice exam.

At the end of the exam, you’ll immediately get your result. If you pass the exam, a prompt will tell you that you can print your CDE certificate right away. Nevertheless, a copy of the CDE certificate will also be sent to you via email through your registered email address.

For Those Who Don’t Have LTMS Accounts, You Need to Register

On the other hand, if you don’t have an LTMS account yet, you may follow this guide on how to register for an LTMS account online.

Step 1: Visit the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at https://portal.lto.gov.ph.

Step 2: Click “Register now.”

Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”

Step 4: Enter the security code.

Step 5: Click “Next.”

Step 6: Choose the type of registrant that you are.

For individual registrants: Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
For organizations and companies: Select “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.

Step 7; Select “Yes” or “No” depending on whether or not you already have a Philippine driver’s/conductor’s license.

For those who already have a license:
- Provide the following information to complete the registration process:

Driver’s/conductor’s license number
Expiry date
Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)

Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
- Name
- Birthdate
- Mother’s Maiden Name
For alien residents: provide the following details:
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
- Expiry date
- Nationality
Click “Next.”
Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
For non-license holders: Click “No”
- Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
- For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
  - Name
  - Birthdate
  - Mother’s Maiden Name
- For alien residents: provide the following details:
  - Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
  - Expiry date
  - Nationality
- Click “Next.”
- Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.

Step 8: Visit your inbox for the verification link.

Step 9: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:

Emergency contact
Medical information
General information
Address

Step 10: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username, so you may access your LTMS account.

Important Reminders

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), drivers who are set to renew their driver’s licenses (DL) may now take the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) 60 days before their renewal date, or even earlier.
All CDE review materials can be obtained through any of the LTO offices and the LTO-accredited driving schools.
You need to ensure that you used a valid and actively working email address on your LTMS account as your CDE certificate, among other things, will be sent there.
The CDE has no “trick questions,” so make sure you read all the test questions carefully.
Don’t overthink when answering the CDE validation exam as all of the test questions are taken from the CDE course directly.
The CDE Certificate of Completion has no expiration, as mandated by the LTO Memorandum dated October 14, 2021.
It’s best if you can print out a copy of the CDE certificate before going to LTO, as there are offices/branches with no printing facilities.
The CDE is free if taken through any of the LTO’s Driver Education Centers (LTO DEC) or through the LTMS portal.
You can also check with the LTO branch where you are renewing your DL to see if you can take the exam there at no cost.
The CDE is not free if taken through any of the LTO-accredited driving schools.
The best option of taking the CDE is through the LTMS, LTO’s very own online portal for driver’s license holders.
The LTMS offers an e-Learning portal which gives duly-licensed motorists access to information on licensing, driving fundamentals, road courtesy and safety, motor vehicle registration, land transportation-related laws, and more, including an introduction to the theoretical exams for non-professional drivers, professional drivers, and conductors.
The LTMS portal can be accessed anytime, anywhere, 24/7, on any device.

Video: CDE Online Validation Exam and Everything Else You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License

If you need a visual walkthrough to help you understand what the CDE online validation exam is and what it is for, and you wish to know all the other requirements to renew into a driver’s license with a 10-year validity period, you may check this Youtube video from PH Assistance YouTube Channel and Pinoy Car Guy:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are a lot of things that can happen when you take your CDE online validation exam, but if you have some questions about these things, you may check this list of common questions and answers in this section.

1. I’ve passed the CDE online validation exam for renewal. What should I do next?

If you are in the process of renewing your driver’s license, then, you simply need to print your CDE certificate then bring this certificate when you actually go to renew your driver’s license. Otherwise, even if you visit your preferred LTO branch for your DL renewal, you’ll still be required to take the online validation exam and show the result to the person in charge. To avoid wasting your time and to speed up the driver’s license renewal process, take the exam before visiting the LTO branch.

2. I failed the CDE online validation exam. What should I do?

There’s nothing to worry about in case you fail the VDE validation exam. You can simply retake the exam for as many times as it takes until you pass.

If you are worried about the status of your existing license while you are preparing for the CDE Online Validation Exam, the LTO says that its validity will not be affected regardless of how many times you retake the CDE exam.

