LTO to issue amended guidelines for driving school fees

MANILA: As the cost of getting a driver's license has increased due to the high fees imposed by driving schools for the theoretical driving course (TDC) and practical driving course (PDC), the Land Transportation Office vowed to take action to make it more affordable.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade said that a technical working group has been established to review the rules on how driving schools and medical facilities involved in obtaining a driver's license operate and the fees they charge.

He said that driving schools overcharging for TDCs and PDCs is an issue that the LTO is aware of, which is why the agency continuously consults with stakeholders about this activity.

According to Tugade, the LTO is proposing a reasonable standard fee-based structure for driving schools based on the TWG's recommendations for the benefit of the general public.

The LTO currently charges P250 for a student permit and P685 for a driver's license, according to Tugade. However, in order to obtain a driver's license with a five-year validity under Republic Act 10930, candidates must first pass both the TDC and the PDC.

Tugade said that a standardized rate for the services provided by driving schools and medical clinics will be implemented and LTO is now preparing the revised guidelines.

“Batid po namin sa LTO ang sentimyento ng ating mga kababayan kaya naman ito’y amin nang pinag-aaralan para solusyunan. Maaaring sa mga susunod na linggo ay makapagpalabas na kami ng nirebisang panuntunan hinggil dito (We at the LTO are aware of the sentiments of our countrymen, that is why we are working to come up with a solution. Perhaps in the next few weeks, we will be able to issue revised rules regarding this),” Tugade stated.

He also encouraged the public to take advantage of the free TDC provided by local government units and associations or groups that have partnered with the LTO.

Photo from Land Transportation Office

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