Periodic Medical Exams Are No Longer Required for Your Driver’s License

(SPOT.ph) The Land Transportation Office is scrapping the periodic medical examination requirement for driver’s license holders with a five to ten-year validity, following LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade’s directive to amend LTO Memorandum Circular-2285.

The new version will require a mandatory medical examination once—only to obtain or renew a driver’s license. Driver’s license holders with a five to ten-year validity are instructed to undergo a medical examination 60 days prior to or on the specified renewal date.

According to Tugade, there has been “no empirical data saying that the periodic medical examination could prevent road crashes," which is why he sought to remove this unnecessary requirement. He said periodic medical examinations can still be conducted but will be voluntary.

“We at LTO believe that this step will bring some relief to the public because apart from them not having to spend repeatedly for medical examinations, extra hassle will also be avoided especially for those who have valuable time for work," Tugade said.

Also read: Here's How to Take the LTO License Renewal Test Online for Free

LTO: No more periodic medical exams for driver’s license holders

Prior to the amendment, driver’s license holders were required to undergo periodic medical examinations in any LTO-accredited medical clinic or government health facility. Those with a five-year validity must have one visit, while those with a ten-year validity must have two vists.

The move was introducted in late 2021 to ensure their physical and mental fitness to drive throughout the extended validity period of the license. Per Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, the validity of driver’s licenses is subject to the restrictions that may be imposed by the LTO.

Meanwhile, Filipinos with driver’s licenses who are living or working abroad will still have to undergo medical examination within 30 days of arriving in the Philippines before they are allowed to drive.

Also read: LTO Starts Issuing 10-Year Driver's Licenses