Unfortunately, there are some driving schools who fail to follow the rules in terms of giving the proper procedure in driving lessons. Which is why it is our duty to share the information for people to know if they are risking their money to the right driving institution.

So how do we spot malpractice in a driving school? Refer to the points below to remember if the driving school does what they should not do.

• LTO Assistance with No Appearance

When you process a driver’s license, LTO requires you to personally come to their office. LTO procedures include going through a medical examination and identification/biometrics registration. Medical certification should only come from LTO accredited clinics or physicians. Individuals who wish to obtain their driver’s license will be provided a hard copy of their medical certificates that needs to be presented on their day of application. 

Any driving school who guarantees to get your driver’s license without advising you to go to the LTO office is breaking the rule. 

• Certificate without Seminar and Practical Driving Course

Theoretical Driving Course is implemented by LTO for the mere reason of avoiding road accidents. The course covers driving and traffic rules, as well as Land Transportation related laws. Therefore it is necessary to go through the seminar and practical driving course to be aware of the rules and avoid accidents. 

If the driving school grants you a certificate without a seminar and the actual driving, they are risking your life by letting you drive without the proper training. 

• Skipping the Steps and Uncertified Driving Instructors

Well, this is somehow the same as what was mentioned above.  During seminars or practical driving lessons, the instructor should discuss the step by step process on how to drive a vehicle. From your sitting position, observing traffic rules to how to park your vehicle. If the instructor fails to correct you after making a mistake during the course but lets you pass, consider it as a red flag. 

Before LTO authorized a driving instructor, he/she was obliged to go through exams and training to obtain certificates such as NC II in Driving and Automotive Servicing and TESDA National TVET Trainer’s Certificate (NTTC). Be observant and look around the driving school’s office if they display these kinds of certificates, if none, it wouldn’t hurt to ask a question or two politely. Driving schools understand that you’re only being cautious before paying and taking your driving lessons. 

• 100% Guaranteed Pass

One of the requirements upon applying for your non-professional or professional driver’s license is a passing rate for LTO’s written and actual driving test. If you fail the actual test on your second try, you will have to wait for a month before retaking it. After the 3rd failed attempt, you will have to wait for 2 years before reapplying. 

Well, LTO is understandable on this part. We can agree that it is to ensure that the driver is fully equipped with the required knowledge to drive well on the road, as well as avoid accidents. 

If the driving school promises a 100% pass for both exams, consider it as a malpractice. If you listen carefully, study hard and get perfect on your exam, great. Yet if the institution tampered with the results, or shall we say, hired a fixer to let you pass, that is considered as a big NO!

• Hidden Charges

Prior to enrolling in a driving school, make sure to present all your plans and your  needs with the staff assisting you. One example is if you plan to extend your actual driving course to practice your driving skills more. Usually, a legit driving institution presents all the charges if you happen to extend your packages. In any case you failed to mention your extension, instructors or the staff should be clear about the rates before signing up for additional packages. 

You may also check their website or social media pages to check their prices. Driving schools who are not transparent with their prices are suspicious and it would be safe to consider signing up to other driving schools. Additionally, if their prices are too low compared to the others providing the same service, it is your time to be doubtful of the company.

Malpractice in an institution should not be tolerated. Keep in mind that if you encourage these types of behavior by promoting or signing up to their packages, you’re also putting your safety at risk. If you happen to encounter these wrong practices, file a complaint to the Land Transportation Office so they can investigate and take proper actions. 

Do’s

Make sure your bike is in good condition before you ride it. Check the tires, brakes, and oil level to make sure everything is working properly.

Wear a helmet and other protective gear. This is the most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding.

Stay aware of your surroundings. Be vigilant of cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles that may be in your path. Other drivers may not see you, so make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and take evasive action if necessary.

Check the weather conditions before you go for a ride. Be extra careful when riding in bad weather conditions. Wet roads and high winds can make riding a motorcycle more dangerous. It can make it difficult to stay in control of your bike, and slick conditions can cause you to lose traction. 

Wear a helmet and other protective gear. This will help protect you from head injuries in the event of an accident.

Use caution when turning. Always use both hands to signal and turn slowly to avoid losing control of your bike. Be sure to signal your intentions when riding. Let other drivers know what you are doing so they can anticipate your movements.

Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a first aid kit, extra fuel, and a toolkit with you at all times. If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have them.

Stay out of the blind spots of other drivers. The blind spots on a car can be very dangerous for a motorcyclist.

If you are involved in an accident, stay at the scene until police arriveStay within the speed limit. Excessive speeds can make it difficult to stop quickly and can lead to accidents.

Don’ts:

Drive while impaired. Riding a motorcycle while drunk or high is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.

Text or talk on the phone while riding. This can be a deadly distraction and could lead to you crashing your bike.

Don’t tailgate other drivers. It can be dangerous to follow another vehicle too closely. If something happens in front of you, you may not have time to react.

Never ride with more than one passenger. It can be dangerous to have another person on the bike with you.

Don’t drive over the speed limit. Excessive speeds can make it difficult to stop quickly and can lead to accidents.

The number of motorcycle accidents has increased over the years, so use these recommendations to keep yourself safe while riding a motorcycle. Use common sense when riding. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. 

Remember, it’s important to ride defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Follow Western Visayas Driving Institute Corp on Facebook or enroll in one of our courses to learn more about defensive driving. Stay safe out there!