LTO sets 15-hour training course for student-drivers

By Jomar T. Quinit

SAN FERNANDO CITY – Beginning August 3, 2020, the Land Transportation Office in the Ilocos  (LTO-1) will require all aspiring drivers to take 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) in any of its LTO-accredited driving schools in the region prior to acquiring a student-driver’s permit.

According to Kathleen Jeanne Salayog, assistant regional director of LTO-1, the driving course completion certificate will be one of the vital requirements of LTO in issuing a driver’s license.

She bared that their agency will only accept and process student permit, new driver's license and restriction code applications from applicants that have secured  TDC or Practical Driving Course (PDC) certification.

“The 15-hour TDC which aspiring drivers have to take is meant to improve their understanding and capacitate them on the traffic rules and regulations so that they would be guided on how to drive safely and also to avoid road accidents,” she said.

The TDC, which aspiring drivers must complete are divided into three five-hour sessions and will cover topics such as, but not limited to traffic signs, transportation laws, rules and regulations, driver’s  duties and responsibilities, right of way, parking, and the likes.

As of July 3, there are four accredited driving schools in Ilocos Region which aspiring drivers can opt to enroll.

These are the RJ Ilocandia Technical and Vocational School Inc. located in San Fernando City, La Union; AJB Driving School, Inc. located in Candon City, Ilocos Sur; UPS Driving School Corp. and Pangasinan Driving Institute located both in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. 

“Sa ngayon apat palang ang accredited driving schools sa region pero maari pa itong madagdagan,” said Salayog.
Meanwhile, PDC certificate is needed from individuals who will get a new driver’s license (non-professional or professional), and applicants who will apply for additional restriction code. 

To acquire these PDC certificates, license holders must complete at least eight hours of practical driving lessons.

All driving course completion certificates will be issued by the driving school to the student-driver/license holder as a proof that he/she has satisfactorily completed the course.

These certificates will then be electronically transmitted by the accredited driving school to the LTO-IT system. (JCR/AMB/JTQ/PIA 1)