The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently launched an online application system for those renewing their driver's licenses, but some drivers still found it easier to do so in-person than online.

They were complaining about the hiccups in the new system—including slow data verification process that could take days and no available appointment slot for a telemedicine—that had prevented them from completing the whole process.

There was also a new requirement—one that would require drivers to undergo a five-hour driving-related course and incur yet another fee.

LTO said the new system is not only aimed at preventing fixers from victimizing applicants, but also at ensuring a "fast" renewal process that is supposedly a less costly one.

But on Facebook, drivers expressed their frustration, with some even saying they would still prefer to renew their licenses in-person than online.

"Five hours akong nanood ng ODEP [Online Driving Enhancement Program] then nagbayad, after hindi naman pala maayos 'yung portal para sa appointment ng medical exam... Nag walk-in na lang sana ako (I paid for ODEP and watched it for five hours. But in the end, the portal for medical exam appointment was not working. I should have just walked in)," a certain Jhulius Tomaquin said in the comment section of one of LTO's Facebook posts.

"Di gumagana. Di umuusad 'yung medical certification application. Fix nyo muna bago i-post sa public (It's not working. The medical certification application does not progress. Please fix it first before posting in public)," added a certain Reniel Aldea.

"Mas prefer pa din ang walk-in, less hassle kaysa online (I still prefer the walk-in. It is less hassle than online)," said Nel Caballas.

But what's with the new system that the likes of these Facebook users would still go to an LTO branch instead of staying in the comfort of their homes to renew their license?

For walk-in applicants, drivers are required to submit the following: a driver's license, a passing score on the Comprehensive Driver's Education (CDE) online validation exam, and a medical certificate.

Meanwhile, for online application that is done through the e-Gov app, drivers are required to submit the following: a driver's license, a Certificate of Completion of ODEP, and a medical certificate.

At LTO branches, drivers should only answer correctly 80 percent of the 25-item test to secure a certificate passing CDE online validation exam. This can be finished for as fast as 10 minutes and can be taken for free.

Meanwhile, for online renewals, drivers need to pay around P700 to enroll in an online driving school and undergo a five-hour driving-related course before securing an ODEP certificate.

Drivers must be on their computer screen strictly within the complete duration of the course, otherwise the online class will pause. It detects when the driver is away from the computer screen.

One of LTO's accredited driving schools offers an online class that covers 42 topics, including short quizzes in between, that run for five to ten minutes each.

Meanwhile, a medical certificate is also required both for in-person and digital applicants.

It does not usually take long for drivers renewing their licenses in-person at an LTO branch to secure a medical certificate as there are several accredited medical clinics nearby; and questions on the driver's health are usually few, except for some instances.

But for those who tried to renew their license online, they had failed to secure a medical appointment using LTO's accredited website, https://dcitelemed.ph/, as no slots were available.

"Since July 11 pa ako nagtatry wala parin time slot? Ano na po LTO? (I've been trying to book for a time slot since July 11, but until now, there's still no availability. What's up LTO?)" a certain Jubert Simbron said in the comment section.

As of July 16, there are still no slots available at the said website.

"Not 15 minutes at all. Walang slot for medical. Sana maayos (There's no slot for medical certification. I hope you fix it)," a certain Krisz Sevilla said, in response to LTO's re-shared Facebook post claiming that the whole process could only take 15 minutes.

Medical clinics near LTO offices typically charge P600. A telemedicine clinic, on the other hand, charges P1800, according to one Facebook user who also expressed a concern about the new system.

For in-person renewals, the whole process could take as fast as 30 minutes to two hours to complete, depending on the branch.

For digital renewals, the whole process would take not less than five hours to several days as drivers are required to fill out an application form that is subject for verification that "typically takes 24-48 hours," according to LTO; undergo a driving-related course for ODEP certification; and book and undergo a medical appointment.

"This is a better alternative for going to LTO offices since you don’t need to shell out money for transportation to our offices and don’t even need to queue in any license renewal offices,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza.