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How to Change Driver’s License Classification from Professional to Non-Professional Driver’s License

An LTO driver’s license (DL) is a government-issued identification document granted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Depending on whether you have a Non-Professional (NPDL) or Professional Driver’s License (PDL), a DL holder may have the privilege, both the capability and permission to drive and operate private or public motor vehicles in the Philippines. Both also serve as a valid ID that can be used for various government and private transactions.

There really isn’t much of a difference between a Non-Professional (NPDL) and a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) except that the latter is allowed to earn money from driving. However, if you do not need a driver’s license for work, you may opt to downgrade your driver’s license and change it from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to save yourself the trouble of going through a more rigorous test.

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change classification of drivers license from pro to non pro

Professional vs. Non-Professional Driver’s License

A Professional Driver’s License (PDL) and a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) are two different kinds of licenses issued by the LTO in the Philippines. Both give the holder the authority to drive motor vehicles on public roads.

The two licenses are also different in the sense that you will need to have your Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) for at least twelve (12) months before you can upgrade to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). While holding a Professional License, you are also allowed to operate motor vehicles for a living, whereas a Non-Professional License holder is a step above a Student Permit holder and can only operate private vehicles on his own for personal use.

Changing Driver’s License Classification from Professional Driver’s License to Non-Professional Driver’s License

The LTO also allows license holders to change their license classifications from Non-Professional to Professional and vice versa. In this article, we are only talking about changing DL classifications from the Professional Driver’s License to Non-Professional Driver’s License.

Qualifications

To request for a change in driver’s license classification from professional to non-professional, you must satisfy the following conditions:

Must be a holder of Professional Driver’s License

Requirements

Before applying for a change in classification of your driver’s license from professional to non-professional, you need the following documentary requirements:

Duly accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
Presentation of copy of the medical certificate. (Electronically transmitted to LTO by an LTO-accredited medical clinic)
Presentation of original PDL

How to Convert DL from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

Step 1: Visit the preferred LTO branch, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office, closest to the applicant’s place.

Step 2: Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit.

Step 3: Secure a queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 4: Submit the duly accomplished ADL form along with all the requirements and the queue number.

Step 5: Wait for your queue number to be called.

Step 6: Once your name is called, submit the requirements so it can be evaluated for completeness and authenticity.

Step 7: Once the LTO personnel confirms the details from the system, wait for a transaction ID to be generated.

Step 8: Once the transaction ID is generated, proceeds to the cashier for payment of fees.

Step 9: After making the payments, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding of complete details in the new LTO-IT system.

Step 10: Wait for a printed copy of the screenshot of the Driver’s License (DL) details from the LTO IT system.

Step 11: After the details are encoded, proceed to the capturing of photo, fingerprints, and signature.

Step 12: Wait for the DL card to be printed. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 13: When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), once the OR and DL Card is released, you will be asked to sign in the log sheet.

How to Process a DL Classification Change from PDL to NPDL with Additional Restriction Codes (ARC)

Step 1. Visit any LTO office, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office near you.

Step 2. Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit.

Note: The LTO recently rolled out an online website portal called the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) which you can use to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.

Step 3. At the LTO office, ask where you can get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.

Note: To help save you some time, you may also check the LTO website’s LTO Forms section to download the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.

Step 4. Once you have completely accomplished the form, get a queue ticket from the service counter and wait for your number to be called.

Step 5. Submit your completed ADL form and all the requirements, including your queue number.

Step 6. The LTO evaluator will check on the completeness and authenticity of your submissions.

Step 7. Once everything is confirmed, you will be asked to proceed to the Cashier to pay the application fee.

Step 8. Once paid, you will need to take and pass the LTO exams.

Step 9. Take the written examination:

FAILED: If you fail the written examination, you will receive a computer generated letter with this message, “May come back the following day at their convenience.” That’s the end of your transaction.
PASSED: If you pass, you will proceed with the practical driving test.

Step 10. Take the actual driving examination.

FAILED: If you fail the practical driving test, that’s the end of your transaction.
PASSED: Proceed to the Cashier to pay for your license.

Step 11. Once you pass the LTO exams, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 12. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 13. When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), you will be asked to sign in the log sheet before your license is released to you.

