Points to ponder before getting DL exams

For most, getting your driver’s license in the shortest time possible is always the number one concern. After the Land Transportation Office netted the new guidelines for the procurement of new drivers’ licenses, netizens are enraged that the process has become lengthier, if not, expensive.

Getting a driver’s license in our generation was like graduating puberty.  Learning how to drive was the equivalent to a rite of passage and the license was the graduation. It was not only “cool,” it was also an added skill in our resume.

I have to admit, getting a license in the 90s was easy. The Student’s Permits were given out as easily as Barangay Clearances, and there were really no “real” driving exams.

Now that it is part of the requirement to rid our roads of undeserving drivers. Here are 5 important points to ponder before you even start complaining why drivers’ licenses have become harder to acquire.

Your License is a Privilege, not a Right.

What a lot of people don’t know is that a driver’s license is actually a privilege extended by the Government to those who are rightfully deserving to drive. 

Free Schooling

As part of the hopeful youth in Cebu, you might not have the luxury of unlimited funds at your disposal, especially that we are economically rampaged by this pandemic. But thanks to the Land Transportation Office Region 7 (LTO R7), you now have a choice of whether to enroll yourself in an accredited Private Driving School or the LTO Driving School, which is absolutely free. The free driving school may need lots of your patience though as the line may be long.

Sample Written Exams

Regardless of learning through private schools or in the LTO, everyone must take their written exams at the designated LTO branch.  It is important to study the sample mock exams available in the net for bigger chances of passing.

Automatic transmission or Manual?

License Restrictions 1,2 or 1,2 and 4?

Perhaps the glory days of driving “a stick” are long gone. Manual gearboxes are almost obsolete in today’s day and age. Automatic cars are just generally more convenient to drive.

Amidst the obvious choice, there is still that little voice inside your head persuading you to consider learning how to drive a manual transmission equipped car.  It might come in handy as an added skill.  Make sure you get your License restrictions right.

The Actual Practical Exam

The process before the practical test can be both nerve wracking, not to mention the wait.

Plenty of doubts begin to cast as the jitters overwhelm you. Thoughts of failing and spending more money or having a mental block. These are some of the common things one will have to endure in your journey. Everyone must take their written and practical lessons at the designated LTO Licensing Branch which is why it’s wiser to study how they LTO formats exams by asking credible instructors.

If you did your homework, then passing the practical test is easy. It also pays to ask an experienced driver to teach you further techniques as driving schools can’t really cover all aspects of driving, especially that they are short of hours in teaching.

Unless you're super confident, stress during the practical test is extremely normal!