MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announces that they will no longer impose routine medical examinations for driver’s license holders.
In a statement released on Sunday, LTO Director, Jay Art Tugade, explained that this decision was made to alleviate the burden on drivers who previously had to go through recurrent medical exams to keep their licenses.
Although Tugade mentioned that studies revealed that not going through medical examinations is a proven cause of road accidents, he claimed that there is no scientific evidence to support that routine medical exam can prevent car accidents.
“There’s no empirical data saying that the period medical examination could prevent road crashes,” Tugade said.
Tugade said they believe this amendment to their policy will bring ease financially and will save drivers’ time.
This comes after the LTO’s earlier memorandum imposing a price cap for driving schools took effect on April 15.
With this new change, drivers are now only required to undergo a medical test when they apply for a new license or renew an existing one. For licenses that are valid for 5 or 10 years, the medical examination is only required 60 days before or on the specified renewal date.
“For motorists who will be issued driver’s licenses with 5 or 10 years validity, the medical examination shall only be required 60 days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” Tugade said.
Previously, drivers holding a 5-year license were mandated to obtain medical clearances by the third birthdate following the issuance of their license, while 10-year license holders had to undergo medical checks on the fourth and seventh birthdate following the issuance of their license.
Meanwhile, Filipino drivers who hold a license and are living or working abroad are obliged to undergo a medical exam within 30 days of their arrival in the Philippines before they can legally operate a vehicle in the country, as per the LTO’s guidelines. – WhatALife!/Jayve
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