3. Am I required to take the CDE validation exam if I convert my foreign driver’s license into a Philippine license?

Yes. If you have a valid foreign driver’s license, and you wish to convert it into a Philippine driver’s license, then you need to take the CDE online validation exam. If your foreign driver’s license is expired, you will also need to take the written and practical exams.

4. I want to change my maiden name to my married name on my driver’s license. Do I still need to secure a CDE certificate?

Yes. If you want to have a valid ID with your married name instead of your maiden name, you will need to process a request for a new driver’s license. As such, you will be required to present your CDE completion certificate along with the original copy of your marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and your old driver’s license. You will also need to visit the LTO branch since you’ll have to update not just your name but also your biometrics.

5. Can I take the CDE validation exam online?

Yes. As the only mandatory LTO exam you can take online is the CDE exam, it is accessible on the LTMS portal and available in English or Filipino. The reviewer are free as well, and can be watched on-demand. These resources can also be used by those who are taking theoretical driving course (TDC) as a reviewer when they start applying for a license.

6. Do I need to have an LTMS account to access the e-Learning tab and LTO learning resources?

No. The e-Learning tab and all the LTO learning resources are accessible via the LTMS portal, with or without an LTMS portal online account.

7. How can I verify my mobile number?

To verify your mobile number on your LTMS portal account requires, you may simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Log into your LTO online account via the LTMS portal.

Step 2: Click Profile.

Step 3: Under the Contact tab, click the Verify New Mobile Number.

Step 4: Enter the code sent to your mobile number.

Step 5: Click Verify.

8. I forgot my LTMS online account password. How do I reset it?

If you forgot or lost your LTMS account password, you may reset it by following these steps:

Step 1: Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page.

Step 2: Key in your nominated email address or LTO client number.

Step 3: Click “OK.” You should receive an email containing a link allowing you to set a new password for your account.

Summary

That’s it! That’s everything you need to know about CDE and the CDE online validation exam. These are all part of LTO’s initiatives to help keep the Philippine roads safe by ensuring that only the most qualified and responsible motorists are allowed to hit the roads.

We hope that this guide has been helpful, and we wish you all the best as you prepare for your CDE online validation examination. Remember, there’s literally no harm in trying here as you can always retake the exam until you pass. When that happens, at least, you won’t be starting with zero knowledge.

RA 11697 EVIDA Law: Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act Philippines

Republic Act No. 11697, otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), is a law that serves as the government’s proposed solution to the ever-increasing fuel prices. It not only outlines the regulatory framework and creates a comprehensive roadmap for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs), but also governs “the manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles” in response to the problems associated with the country’s dependence on the dwindling fossil fuels.

The law which became effective in April 2022 is expected to encourage growth for this industry, helping the country move towards a greener mobility with a fossil fuel-free environment. It is also designed in hopes of attracting high-tech investments to stay and support the country as it copes with the ongoing global shift to EVs. This article provides an overview of the EVIDA Law, along with the purpose, benefits, and incentives that comes with development, manufacture, and overall operations of EVs.

Table of Contents

evida law Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act philippines

What are Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are vehicles designed in such a way that they don’t use gasoline. Instead of a gasoline tank, EVs come with large batteries used to power their motors. EVs run on batteries, so in order to use them, one simply needs to connect them to an electrical source in order to refuel or recharge, exactly like charging your smartphone or laptop from an outlet.

Advantage and Disadvantages of using EVs

Using EVs come with certain benefits, including the following:

They’re energy-efficient.

Compared to conventional cars, EVs are designed with a smart system and regenerative braking to make it more energy-efficient.

It is rechargeable from home so your home can serve as your own fuel station.

Even if your EV rums out of juice, you can simply charge at home, so you don’t have to worry about exorbitant gas prices ever again.

They’re easier to maintain .

Compared to gas-powered cars, electric cars are so much easier to maintain. There’s no more need to deal with oil changes, spark plug changes, and the upkeep of combustion-related parts.

They’re environment-friendly

Cars that rely on a combustion system produce emissions that are harmful to the environment. Purely electric cars, on the other hand, don’t have any direct emissions since they’re powered by electricity. EVs also run quietly, so they don’t contribute to noise pollution.

