LTO Removes Periodic Medical Exams for Driver’s License

Periodic Medical Exams for Driver’s License Removed by LTO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has removed the requirement for periodic medical examinations for driver’s license, which is good news.

Under the directive issued by LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade to amend LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2285, or the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10930, drivers whose license is valid for up to five and ten years will no longer be obliged to undergo additional medical examinations.

This change is based on studies, data, and consultations with experts, which showed that the periodic medical exam (PME) requirement for drivers with licenses valid for five and ten years serves no significant purpose.

Data also showed that the lack of PME does not contribute to an increase in accidents on the road.

“There’s no empirical data saying that the periodic medical examination could prevent road crashes,” Tugade said.

As a result of this amendment, the new practice will only require mandatory medical examination once, either when obtaining a new driver’s license or renewing an existing one.

“For licenses who will be issued a 5-year validity driver’s license and 10-year validity driver’s license, the medical ­examination shall only be required sixty (60) days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” the LTO chief added.

Filipinos with driver’s licenses who work or reside in other countries, will be required to undergo a medical examination within 30 days of arriving in the Philippines before they are allowed to drive.

“Kami sa LTO ay nani­niwala na ang hakbang na ito ay magdudulot ng bahagyang ginhawa sa publiko dahil bukod sa hindi na sila kailangang gumastos ng paulit-ulit para sa medical examinations, maiiwasan din ang dagdag-abala lalo na sa mga mahahalaga ang oras para sa trabaho,” he added.

What can you say about the removal of periodic medical exams? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions to this article.

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