The Cordillera office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO-CAR) accredited some thirty driving schools in the different parts of the region who can conduct the required theoretical and practical driving courses of individuals interested in applying for the issuance of driver’s licenses.
LTO-CAR regional director Francis Ray Almora stated that the agency has been strict in the enforcement of the compliance of the driving schools to the new parameters that will suit the implementation of the theoretical and practical driving courses for applicants of driver’s licenses for them to be able to drive vehicles.
Of the accredited number of driving schools, Benguet had the highest number with 9 followed by Baguio City with 7, Ifugao – 6, Kalinga – 3, Abra and Mountain province – 2 each and Apayao – 1.
Earlier, the LTO-CAR official warned erring driving schools who allegedly allow non-appearances in their theoretical and practical driving courses that the agency will not hesitate to close their operations once investigators validate the veracity of this issue as part of the sanctions to be imposed against them for such violation.
Almora claimed that the agency had been receiving reports on the alleged rampant practice of some driving schools of allowing non-appearances of their students undergoing driving lessons in exchange for a certain amount for them to be certified as having completed the important facets in becoming a licensed driver.
According to him, the LTO will not take these reports lightly as investigations are now underway to ascertain the veracity of the same and to impose the necessary penalties against the erring driving schools that will range from the payment of fines up to the closure of the said schools.
He also urged the public to help the agency go after erring driving schools by reporting and substantiating violations and malpractices with the concerned district offices so that appropriate action will be immediately done against such schools so that corrective measures could already be instituted against them instead of allowing the situation to worsen.
Director Almora called on the various driving schools to fully implement the 15-hour theoretical driving course and the 8-hour practical driving course for their enrolled students to appraise them of the discipline licensed drivers must possess to avoid the occurrence of untoward incidents that may compromise life and limb.
Aside from the conduct of the investigation on the reports of alleged non-appearances in the driving schools, he stipulated that the agency will also be conducting surprise inspections on how the schools administer the said courses to ensure their utmost compliance to existing rules and regulations governing the operation of the said schools.