Unfortunately, there’s always two sides to a coin. Hence, the drawbacks of using EVs in the Philippines are listed as follows:

They’re expensive

Compared with gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles in the Philippines come with a hefty price tag. You might need to shell out twice as much when buying EVs, compared to when you are purchasing conventional cars.

Commercial recharging stations are rare

Though EVs can be charged at home, running out of juice outside can be a problem. After all, EVs are new in the Philippines, which means charging stations are scarce. That said, you will have to be extra careful about planning your trips in advance.

They have shorter driving ranges

Entry-level EVs have short driving ranges in between charges, so you’d want to use your EVs only for short trips. can cover less distance between charges.

Charging takes time

Some electric cars in the Philippines takes approximately 5 hours to a day to reach a full charge, which could be a problem if you have last-minute travel plans. Some models may have a fast charging feature, but recharging them still takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Are there electric cars in the Philippines

Yes. But the number of models available in the country is limited. Despite this, things are starting to look up for the EV industry. For one, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the temporary reduction of tariffs on EVs and spare parts to 0%, in an effort to encourage motorists to consider EVs.

The government also created the EV Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), a roadmap to boost the development, commercialization and utilization of electric vehicles in the Philippines.

What is the EVIDA Law

The EVIDA Law or Republic Act (RA) 11697 is the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. It passed into law on April 15, 2022, and is the Philippine government’s new movement towards a greener mobility and fossil fuel-free environment.

The EVIDA Law outlines the regulatory framework and creates a comprehensive roadmap for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines. It governs everything about EVs, including but not limited to “the manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles” along with other benefits which will be detailed in the next sections.

EVIDA Law Mandates

The EVIDA Law was primarily created to provide a regulatory framework and a roadmap for E-Vehicle’s operation in the Philippines. The law ensures that the following purposes are served:

Ensure the country’s energy security and independence by reducing reliance on imported fuel for the transportation sector;

Provide an enabling environment for the development of electric vehicles including options for micro mobility as an attractive and feasible mode of transportation to reduce dependence on fossil fuels;

Promote and support innovation in clean, sustainable, and efficient energy to accelerate social progress and human development by encouraging public and private use of low emission and other alternative energy technologies;

Protect the health and well-being of the people from the hazards of pollution and the greenhouse effect;

Safeguard and improve the integrity, reliability, and stability of the country’s electric power grid by optimizing the location of energy sources relative to demand;

Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization while recognizing the role of the private sector in order to support the transition to new technologies, generate jobs, spur small and medium enterprise growth, attract investments, grow globally competitive and innovative industries, and upgrade the country’s participation in regional and global value chains, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan and the country’s international obligations under the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda;

Generate employment opportunities for the local skilled workforce to sustain their livelihood;

Protect and safeguard the country’s cultural heritage through the Philippine transportation system, which remain an underlying factor in progress and innovation; and

Recognize the role of local government units (LGUS) as competent partners of the national government in the smooth transition to this innovation by providing them capacity-building support.

What is CREVI

As part of the goals of the EVIDA Law, the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) was created. Under the provisions of the CREVI, a national development roadmap, the EV industry gets an annual plan that will help accelerate and boost the development, commercialization and utilization of electric vehicles in the Philippines via the following four (4) components:

EVs and charging stations component which includes:
- Development of standards and specification of EVs and charging stations,
- Industry promotion of EVs,
- Designation of dedicated parking slots for EVs, and
- Construction or installation of charging stations in dedicated parking slots and dedicated spaces,

Manufacturing component which includes:
- Promotion and development of the local manufacturing of the EV industry, and
- Manufacturing standards for EVs, batteries and facilities including recycling facilities, parts and components, and charging stations and related equipment,

Research and development component, and

Human resource development component which includes skills and capacity-building of needed personnel

EVIDA Law Incentives

The EVIDA Law also included the following benefits:

Non-Fiscal Incentives

Priority registration

Priority renewal of registration

Issuance of a special type of vehicle plate.

Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by different government agencies.

Expeditious processing of applications for the franchise to operate public utility vehicles for operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs.

