QuestionsQuestions (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. VPT-2013-1803)
To address complaints that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) applying or renewing driver’s licenses were denied, delayed, or not properly referred for the required medical examination/certification, and to reiterate proper priority and referral procedures for PWD applicants.
A negative drug test result and a medical certificate testifying to the applicant’s fitness to drive a motor vehicle.
Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02373 (Jan. 15, 2002), which contains revised guidelines on the different disabilities of a PWD and the corresponding restriction/condition required.
Ophthalmologist (visually impaired), Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist (orthopedically impaired), and ENT Specialist (speech and hearing impaired).
They must prioritize the medical examination of any PWD applicant and, if necessary, duly refer the PWD applicant to the appropriate specialized physician who will issue a medical certificate with appropriate conditions/restrictions.
LTO Accredited Physicians are reminded to give priority in conducting the medical examination of PWD driver’s license applicants, consistent with the Accessibility Law emphasis on priority to services.
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law), which gives particular attention to PWDs not only as to accessibility but also their priority in all forms of services.
The physician shall be subject to appropriate action by the LTO (the Office issuing the circular).
They are reminded to accept all PWD driver’s license applicants with complete documents.
No. The circular reiterates that referrals must be duly made to the appropriate specialized physician when necessary; improper denial/delay or improper handling is considered an issue.
The appropriate conditions and/or restrictions for the PWD applicant’s fitness/capacity to drive a motor vehicle.
Visually impaired → Ophthalmologist; Orthopedically impaired → Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist; Speech and hearing impaired → ENT Specialist.
Duly refer the PWD license applicant to the appropriate specialized physician, who will issue the medical certificate with conditions/restrictions.
It is directed for strict compliance by all concerned offices and personnel, with appropriate action for erring individuals.