LTO wants to reduce driving school fees in the country

The Land Transportation Office wants to make applying for a driver's license (or student permit) less costly for those who plan to get one.

This comes after the government agency announced that they are working on a proposal to standardize the fees of driving schools in the country. This was recently discussed in a consultative meeting between the LTO committee and various representatives of driving schools.

Elements of the standard rates were taken into account, which included considering the expenses and operating costs of the schools, as well as the minimum wage and utility costs in different parts of the county.

While those rates have yet to be determined, LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade is confident that both parties would come to an agreement over those charges.

“Isang pasada na lang po ito at ilalabas na po natin iyong ceiling na pwede pong i-charge ng mga driving schools sa mga interesado pong mag-apply for a student driver permit,” said by LTO chief Tugade.

[This only needs one more pass and we will release the ceiling that driving schools can charge to those interested in applying for a student driver's permit]

LTO Chief Tugade has underlined the importance of instilling Road Safety and Road Discipline toward drivers. Establishing a standard fee will also have a significant effect on newer drivers.

At the moment, Driving courses can charge the application to as high as PHP 10,000, not even taking into consideration the charges by LTO to apply for a Student Permit and Driver’s License.

This resulted in the LTO receiving numerous complaints from new applicants, stating that driving schools in the country are too expensive.

So any announcement towards addressing price reduction in getting a Driver’s License will be welcomed, especially with the rising cost of everyday living.