Fees

Like every other LTO transaction, changing the DL classification from professional to non-professional comes with a price. Depending on whether the license is expired or if there’s a need to add restriction codes, you may need to prepare to pay for the following:

Valid PDL to NPDL

Application Fee – P 100.00
Replacement Fee – P 225.00
Change Classification – P 100.00

Total: P 425.00

Expired PDL to NPDL

Application Fee – P 100.00
Renewal Fee – P 585.00
Change Classification – P 100.00

Total: P 785.00 + penalty

Penalty

If expired 1 day to 1 year = P 75.00
1 year and 1 day to 2 years = P 150.00
2 years and 1 day to 10 years = P 225.00

Other Fees

Additional DL Code (Restriction Code) = P 100.00

Where to Process DL Change Classification (from PDL to NPDL)

When you need to request for a change in your driver’s license classification from professional to non-professional, you may go to any of the following LTO offices in the Philippines:

LTO Licensing Centers
Authorized LTO District Offices (DO)
Authorized LTO Extension Offices (EO)

Important Reminders

If, for whatever reason, you decide to change your license classification from professional to non-professional through any of the designated LTO branch offices for licensing transactions, then these are the things you need to remember:

The steps on how to apply or renew pro and non-pro driver’s license are quite the same, as they include the requirement for application and validation, picture and signature, fee payment, written professional or non-professional driver’s license, and passing test, as well as actual driving skills tests.
The LTO exams are longer for professional driver’s license applicants.
Prepare all the documentary requirements (including the photocopies) before going to the LTO Office to avoid delays.
Visit the LTO office early, so you can finish it within the day.
Regardless of license type, the driver’s license is usually released within the day of the application, though this may change depending on the office you’re transacting with.
As long as the general requirements are met, anyone can be eligible for an LTO DL Classification change.
It is also possible to change classification from NPDL to PDL.
There is a different process if you wish to change classification from NPDL to PDL and add a restriction code at the same time.
You will need to create an online account to use the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal online and to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.
You will need to take the LTO exams if you need to add more restriction codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding changing DL classification from pro to non-pro licenses.

1. Where can I find the information on my license classification?

If you need to check your new LTO driver’s license for the license classification and vehicular restrictions, you may check the back of your license card. The license class information is in there, unlike the old one which has the information on the front side.

2. Is it possible to add more restriction codes while processing a classification change?

Yes. You may add more restriction codes but it will require you to take both written and practical exams. Plus, there’s an additional fee of Php 100.00 for additional restriction codes.

3. Do I need to take the LTO exams when requesting for a DL Classification Change?

It depends. Here’s the guide regarding classification change and LTO exams:

For those whose driver’s license has expired for more than two (2) years, they must first take and pass the Practical Driving Test.
If the Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional DL code, only a written examination will be conducted.
If the Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional DL code, written and practical LTO examinations for the DL code applied for will be given.
If the Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
If the Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.

Summary

Changing your Driver’s License Classification is easy, isn’t it. You simply need to ensure that you meet all the general requirements, pass the LTO exams as needed, and make sure to pay the fees. Then, you’ll need to visit an LTO licensing center or other LTO offices in the Philippines that cater to license applications and renewals and request for the change. Of course, it’s not free and you will need to pay for the relevant fees, especially if you are adding more DL codes. and get your biometrics logged before you can receive the new NPDL card which reflects the new driver’s license classification. It’s a pretty simple process and it doesn’t even take that much time as long as you go prepared, so it’s best to get it done and avoid hefty penalties when you get caught driving vehicle types you aren’t authorized to be driving at all. However, do note that for PDL to NPDL change, there might be an easier process since you’ll be restricting yourself to driving only for personal use.

List of LTO Driver’s License Classification

Driver’s are not the same everywhere. There are, in fact, different types of drivers as categorized by the different classifications of driver’s licenses (DL). In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regulates the drivers and identifies who can drive what vehicle through the different LTO Driver’s License classifications.

The different DL classifications exist so that the drivers of different types of vehicles can be categorized accordingly. You can get a certain class of driver’s license depending on your age, competence, the type of vehicles you can drive, how long you have been driving, as well as if you are driving for a living or not. Though the procedures for getting a driver’s license is generally the same for all types, there’s an innate difference in the driving tests and requirements, too. You can learn more about the different driver’s license classifications here.

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What is an LTO Driver’s License (DL)

An LTO driver’s license is essentially a driving permit or a legal authorization expressly written in an official document confirming such an authorization, issued by the government (LTO, in particular) to an individual so they can legally operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—like motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. These different license types are often made from plastic and take the size of a credit card.

The driver’s license issued by LTO also has different categories or classifications. Each type offers different levels of permission to drive. The type or class of driver’s license you can get highly depends on your age, competence, the type of vehicles you can drive, how long you have been driving, as well as if you are driving for a living or not. It also defines where you can legally drive a motor vehicle. Though the license application procedures are generally the same, there are different evaluation procedures, requirements, and fees for each class, and the difficulty of the driving test also varies considerably between DL classes.

