LTO eyes more driving lessons, tests for professional license applicants
Those applying for a professional driver’s license may soon have to undergo additional driving lessons and exams as part of the changes being proposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to promote road safety.
During a public consultation with concerned stakeholders on Monday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II presented a draft of the agency’s proposed changes in the process of securing a professional driving license, which would be submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“I don’t want you to think we’re presenting this as a formality. We’re very open to recommendations and suggestions [so] that we can incorporate these into our final proposal to the DOTr,” Mendoza stressed.
Present at the consultation were representatives of various transport groups, including the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pasang Masda, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines and the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives, among others.
Currently, those seeking to acquire a professional driver’s license for driving light vehicles such as motorcycles, tricycles, cars and vans need only to pass a theoretical driving exam, LTO traffic safety division acting chief Danilo Encela noted.
The LTO is now proposing that these individuals undergo a four-hour professional practical driving course, which will include lectures on road safety and courtesy, before they can apply for such a license.
They will also need to pass a practical test, in addition to the theoretical exam, so the LTO can validate their driving skills.
Heavy vehicles
When applying for a professional license to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, current requirements include passing theoretical and practical exams.
The LTO is now proposing that applicants also take 32 hours of a professional driver’s competence course. However, they will be required to be nonprofessional license holders for just two years, instead of the current four years.
