Legal basis and implementing focus
- Chapter 6, Section 26 of Republic Act No. 7277 is the legal basis for issuing special driver licensing guidelines for disabled persons.
- The Circular governs rules for issuance of a Special Driver License to qualified disabled drivers.
- The Circular limits coverage to issuance-related guidelines under the disability framework of Republic Act No. 7277.
Scope and who may obtain it
- An applicant for the Special Driver License must be a disabled person who meets all qualification requirements.
- The Circular restricts entitlement to only the disabled categories enumerated in item No. 6.
- Physically-handicapped persons who pass the qualification requirements are issued a non-professional driver license only.
- The Circular includes disability categories for orthopedically impaired, partially blind, and speech and hearing impaired persons.
Who is covered: specific disability categories
- Orthopedically Impaired persons are entitled when they have amputated left or right leg, amputated left or right arm, or are post-polio victims with one paralyzed leg either left or right.
- Partially Blind persons are entitled when they have no left eye but good right eye sight, or no right eye but good left eye sight.
- Speech and Hearing Impaired persons are entitled when they are unable to speak but can hear, or can partially hear.
Applicant qualification requirements
- The applicant must be a holder of a Student Permit.
- The applicant must have undergone apprenticeship for at least 30 days.
- The applicant must be at least 17 years old.
- The applicant must submit a medical certificate indicating the applicant’s physical and mental state from an accredited LTO physician or a government physician.
- The applicant must pass the written and practical examination.
License type and driving limitations
- Physically-handicapped applicants who meet the requirements receive a non-professional driver license only.
- An orthopedically impaired applicant is limited to driving only a customized vehicle that is duly inspected and registered at the Land Transportation Office.
- The customized vehicle must be duly indicated in the driver license.
- Driving is limited to daytime from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m..
Replacement of regular license with special license
- A disabled person holding a non-professional or professional driver license that is still valid or due for renewal must apply for replacement with a Special Driver License under the Circular’s conditions.
- Replacement application requires submission of a medical certificate indicating the applicant’s physical and mental state from an LTO accredited physician or a government physician.
- Replacement is allowed only if the applicant belongs to one of the disabled categories listed in item No. 6.
- The replacement rule covers both cases of a regular license that remains valid and cases due for renewal.
Compliance and supersession
- The Circular requires strict compliance.
- The adoption date stated for the Circular is 5 Jan. 1993.
- Conflicting orders and memoranda are superseded by the Circular.