LTO Driver’s License (DL) Classifications

There are several classifications for LTO driver’s licenses in the Philippines. As of writing, there are three types of driver’s licenses currently being issued in the country.

Student Permit

One of the most exciting parts of becoming an adult is taking care of things only adults are allowed to do, just like driving. In the Philippines, every driver is required to go through a “student” phase, the period when they need to secure a student permit and operate a motor vehicle in public, under the guidance of either a non-professional or professional licensed driver. It’s like the first step to take or the first level in getting a driver’s license, so to speak. For some, it is a rite of passage—one that many teenagers look forward to.

To secure a student permit, the interested applicant needs a notarized letter from either a parent or guardian (for minors), proof of identity (original and certified true copy (CTC) of your PSA-authenticated birth certificate with receipt or original and photocopy of your passport), and Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN). Of course, it’s a given that the applicant must be at least 18 years old, physically and mentally stable, and able to speak and understand English and Tagalog.

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

Tired of being chaperoned in your own ride? Well, if you are of age and have survived a month on a student permit, then you can go on and secure your first government-issued ID card by applying for the Non-Professional Driver’s License. This license classification is designed for rookie drivers fresh out of the “student” phase as well as those who have no intention of driving a public vehicle or any motor vehicle for a living. It is the perfect license for those who intend to drive private vehicles that weigh no more than 4500 kilograms, including hatchbacks, pick-up trucks, or sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

To secure an NPDL, applicants must pass the written examination composed of 40 randomized questions by acquiring at least 30 correct answers. Other requirements include a valid student permit that is at least a month old, a medical certificate electronically transmitted from any LTO-accredited medical clinic, doctor, or if you are a military personnel, a valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID and a negative drug test result from a DOH-certified drug testing facility, a clearance certificate from either NBI, court, or commanding officer (which applies only to medical personnel).

Professional Driver’s License (PDL)

However, if you are securing a driver’s license in the name of pursuing a career as a public utility vehicle (PUV) driver or a commercial driver in the Philippines, what you will need is neither a student driver’s permit nor a Non-Professional Driver’s License but a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). This is a requirement for drivers who intend to operate vehicles that weigh more than 4600 kilograms like bulldozers and other heavy construction vehicles.

To apply for this class of driver’s license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, has secured a medical certificate electronically transmitted from any LTO-accredited medical clinic or doctor or, if you are a military personnel, a valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID, a negative drug test result from a DOH-certified drug testing facility, and a clearance certificate from either NBI, court or commanding officer (applicable only for medical personnel). Unlike the written examination for Non-Professional Driver’s License, a Professional Driver’s License requires you to secure a score of at least 45 out of 60 random questions which can either be in English or in Tagalog.

Other Driver License Not Issued by the LTO

Aside from the LTO-issued driver’s license, there is another type of driving license that citizens can acquire to be able to drive legally on public roads.

International Driver’s License/Permit (IDP)

An international driver’s license, otherwise known as the international driver’s permit (IDP), is a license issued to permanent residents of the Philippines who would like to be able to use their license to drive a motor vehicle freely on the roads of over 150 other countries in the world, except for Australia and Spain which allow Filipinos to operate vehicles with either their professional or non-professional license.

Unlike the LTO driver’s license, the IDP is only issued at the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the country’s biggest and oldest auto club committed to the general welfare of motorists in the Philippines. To secure an IDP, motorists applicants need to submit two (2) photocopies of their current driver’s license and two (2) 2×2 pictures with white background.

Important Reminders

If you wish to secure any of these driver’s license, you’d want to take note of these tips and reminders:

If it’s your first time to secure a driver’s license, you will need to start with a student permit before you can apply for the other classes.

In Spain and Australia, regular LTO-issued driver’s license, whether Non-Professional or Professional driver’s license, can be used.

Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) issued for the first time is only valid for five (5) years.

Holders of license with five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days before their 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.

Those with a ten-year license, must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of their license.

For those who are securing an LTO driver’s license, you may do so via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) online portal.

Regardless if you are initiating the driver’s license in person or online, you will need a medical certificate electronically transmitted to the LTO by an LTO-accredited medical clinic.

