Question & AnswerQ&A (IRR of Republic Act No. 10930)
The IRR is promulgated to prescribe rules and regulations to rationalize and strengthen the policy regarding driver's licenses by extending their validity period and ensuring licenses are issued only to applicants with sufficient driving skills and knowledge on road safety and proper road courtesy.
Driver's licenses, except for student-driver's permits, are valid for five (5) years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee unless sooner revoked or suspended. Drivers with no violations may renew for ten (10) years.
A Nonprofessional Driver's License allows the holder to operate a private motor vehicle, while a Professional Driver's License is for drivers hired or paid to operate a motor vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.
The Point System is a method of accruing demerit points based on traffic violations, which serves as the basis for determining license renewal conditions, transaction prohibitions, and revocation of a driver's license. It helps identify, deter, and penalize repeat traffic offenders.
Grave violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, commission of a crime during apprehension, colorum violations, and serious violations of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act incur 5 demerit points.
The official shall suffer removal from service with all accessory penalties for issuing a license without necessary examination, conniving for irregular issuance, or gross negligence in issuing licenses to unqualified applicants.
The driver's license shall be revoked immediately for two (2) years from the date of settlement of fines and penalties without need for further proceedings.
The applicant must complete a driver's reorientation course conducted by the LTO or its accredited service provider before renewal. Additionally, if the demerit points are ten (10) or more, passing the theoretical examination is also required.
Accumulating at least five (5) demerit points during the validity of a student-driver's permit leads to confiscation and revocation, barring the applicant from applying for another student-driver's permit for one year. Revocation after the third time permanently bars issuance.