It's Final: Expect a Stricter Application Process When Getting Your LTO Driver's License

In the near future, expect to study at a driving school before you get your driver's license in the Philippines. And if you can't afford it, then you can opt for a more affordable driving school provided by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), instead.

This regulation is just one of the modified rules that the LTO is implementing for driver's license applicants in the Philippines. And it's just getting started. According to ABS-CBN, the new laws will be stricter, with major changes even when classifying drivers and their vehicles.

"Stricter" Laws--Even for Student Permits

According to the LTO, the prevalence of human error, such as making a wrong turn, overtaking, and over-speeding, are the main causes of road crashes in the country. This prompted them to make driver's license applications more difficult--even for those getting student driver's permits.

For instance, those who are getting student driver's licenses are now required to undergo no less than 15 hours of seminar just to push through with their application.

Students are also not allowed to learn from anyone--be it a family member, a relative, or any person who knows how to drive. They're now mandated to learn from a TESDA-certified and LTO-accredited driving instructor.

"'Yung mga nahuhulog sa bangin, mga pasehero, mga truck, hindi sila trained sa sasakyan na dinadala nila na 'yon," explained LTO Central Office Head, License Department, Richard Cortez to ABS-CBN.

New Classification System for Drivers

Licenses will also feature a new classification system for drivers. For instance, the traditional "Professional" and "Non-Professional" categories are now taken out, with drivers categorized according to the type of vehicle that they can operate. Some of these categories include:

• Category A: Motorcycle Subcategories: L1-L3, depending on the number of tires and speed
• Category A1: Tricycle Subcategories: L4-L7, depending on the vehicle's speed and passenger weight

Private vehicles are classified depending on the number of seats.

• Category BM1: 8 Seats and below
• Category B1M2: 8 Seats and more
• Category B2N1: Delivery Trucks

Bus drivers are categorized according to the following:

• Category D: Buses, Coaches, and other Passenger Vehicles
• Category BE and CE: Trailer Vehicles

Meanwhile, drivers who want to drive different types of vehicles are required to undergo additional training seminars and examinations.

This is sad news to all those who haven't taken their LTO driver's license yet. And now that it's Halloween, we think it's the right time to lay to rest all those unforgettable moments where learning to drive was once free--thanks to doting dads, cheap uncles, secret admirers, or even Grand Theft Auto. May they all rest in peace. (AMEN)