Video: How to Get a Non-Professional LTO Driver’s License in the Philippines

For a clearer guide on how to secure an LTO Non-Professional driver’s license (NPDL), you may check out this video guide posted by It’s Ally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers regarding the LTO Driver’s License in the Philippines:

1. Does the LTO accept online driver’s license applications?

Yes. Applications for an LTO driver’s license may be done online if you register an account on the LTMS portal. You might still need to visit an LTO office though, especially for NPDL and PDL as you will need to take the LTO exams before a driver’s license can be issued to you. You may also apply for any LTO driver’s license through any of the LTO branches nationwide, though you’d want to check first if you need an appointment or if they entertain walk-in applicants.

2. How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license?

Depending on the license classification, the following validity period may apply:

For Student Permits: The validity period is one year.

For first-time professional and non-professional driver’s licenses as well as those who are renewing with traffic violations: The validity period is five years.

For those with NPDL or PDL with a clean record: The license may be renewed with a 10-year validity period as per Republic Act 10930.

3. Where can I find the expiry date of my driver’s license?

If you are looking for the expiry date of your driver’s license, then you can find it on the card’s front side. The validity period of your DL will also depend on whether your license is issued before or after your birthday. If your license was issued before your birthday, the current year is included in the validity period. Otherwise, the current year is not included when counting the validity period.

4. Where can I find the information on my license classification?

If you need to check your LTO driver’s license for the license class and DL code, then you can turn your license card face-down and look. The license classification information is in the back, unlike the old one which is on the front side.

Summary

When it comes to driving, it is imperative to consider the age, competence, the type of vehicles you can drive, how long the driver has been driving, as well as if they are doing it for the money or not. It is because these factors decide how well they can drive safely and if they deserve to be allowed on the road with a motor vehicle. After all, the main goal of issuing a driver’s license and having restriction codes added is to regulate the drivers by allowing only the responsible and roadworthy ones to ensure not just their safety, but also the safety of the people around. It is important to understand the difference between the different driver’s license classifications not only because there are varying processes of its application but also because the classification can tell a lot about how well the driver can keep the motor vehicles and the roads safe.

What is Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is just one part of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or a duly accredited service provider to Filipino drivers. The course is especially designed as a corrective measure of sorts for license holders, professional or otherwise, who have had at least five (5) demerit points, and who intend to renew their licenses.

The course is also mandated by law as condition precedent to Driver’s License renewal of those with 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.

Unlike the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Course of the DEP, the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is not a course for everyone. It is especially reserved for those with driving or traffic violations. It is also similar to the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) in the sense that the licensees need to apply for and complete the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) before they are allowed to renew their driver’s licenses. It also culminates with a written exam that attendees need to take and pass as well.

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What is DRC

DRC stands for Driver’s Reorientation Course—a course designed in compliance with Section 14 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 10930. It is a mandatory requirement for the renewal of a driver’s license with at least five (5) demerit points. It also serves as a condition precedent to driver’s license renewal for those who had accumulated at least 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.

The DRC, unlike the CDE, requires a set number of training hours that must be completed before they can fully claim to have completed the DRC and secure a certificate of completion. As an intervention program, it is usually paired with the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and also culminates in a written examination. Meanwhile, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who have committed franchise-related violation shall be required to undergo another intervention program in the form of a training-seminar conducted by the PUV Drivers’ Academy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) along with the DRC. Failure to complete the courses would entail license suspension until the required attendance to the courses is complied with.

Purpose

The Driver’s Reorientation Course is a refresher course meant to remind licensed drivers with a long list of violations about the basics of driving and road safety. It is given as a penalty and disciplinary education and was designed for drivers who accumulated five (5) or more demerit points within the validity period of their licenses. Through this, the agency hopes that the driver’s would be reminded of the responsibility attached to the privilege to drive by having them learn to be more careful on the road.

Benefits

Some of the benefits associated with taking the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) includes:

Being able to secure the Certificate of Completion which is a requirement for driver’s license renewal

Getting a refresher course on the old rules of the road you may have already forgotten

Getting a crash course on new LTO rules

Being able to serve at least one of the penalties for accumulated demerits without spending money

Being able to avoid possible suspension of driver’s license 30 days after committing a driving or traffic violation

You can get a driver’s license which doubles as a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices

The license renewal process requires this if you have demerit points

Eligibility

To take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you must meet the following conditions:

Must be a holder of active Driver’s License

Must be a holder of a Driver’s License that has expired but not for more two (2) years

Must be holders of Driver’s License with accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points

Must be holders of Driver’s License with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points

Must be a holder of an LTO Driver’s License that has been expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points

