Amidst all the controversy it is facing, the LTO is finding ways to make the application for a student permit or driver’s license more accessible. In a more recent move, LTO announced that it will reduce the medical exam fee to just Php 300. A medical exam is one of the major requirements for applying for a driver’s license or student permit.

“Hindi po nation maisasantabi ang maraming reklamo kaugnay sa sobrang mahal ng pagkuha ng medical certificate na ang iba ay nagbabayad ng Php 500 hanggang Php 700. Mabigat na ang halaga na ito para sa rating mga ordinaryong mamamayan,” LTO Chief Jose Arturo Tugade said, who recently announced that he will be resigning from the post.

With the new LTO circular, the maximum prescribed rate for a medical exam fee should not exceed Php 300, and this rate goes into effect for all LTO-accredited medical clinics and health facilities. Those who will not follow the maximum prescribed rate will face an accreditation suspension of 90 days and a Php 10,000 fine. Those who will not follow for the third time will face perpetual disqualification for being an LTO-accredited clinic.

“Accredited medical clinics have several variances of fees and charges causing discrepancy of rates. For standardization, the LTO deemed it proper and necessary to set the specific maximum medical examination fees to be charged from driver-applicant by accredited medical clinics,” the LTO Memorandum Circular said.