LTO offers free theoretical driving course

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is conducting a free theoretical driving course (TDC) today, May 11, and tomorrow, May 12, for pre-registered student driver applicants.

This program is being launched as part of LTO's 111th founding anniversary celebration.

According to LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade, the free TDC program was launched to give Filipinos who could not afford to pay for a student permit application a chance to acquire essential driving skills.

“LTO recognizes that not all Filipinos have the financial means to cover TDC fees, which is why we have arranged for the provision of complimentary TDCs at our regional offices. While we can only accommodate a limited number of students, this initiative demonstrates the agency's dedication to increasing the number of qualified drivers on the road, in partnership with our affiliated driving schools,” he stated.

LTO plans to have a regular or monthly holding of free TDC in all of its offices nationwide as part of the agency's efforts to promote driving education.

Tugade understands that a lot of Filipinos want to learn or improve their driving skills so they can apply them at work.

In this regard, Tugade stressed that it would be best to deal with the LTO offices and not the fixers when applying for a student permit.

“We wish to emphasize that the TDC is a prerequisite for all student permit applicants, and the agency is working diligently to make it accessible to those without the financial means to do so. This is an effort to discourage applicants from resorting to fixers. Engaging with fixers is not only a financial waste but also results in unqualified and unskilled drivers on our roads,” Tugade added.

Photos from Land Transportation Office and Roy Robles

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