Since the start of the year, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has already rolled out various programs to make the lives of motorists more convenient. The latest initiative is the extension of driver’s license validity expiring starting April 24, 2023.
Motorists with licenses expiring April 24 onwards can still ply on roads
The validity has been extended until October 31, 2023, as the government agency’s response to the shortage of plastic cards for driver’s licenses.
“Marami po sa ating mga kababayan na nagbigay po ng kanilang pahayag. At bilang tungon sa inyong mga suhestiyon, ngayong araw po na ito, inaanunsyo po namin na lahat po ng driver’s license na mag-eexpire po ng April 24, 2023, ay i-eextend po namin ang validity hanggang October 31, 2023,” said LTO Chief Jayart Tugade.
(Many of our fellow countrymen have given their statements. In response to your suggestions, starting today, we are announcing that the validity of driver’s licenses expiring on April 24, 2023, will be extended until October 31, 2023.)
For now, motorists are given a copy of their driver’s license in a paper receipt. This will serve as proof that they have renewed their license on time. One can only hope that the agency can resolve the issue before the extended validity expires so motorists can acquire a plastic card.
The statement from the LTO chief
Motorists who will be granted a 10-year driver’s license validity don’t need to undergo periodic medical exams anymore. It has been abolished by the LTO as it is said to be unnecessary. The program mandated motorists to undergo medical exams in the fourth and seventh years of validity.
This also covers driver’s licenses with a 5-year validity. Although, motorists who wish to take medical exams are still welcome.
Another initiative that the LTO recently rolled out is the standardization of driving school fees. With it, the average rates have been made more affordable, making it more accessible to those who wish to acquire a driving license.
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