LTO Suspends 12 Driving Schools in NCR Over PDC Certificate Irregularities
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued Show Cause Orders to 12 accredited driving schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and several instructors following alleged irregularities involving the issuance of Practical Driving Course (PDC) Certificates of Completion.
The action was taken through the Central Accreditation Committee on Driving Schools and Medical Clinics (CAC-DSMC) after preliminary findings suggested that some driving schools may have violated LTO regulations.
Alleged Violations in Practical Driving Course Certification
According to the LTO, initial investigations indicate that some schools may have issued PDC certificates to students who did not complete the mandatory practical driving training.
Under current LTO regulations, aspiring drivers must complete at least eight hours of practical driving instruction before receiving a PDC Certificate of Completion. This certificate is required when applying for a non-professional or professional driver’s license.
Authorities believe that some institutions issued certificates despite students not undergoing the required training.
Possible Violations of LTO Regulations
The reported actions may constitute violations of LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2023-2460, which governs the accreditation and operation of driving schools.
Possible violations include:
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Irregular use of LTO accreditation
- Non-compliance with mandatory driver training requirements
Instructors affiliated with the schools are also being investigated for their alleged involvement in the certification irregularities.
LTO Issues Show Cause Orders to Schools and Instructors
The 12 driving schools and their instructors have been formally directed to submit written explanations and supporting documents regarding the allegations.
They have five (5) calendar days from receipt of the Show Cause Orders to respond to the accusations.
Failure to submit an explanation within the given period will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, allowing the Committee to proceed with the case based on the available evidence.
Preventive Suspension During Investigation
While the investigation is ongoing, the LTO has imposed preventive suspensions on the concerned driving schools and instructors.
Restrictions During Suspension
For up to 30 days, the affected schools are:
- Prohibited from conducting any driver education or training activities
- Restricted from issuing driver training certificates
- Blocked from accessing or using the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) for processing certificates
The suspension will remain in effect until a final decision is issued by the Committee, unless the order is modified or lifted earlier.
LTO Reinforces Commitment to Proper Driver Training
The Land Transportation Office reiterated that the Practical Driving Course (PDC) is an essential requirement designed to ensure that new drivers receive proper training before being allowed on public roads.
Strict enforcement of driver education standards helps promote road safety, responsible driving, and compliance with transportation laws.
Authorities emphasized that driving schools must follow all LTO regulations to maintain their accreditation and continue operating.
