As we all know, the completion of a Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) is an LTO requirement for those seeking to apply for a Student Permit. That in itself is a pre-requisite for eventually applying for a driver’s license. April this year saw a standardization of fees for such courses, but the agency wants to do better. Coinciding with its 111th founding year, Land Transportation Office Chief Jay Art Tugade announced that they plan to hold free courses on a monthly basis in all its regional offices.
Free Theoretical Driving Course every month being considered by LTO
Photo: LTO
Last week, the LTO already held a two-day Course for pre-registered student driver applicants for free; that was held on May 11-12. This complimentary course was part of the agency’s efforts to “promote road safety and motor vehicle roadworthiness”. Despite the standardization of TDC prices, though, many still see it as an added cost that is not readily affordable for some.
“We, at the LTO, are fully aware of the financial constraints faced by many Filipinos in affording TDC fees. Furthermore, we recognized the growing interest among our citizens to acquire driving skills as a potential source of income,” said Tugade.
Photo: LTO
In a bid to make it more accessible and more importantly, affordable, the Philippine News Agency indicated that the LTO has plans “to repeat the program on a monthly basis”. This most recent Course was launched coinciding with the agency’s 111th founding anniversary, and as it stands, the program can only accommodate a limited number of students (only) on Thursday and Friday. Regardless, the agency Chief sees it thusly: “This launch will set in motion the regular offering of free TDCs at all regional offices on a monthly basis, aiming to consistently produce LTO driving scholars”.
Following Memorandum Circular 2023-2390, the price cap for TDCs offered by driving schools is PHP 1,000 for both motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles, while Practical Driving Courses are capped at PHP 2,500 for motorcycles, up to PHP 4,000 for light vehicles, and PHP 8,000 for heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and other articulated vehicles.
Photo: LTO
Plans are always a good thing, and we look forward to a statement that will indeed confirm this to be a monthly offering of the LTO to the public sooner than later. Even more, we hope that the “screening” and testing of these would-be student drivers will be more strict if we really are doing this to promote road safety and more so, deserving drivers and motorists.