Expeditious processing of renewals for the franchise to operate public utility vehicles for operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs.

Expeditious processing by the Bureau of Customs of the importations of EV manufacturers and importers.

Permit for foreign nationals to be employed under technology transfer agreements, subject to the guidelines of the relevant government agencies.

Fiscal Incentives

The manufacture and assembly of EVs, charging stations, batteries and parts and components thereof shall undergo an evaluation process to determine the following:
- inclusion in the strategic investment priority plan and
- possible entitlement to the incentives for the length of time

The importation of completely built EVs shall generally be entitled to incentives under the TRAIN Act (R.A. No. 10963).

The importation of completely built charging stations shall be exempt from the payment of duties for eight years from the effectivity of the EVIDA Law

The utilization of battery EVs and hybrid-EVs shall be entitled to a discount of 30% and 15%, respectively, from the payment of the motor vehicle user’s charge, vehicle registration and inspection fee for eight years from the effectivity of EVIDA.

Other Benefits

Other benefits of EV ownership resulting from the enactment of the EVIDA Law includes:

Long-term 100 percent excise tax exemptions for full battery operated vehicles

Long-term 50 percent excise tax exemptions for hybrid vehicles that operate both by fuel and battery

More job opportunities for local skilled workers

Lesser reliance on imported fuel

Designated electric vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations

Priority designated parking from various establishments

Savings from fuel pump

Greener environment and an economical upgrade for vehicles

Video: DOTr and LTO Explains Using Electric Vehicles in the Philippines

Here’s a video of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) explaining the benefits and usage of electric vehicles in the Philippines. The video showcases different types of electric vehicles, such as e-trikes, e-jeeps, and e-buses, that are being used in the country for public transportation. It also suggests tips for Filipinos who wish to purchase their own electric vehicles and how to properly maintain them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to electric vehicles and the EVIDA Law.

1. Are electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles exempted from UVVRP or the number coding scheme?

Yes. Hybrid vehicles, along with electric vehicles (EVs) come with certain perks under Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which includes the exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding.

2. Are electric vehicles legal in the Philippines?

Yes. However, the number of currently available EV models in the Philippines is limited. This won’t be for long as things are now starting to look up for the EV industry.

3. Can electric cars be registered with LTO?

Yes. For an EV to be assigned a special plate, it must first be issued a certification of roadworthiness—which will check its electric components, battery, and charging system, among others.

4. Does an e-bike require a license in the Philippines?

Yes. Depending on the type of e-vehicle owned, e-bike and EV users also need to get a driver’s license and an e-bike license in the Philippines.

5. What is the difference between hybrid cars and Electric Vehicles?

A hybrid car and an electric vehicle (EV) both depend on electricity, but there are obvious differences between them. An EV is purely electric that solely relies on its battery to run. On the other hand, a hybrid vehicle has a gasoline engine paired with at least one electric motor so users of hybrid vehicles can choose between the two power sources or even combine them depending on the driving requirements. Moreover, a hybrid car doesn’t need an external charging point, as it already charges its own battery.

Summary

With the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) in place, the development, manufacturing, and use of electric vehicles (EV) as well as hybrid vehicles has pushed forward onto a more progressive state. The guidance offered by the CREVI, the specialized framework and roadmap designed for EV manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles under the EVIDA Law, has made the electric vehicle industry more legal and focused into the future prospects. Not only that, the provisions of the law allows for incentives for the users, which makes EVs an even more popular option among the Filipino car users while the government and the citizenry addresses the problems associated with the country’s dependence on the dwindling fossil fuels resources. With the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), the government hopes to attract high-tech investments to stay and support the country as it copes with the ongoing global shift to EVs as well as its fight for a more environmentally-friendly transport system in the Philippines.

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.

Table of Contents

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:

Student driver permit: You need to score 20 out of a set of 25 questions.

Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL): You need to score 35 out of a set of 40 questions.

Professional driver’s license (PDL): You need to score 50 out of a set of 60 questions.

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
- Road discipline
- Identifying traffic signals, traffic signs, and road markings
- The proper use 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.
- 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.