How to Apply LTO Medical Certificate in 2023/24
LTO Medical Certificate. Securing a driver’s license in the Philippines has always entailed certain prerequisites, with an LTO Medical Certificate being one of the primary requisites.
Alongside a negative drug test, as well as essential documents such as the Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form and an eye test report, the LTO Medical Certificate is a legally mandated document designed to ascertain the mental and physical fitness of the driver. This verification is crucial to ensure the safety of both the driver and their passengers, as well as other road users.
In 2019, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) implemented significant changes to the process of obtaining the medical certificate, shifting from the traditional method of applicants acquiring and presenting their certificates in person at the LTO.
The new system stipulates that the LTO now exclusively accepts medical certificates that are issued online and electronically transmitted by registered medical clinics and practicing physicians within the LTO system.
The online transmission system grants the agency comprehensive oversight over all LTO transactions while reducing the potential for fraudulent or manipulated medical certificates.
To assist you in navigating this revised procedure, this guide aims to provide a step-by-step process for obtaining the necessary LTO-required medical certificates in a secure and lawful manner, ensuring the successful acquisition of your driver’s license.
Read Also: LTO Driver’s License Restriction Codes Meanings and List
LTO Medical Certificate in the Philippines
An LTO Medical Certificate is a digital document issued by accredited clinics and licensed physicians affiliated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This certificate plays a crucial role in evaluating the physical and mental fitness of individuals applying for a driver’s license.
The requirement for an LTO Medical Certificate extends to all driver’s license categories in the Philippines, whether you’re applying for a student driver’s license, a non-professional driver’s license, or a professional driver’s license. Furthermore, individuals renewing their existing driver’s licenses must also furnish a medical certificate.
Key Information Included in the LTO Medical Certificate
To ensure that the applicant possesses the necessary physical and mental capabilities, the Department Order No. 2015-014 stipulates that the medical certificate must contain the following details:
- Full Name
- Complete Address
- Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) Number
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Number of the Examining Physician
The medical certificate should validate the following about the license applicant:
- Physical and mental fitness for operating a motor vehicle
- Absence of any drug-related impairments
- Non-color blindness
- Adequate eyesight or the need for corrective eyewear
- Clear hearing or the requirement for a hearing aid
It should also address any disabilities, such as:
- Orthopedic impairments
- Amputation of either the left or right arm with a prosthesis
- Amputation of either the left or right leg with a prosthesis
- Post-Poliomyelitis: One paralyzed leg, either left or right
- Partial blindness
- Hearing and speech impairments
- Freedom from highly contagious diseases (applicable to PDL applicants)
Beyond these, the medical certificate should disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities that the applicant might have, including a medical history of conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Visual disturbances (glaucoma or cataract)
- Limb issues
- Dementia
- Diabetes
Read Also: LTO Renewal of Car Registration | Online Renewal of a Motor Vehicle License
List of Medical Tests for LTO License
LTO medical certificates require you to pass a health check which includes:
- A drug test at the clinic
- Eye test
- Hearing and speaking check
- Disabilities
- Blood tests
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
This is why LTO requires checking on these things. The agency conducts drug tests, for example, to determine whether the applicant uses illegal narcotics, which can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Driver’s license applicants must also pass an eye test to ensure that their distant binocular visual acuity is at least 20/40 by Snellen (or 0.5, 6/12) in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. According to the results of the eye test, you may be allowed to drive but with the following restrictions:
- A driver with 20/50 vision qualifies for corrective glasses/lenses
- Vision of 20/60 is required for daytime driving only
- Those with cataracts cannot drive at night
During the medical test, your hearing and speech abilities may also be tested, as well as your disabilities and any other diseases that could interfere with your abilities to drive safely.
Apply LTO Medical Certificate Video Guide
Must Read: What is LTMS Portal?
How Much Does an LTO Medical Certificate Cost?
A medical certificate can help you avoid long lines several days before your application deadline. LTO medical certificates usually cost Php 500.00, but this could vary depending on the medical clinic’s policies.
Medical results will be electronically transmitted to the LTO database to prevent certificates from being forged, duplicated, or forged.
Validity
What is the validity period of the LTO Medical Certificate? LTO medical certificates are sent electronically to the LTO office by medical clinics, and they are only valid for fifteen (15) days after issuance.
Where to Get the LTO Medical Certificate
LTO medical certificates may be obtained from any physician or medical facility accredited by the LTO or affiliated with the government, usually within a few blocks of an LTO office.
Check Also: LTO Portal Online Guide
How to Get a Medical Certificate for LTO
LTO medical certificates must be obtained by all applicants regardless of their license classification:
Step 1: Visit any LTO-accredited physician and any government clinics or hospitals near you. In most cases, these clinics and physicians can be found near an LTO office; however, if not, you can check the LTO website for a list of accredited clinics and physicians.
Step 2: Settle the fees.
Step 3: Fill out patient forms to provide your personal information.
Step 4: Wait for your turn to be tested for drug use, visual acuity, hearing, speaking, and disabilities.
Step 5: The certificate will be issued and sent electronically to LTO via the LTMS.
LTO Medical Certificate Sample Form
To get an idea of what this looks like, here is a sample medical evaluation form:
Contact Details Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- LTMS Portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and access their “Contact Us” form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
- Telephone Number: Feel free to reach out to them at (632) 922-9061 to 66.
- Email: You can also get in touch with them via email at [email protected].
- LTO Text Hotline Service: Utilize LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by texting “LTOHELP” to 2600.
- LTO Office: To find information, locate the nearest LTO branch in your area.
Read Also: LTO Motorcycle Registration Renewal Online Complete Process
Conclusion
In the Philippines, obtaining an LTO driver’s license is a straightforward process aimed at enhancing road safety. As part of the agency’s commitment to road safety, they have introduced the requirement of an LTO medical examination and certificate for all prospective drivers.
The LTO medical certificate is just one of the several prerequisites for obtaining a driver’s license. Acquiring it is a simple task, involving a brief visit to an LTO-accredited clinic and a medical practitioner, along with a nominal fee of Php 500.00.
This obligatory medical examination serves the purpose of ensuring that the driver is in good health and free from any diseases, disabilities, or underlying conditions that might jeopardize their driving abilities or put themselves and others at risk.
The medical certificate serves as proof that the driver’s health and physical condition do not pose a danger to themselves or others on the road. Furthermore, it is a mandatory requirement, so if you wish to drive legally in the Philippines, obtaining one is imperative.