Must be looking to renew their driver’s license

Must be physically fit to operate a motor vehicle

Must have sound mental faculties fit for operating a motor vehicle

Must be a Traffic violator

Must not have any unsettled traffic violation

Requirements

Before you can take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you need to first prepare the following documentary requirements:

Official Receipt (OR) as proof for the payment of fine/s

Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) (Pink copy) or e-TOP;
- In case of loss of TOP/e-TOP: an Affidavit of Loss

Document printout or screenshot from the system showing the violation and the corresponding number of demerit points from the Data Control Unit (DCU) at the LTO Central Office

Apprehension details from the Releasing Unit of the LTO Central Office

Procedures

To get into the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Office. You can choose from any of the following:

Drivers Education Centers (DECs) at the LTO Regional Offices

Traffic Safety Division (TSD) at the LTO Central Office

Step 2: Proceed to the TSD/DEC Service Counter and present and/or submit the requirements to the TSD/DEC Officer of the day so they can evaluate and check for authenticity and completeness evaluation.

Step 3: Once the records of your driver’s license violation is retrieved and verified, the TSD/DEC Officer of the day will inform the licensee to register to the Client’s Attendance Sheet and fill out the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) Form.

Step 4: Register on the Client’s Attendance Sheet and fill out the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) Form.

Step 5: Once registered, attend the Driver’s Reorientation Course facilitated by the TSD/DEC proctor.

Step 6: After completing the course, take the examination facilitated by the TSD/DEC proctor.

If passed: The proctor shall take your picture and prepare DRC Certificate of Completion.

If failed: The proctor will tell you to retake the exam on the following regular working day or any day convenient for you.

Step 7: Once the Certificate of Completion is signed and uploaded to the Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS)-Seminar Penalties to settle the seminar requirement, your Certificate of Completion will be released by the TSD/DEC Officer of the day.

Fees

There are no fees associated with the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC). It’s free, except, perhaps, for the expenses related to paying for the requirements and travel and personal needs.

Where to Avail

To take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you will first need to visit either of the following LTO offices:

Drivers Education Centers (DECs) of LTO Regional Offices

Traffic Safety Division (TSD) of LTO Central Office

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders:

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is an intervention program tha serves both as a refresher course and a penalty for driver’s license holders with violations.

It is a mandatory requirement for driver’s license renewal.

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is free of charge.

Failure of the driver to complete the said intervention program within thirty (30) days from the date 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. (Section 15, par. 2 of IRR of R.A. No. 10930.

Just like the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE), the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) also culminates with a written exam.

The Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course and the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) together makes up the LTO Driver’s Education Program (DEP).

Video: Driver’s Education Program—Driver’s Reorientation Course

Learn more about the Driver’s Reorientation Course—the other half of the Driver Education Program (DEP) imposed by the LTO to both Filipino and foreign driver’s license holders in the country. Watch this video!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information on the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), here are the most common questions and answers related to it:

1. Do I need to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) every time I renew my license?

Not necessarily. The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is only required for license holders who have accumulated at least five (5) demerit points due to driving and traffic violations withing the duration of the license validity.

2. How much does it cost to enroll in the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)?

The course itself doesn’t cost anything. It is given by the LTO for free. You might need to spend for the requirements or for personal expenses, though.

3. Can I take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) anywhere?

No. It isonly offered for free at the LTO Drivers Education Centers (DECs) at any of the LTO Regional Offices nationwide and at the Traffic Safety Division (TSD) at the LTO Central Office in East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

4. When should I take the LTO Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)?

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) must be taken within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension.

5. What happens if I fail to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) on time?

Failure to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) on time, which is within 30 days of the last apprehension, means the possibility of getting your license suspended until the course required is completed.

6. How would I know that I need to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)?

The driver or license holder will receive a notification from the LTO stating the he is required to undergo a mandatory Driver’s Reorientation Course to be conducted by the Land Transportation Office or a duly accredited service provider 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.

7. Is the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) the same as the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course?

No. These are two different course required by the LTO from drivers who wish to renew their licenses. The two makes up the LTO Driver Education Program though.

Summary

All driver’s license holder who wish to apply for the renewal of license to operate any motor vehicle legally buy has accrued at least five (5) demerit points during the license validity period are required to complete a Driver’s Reorientation Course to be conducted by the LTO DEC or any LTO-accredited service provider. It is a condition precedent to Driver’s License Renewal, especially for traffic violators in the country. Despite the hassle, it is a good chance to refresh your knowledge of the rules on the road, while the LTO hopes that such knowledge will keep you and the others safe while you drive. It’s a free course too, so there really is no reason not to comply.