PWD Driver's License Medical Exam Guidelines

The circular is anchored on Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, the Accessibility Law, which gives particular attention to PWDs, including their priority to all forms of services.
The circular reiterates prior LTO disabled-driver licensing guidance through Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02373 dated 15 January 2002, which sets revised guidelines on the issuance of driver’s licenses to disabled persons and the corresponding restriction/condition for different disabilities.
The circular reiterates prior medical-certificate guidance through Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02374 dated 15 January 2002, which sets guidelines governing the issuance of medical certificates by LTO accredited physicians, including that disabled applicants shall be referred to specialized physicians.

LTO accredited physicians must conduct medical examinations of PWD driver’s license applicants with priority in accordance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344.
Medical assessment for a PWD driver’s license application must ensure proper disposition through the correct chain of referral to specialized physicians when needed.

The circular covers PWDs applying or renewing driver’s licenses who are examined by LTO accredited physicians.
The circular addresses situations where a PWD applicant is denied/delayed by an accredited physician or is referred incorrectly (including being told to report to LTO Central Office or to obtain certification without a duly conducted referral).
The medical-certification requirement for driver’s license applications includes a negative drug test result and a medical certificate testifying to fitness to drive a motor vehicle.

LTO accredited physicians must give priority when conducting the medical examination of any PWD license applicant.
If necessary, an LTO accredited physician must duly refer the PWD license applicant to the appropriate specialized physician.
The specialized physician must issue a medical certificate indicating the appropriate conditions and/or restrictions.

For visually impaired applicants, referral must be made to an Ophthalmologist.
For orthopedically impaired applicants, referral must be made to a Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist.
For speech and hearing impaired applicants, referral must be made to an Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT) Specialist.

LTO chiefs and personnel of LC/DO/EO/DLRC must accept all PWD driver’s license applicants who submit complete documents.
LTO must take appropriate action on any personnel who deny or delay a PWD applicant’s driver’s license application.

Any LTO accredited physician who denies/delays the basic medical service required by the PWD for the driver’s license application is subject to appropriate action by LTO.