LTO sanctions 3 Tarlac driving schools for violating drivers’ education rules

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has imposed penalties on three driving schools in Tarlac for alleged violations of regulatory standards on driver education and certification.

In a statement, the LTO said two of the driving schools are first-time offenders while one had previous violations committed in 2024 and this year.

The allegations include the irregular issuance of practical driving course (PDC) and theoretical driving course (TDC) certificates of completion without completing the required training hours and the non-conduct of prescribed instructions.

The driving schools were also alleged to have provided examination answer keys to students.

Two of the driving schools were penalized with a P50,000 fine each and the suspension of their accreditation for six months.

The third driving school committed several violations such as the conduct of courses with insufficient hours, failure to implement the approved syllabus, and the repeated irregular issuance of completion certificates.

The third school was fined P250,000 and its accreditation suspended for two years and six months.

The imposition of the penalties came after the LTO’s thorough investigation of the three schools’ alleged violations. In January, the agency issued show cause orders (SCOs) and preventive suspensions against the three schools.

“The LTO reiterates that accreditation is a privilege requiring continuous compliance with standards, as driving schools play a critical gatekeeping role in ensuring only properly trained individuals advance in the licensing process,” the LTO said.

The agency also underscored its One Strike Policy Memorandum and the importance of safeguarding public safety and maintaining the integrity of the driver licensing system. — JMA, GMA Integrated News