Applicants of New Driving License, Renewal Stuck on New LTO Requirements

Davao City (PNA) — Hundreds of applicants for driving license renewal, student permits and conductor’s license left the main office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the satellite office at SM Davao scratching their heads after they were told to present National Bureau of Investigation and police clearances to complete their application.

NBI and police clearances are the new requirements for drivers applying for renewal of license, new applications, student permits and conductor’s permit under the revised rules of Administrative Order AVT 2015-029 implemented by LTO effective last Monday (November 9).

LTO XI assistant regional director Macario “Bong” Gonzaga admitted the applicants were really surprised of the new requirements as they did not pay attention to LTO memorandum displayed in bulletins and news reports.

LTO XI transactions average 200 to 300 a day.

Gonzaga said AO AVT 2015-029 was issued by LTO last September and took effect last Monday. He said the revised rule was published for a month by LTO.

Unlike the old rule that driving license applicants were required for medical clearance and other basic documents, Gonzaga said they are now required to secure a NBI and police clearance.

Gonzaga said the new requirements ensure that drivers have not infringed any laws of the country or no criminal records and they are capable to drive vehicles for hire.

“They cannot do anything but to secure the NBI and police clearances. It is a national rule and regulation,” Gonzaga said. So far, Gonzaga they have not received any requests or appeal to suspend the implementation. Besides, he said the new rule was published nationwide.

Gonzaga however assured they already coordinated with the NBI regional office. He said they will discuss if it is possible to issue temporary or provisionary driving license pending compliance of the issuance of NBI clearance which usually takes three weeks to a month if a person is a “hit”.

Gonzaga said maybe driver can show receipt from NBI to show they applied for NBI clearance. (PNA) FPV/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP