The Land Transportation Office is close to releasing a new price ceiling for driving school fees

During a Laging Handa briefing on Thursday, Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo "Jay Art" Tugade, the Chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), announced that the LTO is nearing completion of its recommendation for a just and equitable standard rate for driving schools and student drivers.

This proposal was recently discussed in a consultative meeting with the LTO committee on driving schools, and the final version of the standard rate is set to be determined soon. Several elements were taken into account when developing the standard fee, including the expenses related to the investment and operation of driving schools, the minimum wage, and the costs of rent and electricity in various regions of the nation.

Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo "Jay Art" Tugade assured the public that the LTO will uphold transparency and accountability in the implementation of its guidelines. He emphasized that the proposed standard fee for driving schools will contribute to improving road safety and discipline among drivers.

Tugade also urged driving schools to adhere to the LTO's regulations and standards. In accordance with Republic Act 10930, individuals must complete the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC) from an LTO-accredited driving school before applying for a driver's license.

Currently, the LTO charges PHP250 for a student permit and PHP685 for a driver's license. However, the total cost can rise to as high as PHP8,000 to PHP10,000 with the expense of a driving school course, which has sparked complaints from many applicants. In response, Pampanga Representative Anna York Bondoc filed House Resolution No. 751, calling for an investigation into the rising costs of obtaining a driver's license.

Aside from the financial benefit that comes with lower driving school rates, making driving schools more accessible with a lower barrier to entry could cultivate safer drivers here in the Philippines.