A new test requirement for student drivers is being offered for free at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 3 at its recently opened driver's education center in San Fernando City. That's a couple thousand pesos saved.
Aside from offering the Theoretical Driving Course or TDC, the facility has two lecture rooms, a library, an exam room and a maneuvering track.
The mandatory 15-hour lecture on traffic regulations must be completed by the student-drivers in two years before being issued a permit. Smart Driving School's theoretical driving lessons costs P1,500, while A-1 Driving School charges a bit higher (P2,300) for its online or classroom sessions.
Since August, all LTO branches can only process student permit transactions with TDC completion certificates issued by their offices or accredited driving schools. The process was made more stringent to make sure that applicants are qualified.
According to the Department of Transportation's Facebook page, a lecturer is designated to guard against cheating during exams. Examination papers are also given by set with different series of questions. Only applicants are allowed to enter the premises, as a measure to keep fixers away.
"Very strict ang implementation natin pag once na makakuha sila ng driver's license, kailangan, they are fully-equipped with all the knowledge which are required from them," LTO Regional Director RD De Guzman said.
(Our implementation is very strict, once they get their driver's license, they are fully-equipped with all the knowledge which are required from them.)
