Importance of LTO's Theoretical Driving Course

The Land Transportation Office is all about keeping the road and everyone on the road safe and therefore, it has set several rules and regulations, tests, exams, documentation processes etc. One such mandate that applies to all new drivers seeking a Student-Driver’s Permit is the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC). Let us find out more about the TDC.

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What is LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course?

The LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course is a fairly new requirement for obtaining a Student-Driver’s Permit. It came into effect on April 6, 2020, and is part of the LTO Memorandum Circular 2019-2176.

Key takeaways of the Theoretical Driving Course

• It includes an in-depth 15-hour seminar/classroom session on road safety and the fundamentals of driving
• The entire course is divided into three distinct sessions, covering topics from introductory LTO info to complex motor vehicle safety
• Applicant can complete TDC through the following ways - at an LTO branch, LTO Driver Education Center, LTO-accredited institution, and online
• Practical driving activities are incorporated when TDC is taken via private instruction schools

Overall, TDC is an attempt to ensure safer roads and well-disciplined & educated driver’s license holders. Further, it ensures, all the drivers are well-versed with everything there is to know about safe driving on public roads.

Understanding LTOs TDC curriculum

The LTOs Theoretical Driving Course comprises two things - classroom/theoretical instructions and actual driving sessions; with the former covering a vast number of topics discussed below.

Topics covered in TDC’s classroom session -

• The progress & role of LTO in our society’s growth
• Organisation & operation of the LTO
• Requirements and process of getting LTO’s driver’s license
• Learning about traffic regulations (signs, right of way, and road marking)
• Ways to reduce road crash risks by scanning danger
• Specific laws and directives designed by the LTO
• Learning operations of automotive parts and related accessories
• Learning different parking skills
• Learning effective driving with proper manoeuvring
• Tips & techniques of fuel saving
• How to check the safety of a vehicle
• Learning about defensive driving, road discipline, and related driving practices
• Practicum on basic troubleshooting
• Discussion on the safe use of motorcycles and light motor vehicles

Advantages of LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course

Not only does the LTO TDC offer immense knowledge to the applicant on road safety, fuel saving, basic technical know-how about the vehicle, and so much more; but it is also essential for acquiring a Student’s Permit. In addition, having done with a TDC offers several benefits to the applicant. For instance, it leads to -

• Safer roads
• Better driving attitude
• Thorough understanding road signage
• Clearer driver intuition
• Student drivers have better driving attitudes and more technical underlying road signage
• Acquisition of Student Driver’s Permit only by the most deserving and qualified applicants

Further, LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course fully supports the government's resolution to fix and resolve the traffic issues faced by thousands of Filipinos every day.

Also Read: Understanding 3-year LTO registration in detail

Documents required to apply for LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course

The first step towards enrolling in the LTO’s TDC is to book a schedule and the following step would be to procure all the required documents. Here we are sharing with you the list of all the essential documents required to take the much-needed and mandatory Theoretical Driving Course.

• PSA/NSO Certificate of Live Birth - Original & 1 photocopy
• Valid government-issued ID - Original & 1 photocopy
• PSA marriage contract - Original & 1 photocopy (if the student is married)
• Printed copy of the Theoretical Driving School Student List with the applicant’s (student) name highlighted

Step-by-step process to apply & attend LTO’s TDC

Step 1: Head to the nearest LTO-accredited driving centres (for free TDC) Or an LTO-accredited driving school (chargeable)

Step 2: Upon reaching (an LTO-accredited driving centre or an LTO-accredited driving school) let the authority know that you wanna book a schedule for the TDC

Step 3: Wait for your schedule confirmation

Step 4: Attend the three-session lectures on the booked schedule

Step 5: After the completion of the lecture, you’ll be required to take the TDC exam in which the candidate needs to score at least 80 per cent marks to pass

Step 6: After passing the TDC exam, secure your TDC certificate from the centre/school where you took the course

What if you fail the Theoretical Driving Course exam?

In case you are unable to secure 80% marks you will be marked as a failure by the authorities. In such cases, the applicant is required to retake the exam at the school/centre where they took the first exam.

Theoretical Driving Course  validity

The LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course and TDC certificate are valid for one year for the practical driving course. Also, within the one-year validity period, it can be used to apply for the Non-Professional Driver’s License.

Theoretical Driving Course  fee

It all depends on where you are taking the TDC. For instance, if you are attending the 15-hour seminar session at an LTO branch or LTO DEC nationwide, then it is free. However, if you are taking the course at an LTO-accredited driving school, the fee for face-to-face sessions ranges from PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,500.

Interested applicants can also take the TDC online by driving schools and their fees range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,500.

Key things to remember when taking the LTO’s TDC

• Reach the LTO-accredited driving centres or driving school on time, as there is a minimum number of applicants accommodated each day
• Do not miss your schedule else your name will be taken off the list
• Carry all the required documents (original & photocopy)
• Do carry a black or blue-inked pen
• Do not send a proxy to attend the class for you, go personally for the course
• Make sure to dress appropriately (avoid wearing shorts, slippers, or sleeveless shirts)
• It is a time-consuming process, so do carry a snack

Bottom line

One of the key requirements for getting a driver’s license in the Philippines is the Theoretical Driving Course Certificate. There is no way LTO will grant you your license without making sure the applicant has attended the 15-hour, three-seminar session workshop and secured at least 80% on the TDC exam. All this signifies the good intention of the government towards road safety by making sure that only well-qualified and knowledgeable drivers are allowed on public roads.

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