The issuance of a driver’s license with a 10-year validity to motorists with a clean record will be for a “long haul", President Duterte said on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
**media**
In his taped address to the nation, Duterte announced the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has started to issue driver’s licenses valid for a decade last Oct. 28.
The rollout began last week in the LTO’s Central Office Licensing Center in East Avenue, Quezon City.
“Ang lisensya ng ating mga sa lahat (Our license for all those who drive) is good for 10 years. Wala nang renewal na magdalian (There is no need for rush renewal). You have 10 years to drive. Baka hindi mo maubos iyang period na iyan kasi (You might not consume that period because) it's a long haul,” he said.
“The rest of the offices in NCR (National Capital Region) shall start the issuance of the same in Nov. 2021, to be followed by all other regions progressively,” Duterte added.
READ: LTO rolls out 10-year license–only for drivers with zero violation
According to the LTO, the entirety of NCR will begin issuing 10-year driver's licenses beginning today, Nov. 3.
Duterte said that by December 2021, the agency committed that all its offices nationwide will be issuing licenses for the 10-year validity.
Republic Act (RA) No. 10930, which amended the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, said that driver’s license holders with no violation on file can get new licenses with a decade-long validity. Motorists with records of traffic violations will only get a five-year license.
However, Section 3 of RA 10930 also mandates that new and old drivers would need to take an examination to make sure that they are qualified to drive motor vehicles.
Those who want to renew their licenses must pass a refresher course called the comprehensive driver's education or CDE before they’re able to submit an application.
READ: LTO chief: Driver’s education requirement for license renewal mandatory, free
The exam, which can be taken online, is a series of questions on traffic rules and regulations, traffic signs and symbols, and road courtesy.
After passing the exam, the motorists will be given a certificate that they will then attach to their application forms.
The exam, the LTO said, is free of charge.