course on April 4, 2022.
WHEN City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap posted the Free Theoretical Driving Course on his FB page on March 30, 2022, all the slots were wiped out in less than an hour. Thus, new slots were offered on April 4, 2022 to accommodate those who are still interested to avail. Mayor Yap thanked Land Transportation Office (LTO) Regional Director Victor Caindec and LTO Tagbilaran Chief Yvonne Auza for the free driving course slots.
New drivers are required to undergo a 15-hour theoretical driving course program before applying for a student permit. Through this stricter process, the LTO aims to ensure that driver licenses are given to disciplined individuals with more than average driving skills and extensive knowledge on road safety and established laws.
According to Memorandum Circular 2019-2176 implemented by the LTO, student applicants requesting a driver’s license are required to go through a 15-hour theoretical driving course under certified instructors.
The course is divided into three sessions and will cover everything from traffic regulations to LTO mandated special laws. It must be completed within two years from the day an applicant started the course. The curriculum is divided into classroom/theoretical instructions and actual driving sessions.
Classroom instruction is split up into three sessions and will last for 15 hours. It will cover: The progress and role of the LTO in our society’s growth; the organization and operation of the LTO; requirements and process of getting a driver’s license; traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way; specific directives and laws designed by the LTO; scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks; operations of automotive parts and related accessories; effective driving with proper maneuvering; different parking skills; techniques and tips on how to save fuel; the correct way of checking the safety of a vehicle; practicum on basic troubleshooting; defensive driving, road discipline, and other related practices, and a comprehensive discussion regarding the safe use of motorcycle and light motor vehicles. Furthermore, a student will be provided with a copy of the updated Filipino Driver’s manual useful as a quick reference.
Once the student-driver completed and passed the theoretical and practical driving course, he/she will be issued a Certificate of Driving Course Completion that will be used to process their license which bears his/her electronically captured photo, personal information such as full name, citizenship, date of birth, gender, and the date the certificate was issued. Also, it will indicate the completed subjects and the vehicle used for training as it will determine his/her license code. Finally, as proof of validity, a control number and the signature of the instructor is affixed. (Jeanette Busano)
