Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 43.4

Introduced by Honorable Robert Ace S. Barbers

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT REQUIRING BOTH NEW APPLICANTS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE AS WELL AS
EXISTING LICENSED DRIVERS TO UNDERGO MANDATORY ROADWORTHY DRIVING
SEMINAR AND ACTUAL DRIVING TEST BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL OF
‘THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSES

To say that the traffic condition in the Philippines’ highly urbanized cities is chaotic is an
understatement, The pitiful plight that commuters and motorists go through everyday implores the
need for every possible solution.

Concerned government agencies, along with local government units, continuously devise
numerous traffic schemes that seek to alleviate the country’s horrendous traffic woes, Apart from
constructing more public roads and highways, and providing more options for the commuting
public, one straightforward solution is to instill discipline and impart knowledge amongst
motorists.

Uneducated drivers contribute to traffic congestion as traffic rules and regulations are blatantly
ignored, consequently compounding the traffic problem. Safe and disciplined driving practice is
key to keep the traffic system orderly. We simply cannot allow our current traffic behavior to
continue, We must choose to impose order, and in the course, improve the traffic system and the
economy.

This bill seeks to inculcate knowledge on road safety and traffic laws
all driver's license applicants and existing licensed drivers to undergp
and an actual driving test before granting them full driving privileg|

ni regulations by requiring,
\latory driving seminars

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is urgently sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4311

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable Robert Ace 8. Barbers

AN ACT REQUIRING BOTH NEW APPLICANTS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE AS WELL AS
EXISTING LICENSED DRIVERS TO UNDERGO MANDATORY ROADWORTHY DRIVING
SEMINAR AND ACTUAL DRIVING TEST BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL OF
THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title, ~ This Act shall be known as the “Roadworthy Driving Seminar for All
Drivers Act”

SEC. 2. Policy of the State, — A vehicle driving license is a privilege, not a right. It is the duty of
the State to adopt adequate and unequivocal measures to ensure an orderly traffic system across the country
Safe and disciplined clriving practice is key to alleviate the country’s horrendous traffic crisis. Towards this,
cend, it shall be the policy of the State to inculcate knowledge on road safety and traffic laws and regulations
by requiring all driver’s license applicants and existing licensed drivers to undergo mandatory driving
seminars and actual driving test before granting them full driving privileges.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms, ~ For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall have the
following definitions

|, Mandatory Roadworthy Driving Seminar~ shall mean the specialized seminar that will
educate all drivers about road safety and traffic laws and regulations.

2, Roadworthy Driving Seminar Sponsoring Agency - shall mean the Land Transportation
Office (LTO),

3. Certified Instructor — shall mean any individual, employed by the sponsoring agency,
who will facilitate the roadworthy driving seminar.

4, Completion Certification — shall mean a document which is provided to the student who
successfully completes the mandatory roadworthy driving seminar


SEC, 4. Requirements for Driver's License. ~ All drivers shall undergo the mandatory
roadworthy driving seminar and actual driving test before a driver's license or a renewal thereof can be
issued to them,

SEC. 5, Mandatory Roadworthy Driving Seminar. ~ The curriculum of the Seminar shall
include, but shall not be limited to, the following subject matters:

a) Safety precautions;

b) Concept of accident preventability including a discussion of the magnitude of traffie accident
problems

) Techniques for defensive driving and handling critical situations

4) Philippine traffic laws and regulations, vehicle dynamics, capabilities, limitations, and highway
environmental factors including but not limited to:

1. Traffic signs, signals, markings, right-of-way requirements, and speed;

2, Vehicle capabilities, such as stopping distances and passing abilities; and
highway settings, operating environments and adverse conditis
illumination and obstructions,

ns affected by weather,

©) First aid applications and basic knowledge on rescues;

SEC. 6, Roadworthy Driving Seminar Sponsoring Agency. ~ The Land Transportation Office
shall create a program for the driving seminar and actual driving tests. A Completion Certification shall be
issued the successful driver’s license applicants, both new and old

SEC. 7. Basic Standards for the Tests — The LTO shall.
(a) Require at least three (3) hours of instruction, with a certified instructor present.
(b) Require at least thirty (30) minutes of actual driving through the roads by the applicant, with the

test supervisor who will determine the fitness, qualification, readiness, ability to drive, and the
actual application of the knowledge learned from the seminar.

SEC. 8. Seminar and Actual Driving Fee. — For the successful applicants, the costs of the
seminar and the actual driving test shall be incorporated in the license fee, which shall be determined by
the Head of the Land Transportation Office. Those who fail shall pay a fee of not less than Five-Hundred
Pesos but not more than One ‘Thousand Pesos.

SEC. 9 Implementing Rules and Regulations ~ The Department of Transportation shall
formulate the necessary guidelines for the seminar course outline and the actual driving tes



SEC. 10, Repealing Clause. ~ Any laws, decrees, executive orders or parts thereof inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11, Separability Clause, ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional,
other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect,

SEC. 12. Effeetivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two (2)
newspapers of national circulation,