In a previous article, we talked about how new driving schools can apply for accreditation from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This time around, we will discuss the LTO accreditation process for aspiring driving school instructors.
Obviously, a driving school instructor should already have a valid driver’s license. But what are the other necessary qualifications? In this article, we will go over the qualifications, requirements, and steps to getting an LTO accreditation for driving instructors.
Guide to Applying for LTO Accreditation as a Driving Instructor
Are you planning to become an LTO-accredited driving instructor? Here are the qualifications, requirements, and procedure involved.
Eligibility
To become an LTO-accredited driving instructor, you must:
- Be at least 23 years old;
- Hold a professional driver’s license for the vehicle category you will be teaching on for at least five (5) years;
- Hold a relevant four-year degree course or automotive vocational training course;
- Have taken and passed a neuropsychiatric test from a government-accredited entity;
- NOT have any traffic violations for the past 12 months before applying as a driving instructor; and
- NOT have a history of suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for any cause.
Requirements
Meanwhile, here are the sets of requirements for those who are applying to become a: (a) Theoretical Driving Course Instructor; and (b) Practical Driving Course Instructor.
Theoretical Driving Course Instructor
- Filled-up Application Form;
- Application Fee;
- Examination Fee;
- Certified true copy of Diploma;
- Certified true copy of TESDA National TVET Trainer’s Certificate (NTTC) in Driving NC II; or Automotive Vocational Training Certificate and valid NC I in Automotive Servicing (whichever is applicable);
- Trainer’s Training Certificate (TESDA Trainer’s Methodology, Method of Teaching, or any equivalent private trainer’s training);
- Copy of valid Professional Driver’s License;
- Original Certificate of neuropsychiatric test result;
- Original copy of valid Drug Test Result from a DOH-accredited drug testing center;
- Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance;
- Valid Certificate of No Apprehension;
- Certificate of Driver’s License History;
- Qualifying Examination Certificate;
- LTO Trainer’s Training Certificate of Completion; and
- Accreditation Payment Receipt.
Practical Driving Course Instructor
- Filled-up Application Form;
- Application Fee;
- Examination Fee;
- Certified true copy of Diploma;
- Certified true copy of TESDA National TVET Trainer’s Certificate (NTTC) in Driving NC II; or Automotive Vocational Training Certificate and valid NC II in Automotive Servicing – Engine Repair (whichever is applicable);
- Trainer’s Training Certificate (TESDA Trainer’s Methodology, Method of Teaching, or any equivalent private trainer’s training);
- Copy of valid Professional Driver’s License;
- Original Certificate of neuropsychiatric test result;
- Original copy of valid Drug Test Result from a DOH-accredited drug testing center;
- Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance;
- Valid Certificate of No Apprehension;
- Certificate of Driver’s License History;
- Qualifying Examination Certificate;
- LTO Trainer’s Training Certificate of Completion;
- Accreditation Payment Receipt; and
- Certified true copy of whichever is applicable: (a) For Motorcycle PDC Instructor: valid TESDA Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II; (b) For Light PDC Instructor: valid NC II in Automotive Servicing – Engine Repair; or (c) For Heavy Vehicle PDC Instructor: valid NC III in Driving, valid NC III in Automotive Servicing, and valid TESDA National TVET Trainer’s Certificate (NTTC) in Driving NC II.
Procedure
As soon as you have gathered all of the necessary documents, follow this step-by-step guide to applying for LTO accreditation:
- Go to the LTO Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Don’t forget to bring all the necessary documents.
- An officer will give you the Application Form. Fill up this form with all the required details, and wait for your name to be called.
- Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the officer.
- Pay the necessary fees at the Cashier and get your receipt.
- Complete the Practice Test and Vision Test.
- Submit a copy of your official receipt to the Secretariat.
- Once all the necessary tests and verification processes have been completed, you will receive your license from the LTO.
NOTE: Typically, the entire process for getting LTO accreditation as a driving instructor will take around 30 days.
Application Form
If you want to save some time on the application process, you can download and fill up the Application Form beforehand. Visit this link to download and print the form from the LTO website.
When filling up the form, you’ll need to check whether you are applying to be a Theoretical Driving Course Instructor or a Practical Driving Course Instructor. If you are applying for the latter, you’ll need to check whether you’re going to be a driving instructor for Motorcycle, Light Vehicle, or Heavy Vehicle. You’ll also need to attach a 2×2 ID picture.
As for the required information, you’ll need to enter your full name, date of birth, sex, citizenship, civil status, address, contact number, email, and TIN. In addition, you’ll need to provide your driver’s license number and its expiration date. Don’t forget to indicate the name of the driving school you are affiliated with, as well.
Renewal of Accreditation
If you are already an LTO accredited driving instructor, but you need to renew your accreditation, here are the requirements and the application form that you need to complete:
Required Documents
- Filled-up Application Form;
- Application Fee;
- Copy of valid Professional Driver’s License;
- Copy of Company ID;
- Copy of valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance;
- Valid Certificate of No Apprehension;
- Previous Certificate of Accreditation;
- Payment of Retooling Program;
- Retooling Program Certificate of Completion; and
- Renewal Accreditation Payment Receipt.
Renewal Application Form
To save some time on your LTO accreditation renewal, you can download and print the form from this link on the LTO website.
Once again, when filling up the form, you’ll need to check whether you’re applying for renewal as a Theoretical Driving Course or a Practical Driving Course Instructor. For the latter, don’t forget to indicate whether you’re a driving instructor for Motorcycle, Light Vehicle, or Heavy Vehicle. A 2×2 ID picture is also required.
Moreover, just like in the initial application form, you need to enter the following details: your full name, date of birth, sex, citizenship, civil status, address, contact number, email, and TIN. Also required is your driver’s license number and its expiration date. Finally, be sure to write the name of the driving school you are affiliated with.
Contact Information: LTO Central Office
If you have any questions or concerns about getting accredited as a driving instructor, you can get in touch with the LTO Central Office through the following contact details:
Address: East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
Telephone: +639958310746
Email: ltocdmpao@lto.gov.ph
Website: http://lto.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTOPhilippines/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Driving instructors play a crucial role: teaching aspiring drivers not only the necessary skills, but also the right mindset and attitude of responsible driving. If you are interested in become a driving instructor, see to it that you apply for LTO accreditation.
Speaking of driving schools — aside from private companies, the LTO has opened Drivers Education Centers (DECs), which offer Theoretical and Practical Driving Courses. Head to this link for a list of LTO Drivers Education Centers around the country.