LTO to implement stricter motorcycle practical tests before issuing driver’s license
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will implement stricter practical tests and a refresher course for motorcycle riders before issuing driver’s licenses.
LTO chief Vigor D. Mendoza II said that the agency will ensure tougher tests for riders following the accident along the Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Highway that resulted in the death of a motovlogger who performed a “Superman” stunt while racing.
“Hindi lang naman dahil dito sa nangyari sa Marilaque no. Ire-review natin ‘yung proseso sa pagkuha ng lisensya, pagkakita natin, merong pagkukulang e, kasi there’s two things no, theoretical and practical test,” Mendoza said in his interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo’s Gising Pilipinas.
“Nakita natin ‘pag kumukuha ng practical test sa LTO walang driving course na dinadanan para ma check talaga ‘yung tao kung marunong. That they know how to apply the theoretical lesson that they have learned...In some places, atras-abante lang ang sasakyan, pasado na. This is something na we would like to higpitan ‘yung practical testing kasi hindi talaga nagagawa,” he added.
He added that the agency has already identified areas for the practical driving course. “We hope to be able to implement this already by the next couple of weeks.”
“We’ll try to target the major cities immediately. Siguro in the next 45 days, ma-set up na yung facilities. So next time, yung mga kumukuha ng lisensya after 45 days, they will really pass through practical driving first. Hindi na pwedeng atras-abante lang,” Mendoza added.
Other than the stricter practical test, Mendoza said that they are looking to include a preparatory course about driving and road safety in the curriculum for Grade 12 students.
“Preparatory for them to get their own licenses. I think that’s a nice approach kasi maaga pa lang ma-momold na natin ‘yung pag-iisip ng tao, ‘yung attitude nila in terms of driving,” he said.
“We intend to push that further, hopefully we will be able to convince DepEd (Department of Education) and baka pwedeng isama sa curriculum, para early on maturuan na natin nang tama,” he added.
They also aim to require a refresher course, which they intend to start with professional drivers.
Prior to this, the LTO said that they would file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against the organizer of the motorcycle exhibition. A show cause order was also issued against the survivor of the crash to explain why his license should not be revoked for performing the stunt.
Mendoza reminded motorcycle riders to refrain from doing these activities on public roads.
“Napaka-iresponsableng gawain po ito. May mga tamang lugar para doon at hindi dapat ang mga kalsada dahil nilalagay ninyo sa alanganin ang buhay ng mga road users,” said Mendoza.
The police have deployed officers from Laguna, Cavite, and Quezon to patrol the Marilaque Highway.