Starting April 6, 2020, all aspiring drivers will have to undergo a 15-hour theoretical driving course before they can secure a student driver’s permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The decision came following the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s report that around 12,000 drivers in Metro Manila committed an average of three traffic violations.
Although the 15-hour theoretical driving seminar is meant to improve the applicants’ understanding of the traffic rules and regulations, the decision of the agency to implement a more rigorous process for the student permit application has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Reacting to LTO’s Facebook post, some netizens claimed that the seminar is just another ploy to collect more money from the applicants.
Others complained that there are other pressing matters that the agency should resolve, including the alleged fixers which has been attributed to the prevalence of erring drivers on the road.
Meanwhile, some people said that although they understand the intention behind the decision, they said that the seminar wouldn’t be an effective screening process.
Despite the negative reactions, the agency’s initiative to produce disciplined drivers also drew praises from some netizens.
LTO chief Edgar Galvante earlier said the agency will offer the 15-hour training program to applicants as an option to those who don’t have the means to enrol in driving schools. The training will not be offered for free, however.
Galvante said that the mandatory training will only focus on lessons about traffic rules and regulations and won’t include a practical examination.