Taking the LTO driving test? Here is how to pass the driving test

Every aspirant who has applied for a driver’s license in the Philippines is compelled to take the driving tests at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is the most significant step in achieving the title of a licensed driver and is given only to only those who drive responsibly on the road.

Exams for obtaining a driver’s license comprises of:

•  Written test (multiple-choice questions testing your driving knowledge)
• Practical driving test (evaluates your actual driving skills in a simulated public road environment). 

One must pass both the LTO tests to get a driving license. Even if you pass the first one and fail the second one, you won’t be given a valid license until you clear the driving test. Let us discuss the LTO tests in detail.

Also Read: LTO offers free theoretical driving course

Things to remember before taking the LTO test 

• Do check the latest version of LTO guidelines for both non-professional and professional driver’s license 
• Study the reviewer questions and their corresponding answers, as they are very close to the LTO’s written test questions 
• Practice driving an actual car as much as possible, it will prepare you for D-day. Download the “Road Test Score Sheet’ and use it as a guide to practice your driving skills
• Get all the required documents ready 
• Try reaching the LTO office two hours before the opening time

LTO Written Exam

After having your photograph taken, generating a digital signature, and paying the fees for the application, the applicant sits for the written exam. Earlier, LTO used to hold a lecture before administering the written test, but this process is no longer practiced. As a substitute, an LTO exam analyst is made accessible to the public via LTO’s official website.

In addition to that, LTO also provides applicants with an option to sit for the exam in either English or Filipino according to their convenience. The test includes questions related to

• General driving knowledge
• Parking
• Handling and driving
• Driving Emergencies
• Road position
• Road signs & lane markings
• Violations & Penalties

Passing score for the LTO practical exam in 2023

The passing marks depend on the kind of test you are applying for. If you have applied for a non-professional license, then you must get 30 correct answers out of 40 questions to pass the test.

However, if you have applied for a professional license, then you have to score 45 out of 60. After that, the successful applicants are called and asked to wait for their turn for the practical driving exam.

How to get passing scores for the LTO written exam in 2023?

Here are simple tips to pass the LTO written exam -

1. Use online modules on the LTO portal (LTMS’ e-learning modules)

2. Go through third-party materials 

3. Get knowledge on essential topics (general info on driving, road rues, new driving laws, vehicle maintenance, and more)

4. Before submitting the test, go though the paper throughly 

LTO Practical Driving Test

The practical test is completed in no time as it usually takes about 5 minutes or a little more, depending on the driver. Moreover, the applicant needs to drive the car for a single round which is covered with obstacles, which consist of driving straight on a flat and elevated road, parking, and performing tight turns. 

If you do not have your own vehicle, then you take the exam on an LTO vehicle or your driving school’s vehicle. One thing that you should keep in mind is that hiring an LTO car for the practical test will cost you Php 250.

Passing score for the LTO practical exam in 2023

Talking about the scoring, at the beginning of the test, you will be provided with 100 points and the driving instructor sitting next to you is going to cut your marks according to the mistake you make during the test. The pre-driving checkups consist of 10 points where you have to use seatbelts, check mirrors, release hand brakes, etc.

Secondly, 50 points are stamped based on your driving skills which include steering control, use of brakes, turning, parking, etc. Lastly, 40 points are checked based on the observance of traffic rules. At the end of the test, the instructor will provide feedback and result where you must score at least 70 points to get your driving license.

How to get passing score for the LTO practical exam in 2023?

Here are some simple to tips to ace the LTO practical exam -

1. Join a driving school

You should enroll yourself in a driving training school as they will fully prep you for the LTO practical exam and might even provide you with their vehicle for the exam

2. Practice constantly 

You must practice driving every single day as it will aid you crack the driving test without any trouble

3. Bring your own vehicle 

Try bringing your own vehicle for the test, as the one provided by  LTO or your driving school might have a hard clutch

What if you fail the LTO exam?

If you fail on both the LTO tests (written and practical) on your first attempt, then retake the exam on the next working day or at the earliest possible date. For the applications to flunk the exam on their second attempt, try re-appearing well prepared within a year. However, if you fail the LTO exam on your third attempt, you’ll have to wait for two years before applying again.

Final thoughts

Getting a driving license is not rocket science. You can easily get your driving license with a bit of study regarding traffic rules and practice driving sensibly. You can take the reference of the tips mentioned above to clear your driving test with ease.

Also Read: Know the three driver’s licence types and their requirements