President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill extending the validity of all driver’s licenses from three years to five years.
Under the Republic Act 10930, professional and non-professional drivers with no record of violations will be entitled to a 10-year renewal.
The extension, however, is not applicable to student permits.
The law also adds a section to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code that notes that licenses should only be issued to “deserving applicants with sufficient driving skills and knowledge on road safety and proper road courtesy” and those who will pass “theoretical and practical examinations”.
The extension of the validity of driver’s license is among Duterte’s priorities stated in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Under this new law, any officer who issues driver’s license without the necessary examinations or connives with ineligible applicant shall face a penalty of removal from the service.
A fine amounting to P20,000 will be charged to applicant for a driver’s license who has wilfully misrepresented his application; connived with the officer in the irregular conduct of examinations or issuance of license; falsified documents; and cheat during examinations. RA 10930 was signed by Duterte on August 2, Wednesday.
The new law is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1449 and House Bill 5648 approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 31.
