LTO removes periodic medical exam requirement for driver's license holders

Holders of driver's licenses with a five-year and 10-year validity do not need to undergo periodic medical examinations, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Sunday.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade ordered the requirement to be removed to ease the burden on motorists, the agency said.

Under existing rules, holders of driver's licenses with five-year validity have to secure medical clearances by the third birthdate from the issuance of the license.

Meanwhile, holders of driver's licenses with 10-year validity have to undergo medical examination on the fourth and seventh birthdates from the issuance of the license.

“There’s no empirical data showing that periodic medical examinations could prevent road crashes,” Tugade said in a statement.

The mandatory medical examination however, as specified under LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2285 or the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10930, will remain a requirement for those applying for or renewing a driver's license.

“For motorists who will be issued driver’s licenses with 5 or 10 years validity, the medical examination shall only be required sixty (60) days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” Tugade said.

As for Filipinos working or living abroad, the LTO said they are required to have a medical examination within 30 days upon arrival in the Philippines before they are allowed to drive.

“Kami sa LTO ay naniniwalang ang hakbang na ito’y magdudulot ng kaginhawahan sa ating mga kababayang motorista. Bukod sa menos-gastos sa paulit-ulit na medical exam, bawas-abala din lalo na sa mga taong mahalaga ang oras para sa trabaho. Nasa pagkukusa na lang ngayon ng bawat indibidwal kung gusto nilang sumalang sa medical exam,” the LTO chief said. 

(We at LTO believe this move will ease the burden on our fellow motorists. Aside from avoiding incurring costs with the periodic medical exam, motorists will also be able to devote more time for work. It is up to the individual if they would like to undergo medical exam.) —KG, GMA Integrated News