MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office chief Edgar Galvante said on Tuesday that the agency will raise standards for driving schools, including requiring them to have a test track for student drivers.
In an interview with DZMM on Tuesday, Galvante said public roads should not be used for driving practice and practical exams.
He said that the LTO will also require TESDA accreditation for driving instructors.
"Wala talaga silang certificate na they underwent formal training on this, pagkatapos ay based on some experience ay nagka-qualify na as trainors," Galvante said of instructors.
He added that the LTO will be requiring applicants to undergo simulation driving before undergoing practical examinations.
"Isang improvement ito na kailangan mangyari na ... dahil nga dito sa napupuna nating pagdami ng aksidente na hindi nga lang ordinaryong aksidente, nakakasakit ito, nakamamatay," Galvante said.
The LTO chief reiterated that driving is a privilege and not a right, and that drivers should abide by the rules and regulations.
Stricter screening for professional drivers
He added that applicants for non-professional and professional licenses take the same exam. He said that those who drive for a living should take a more stringent exam.
"Kaya babaguhin natin iyan para kahit papaano, masiguro natin na yung hahawak ng manibela, lalung-lalo na yung magda-drive ng malalaking sasakyan ay may sapat na experience and training," Galvante said.
"Gagawa tayo ng hakbang para kahit papaano, we can approach that quality of testing," he also said.
Galvante added that the House of Representatives is proposing to have professional license holders retake the exam in case of traffic violations. Depending on the severity of the violations, professional drivers may also have to undergo retraining.
"Hindi tayo magde-depend lang dun sa yung usual na pag renew lang ng lisensya, kundi kumbaga, sa behavior niya, sa driver, based on violation of traffic rules and regulations na nacocommit niya," he said.
He added that licenses may be suspended or revoked if drivers do not pass the evaluation.
The LTO will also be working with the Technical Education and Skills Development to help with testing the applicants.
Galvante said that the LTO does not have the resource to test applicants applying for licenses with specific restrictions.
"Makikipag-ugnayan kami sa TESDA kung paanong... Kahit na halimbawa simulator man lang para magkaroon sila ng familiarity on how to operate yung mga vehicles na mabibigat," he said.