Driver’s license holders required to take periodic medical exams: Report

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has started issuing driver’s licenses with 10-year validity in Metro Manila. The agency is also aiming to start the nationwide rollout of driver’s licenses with longer validity by December 2021. 

Driver's license holders need to undergo periodic medical exams as per LTO

Aside from taking the new mandatory exam under the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) program, the LTO is also reportedly requiring driver’s license holders with five or 10-year validity to undergo periodic medical exams. 

In a report by GMA News, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante sees the importance of subjecting motorists to periodic medical exams due to the longer validity of the driver’s licenses. He said that such measures will ensure that all driver’s license holders are fit to drive. Galvante added that this strategy will be for the safety of drivers and passengers.   

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante says periodic medical exams are needed

Galvante shared that for driver’s license holders with five-year validity, the periodic medical exam will be in the third year. On the other hand, for licenses with 10-year validity, periodic medical exams will be scheduled on the third, fifth, and seventh year.   

Previously, medical experts have voiced their concern regarding the 10-year driver’s license validity. While it will require fewer trips to the LTO office, which translates to more convenience to motorists, the extended validity period of driver’s licenses raised concerns about medical examinations and psychological evaluations.

In a virtual meeting conducted by the LTO last August 2021, medical experts said that there are several things that can affect a driver’s health and fitness within the 10-year license validity. That said, Dr. Ma. Antonia de los Angeles suggested the idea of implementing periodic medical checkups within the 10-year driver’s license validity. 

Medical experts previously suggested the implementation of periodic medical exams for drivers

The suggestion was supported by Pasang Masda president Obet Martin by stating that a physical exam should be conducted every two years. Martin said that one of the things that medical exams should look into is the driver’s eyesight as this plays a crucial role in navigating safely through traffic. 

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