This Office had received various complaints from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who are either applying or renewing their Driver’s License. In applying/renewing a driver's license, it is required for an applicant to submit a negative drug test result and a medical certificate testifying to the applicant’s fitness to drive a motor vehicle.

However, PWDs who submit themselves for medical examination for driver’s license purpose are either denied by the LTO Accredited Physician and referred to another LTO Accredited Physician, or is told to report to the LTO Central Office for proper disposition or is simply told, without being duly referred, to get a certification as to his/her fitness or capacity to drive a motor vehicle from a Specialized Physician, such as:

a) Ophthalmologist – for visually impaired applicants;
b) Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist – for orthopedically impaired applicants; and
c) Ears, Nose, Throat Specialist – for speech and hearing impaired applicant

Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02373 dated 15 January 2002 (Annex “A” hereof) set the Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Driver’s License to Disabled Persons stating the different disabilities of a PWD who may apply for a driver’s license and the corresponding restriction/condition be required of him/her.

Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02374 dated 15 January 2002 (Annex “B” hereof) set the Guidelines Governing the Issuance of Medical Certificate for Driver’s License Applicants by LTO Accredited Physicians, particularly Paragraph 5 thereof which states: “Issuance of Medical Certificates to disabled applicants shall be referred to specialized Physicians, such as: a) Ophthalmologist, b) Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist and c) Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT) Specialist.” (Hereto attached)

Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, otherwise known as the “Accessibility Law” gives particular attention to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) not only as to Accessibility but particularly in their PRIORITY to all forms of services.

It is therefore reiterated that all LTO Accredited Physicians give priority in conducting the medical examination of any PWD license applicant, and if necessary, duly refer the PWD License Applicant to the appropriate specialized physician who, in turn, shall issue a medical certificate indicating the appropriate conditions and/or restrictions. Any LTO Accredited Physician who shall deny/delay the basic medical service required by the PWD for his/her Driver’s License Application shall be subject to appropriate action by this Office.

All Chiefs and Personnel of LC/DO/EO/DLRC are reminded to accept all PWD driver’s license applicants with complete documents. This Office shall take appropriate action on any erring personnel who shall deny/delay any PWD’s application for a driver's license.

For strict compliance.

(SGD) VIRGINIA P. TORRES
Assistant Secretary