LTO to roll out 10-year driver's license on Oct. 28

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) - Motorists will soon be issued a driver's license that's valid for 10 years.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday said it will start rolling out the extended validity beginning Thursday, Oct. 28.

The rollout will initially be limited to its central office and its licensing center in Quezon City.

Other Metro Manila areas will be covered next week, and the rest of the country in the following days.

However, the LTO said only drivers with zero violations on file are entitled to a license good for ten years. Those who have breached traffic laws may only avail of a five-year renewal.

The agency also noted that motorists seeking to renew their licenses must first pass a comprehensive driver's education (CDE) program before submitting an application.

"Ito'y para sa mga magre-renew ng kanilang lisensiya, professional man o non-professional. Nire-require ito ng batas...na ang magre-renew kailangan dumaan sa parang refresher seminar," LTO chief Edgar Galvante told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon.

[Translation: This is for those who want to renew their license, whether it be professional or non-professional. The law requires them to go through a refresher seminar.]

To give drivers more time to comply with the CDE requirement, the agency said it is extending the validity of existing licenses by two months from the date of expiration.

"Ang payo namin, ay 'yung mga due na magre-renew niyan, huwag muna sila magpunta sa LTO kung hindi pa nila nakakamit 'yung certificate na...nagpapatunay na nagtapos na sila nung seminar na 'yon," Galvante added.

[Translation: We advise those who are due for renewal not to go to the LTO until they have the certificate to prove they have finished the seminar.]

The LTO said the CDE is being offered for free at all of its offices, as well as on its website and platforms, such as Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, the accompanying exam may be taken through the Land Transportation Management System portal, or at driver's education centers in select LTO offices.

The agency added that the course and the exam may also be taken at accredited driving schools where a fee will be charged.

Should a person fail to pass, they can retake the seminar as many times as needed, Galvante said.