It’s been
three years since I last renewed my driver’s license and I need to make another
this year.
I decided
to go to SM Marilao since there is a renewal center there. Unfortunately, it
was offline and seems the personnel there is doing nothing to fix the problem. I heard that it was
already offline a day before I went there. So I decided to go to Sta. Maria LTO
Office.
Renewing driver’s license is as easy as 1-2-3. (1) Submit duly accomplished application form
together with the other requirements like old driver’s license and medical
certificate. (2) Wait until your name is called for the photo and signature
capture. (3) Pay the appropriate amount. (4) Finally, wait for the OR and your
driver’s license at the releasing area.
Though
the process is that easy, I did it for more than 3 hours. Why? Here are the
reasons:
1. It was already lunch break when I proceed to the
drug and medical clinic so I waited until they finished their lunch. The
drug test was quick since they are using a kit (similar to pregnancy kit)
to test if you are positive or negative to metahampethamine or
tetrahydrocannabinol. Also they will test how your sense of sight works
using Snellen’s chart . The entire test cost 400 pesos plus 50 pesos
computer fee.
2. When I returned back to the evaluating officer,
he was not on his post. He took his lunch and returned late on his post.
Upon returning, I heard him say: “Marami na bang nakapila?” (Is there a
long line already?). Does this mean that if there are no applicants on the
line he will not return to his post?
3. My application was returned due to insufficient
details particularly the employer’s address. I forgot to filled it up
because the drug officer in drug testing clinic get my application form
from some details needed in the medical and drug test.
4. Same with the other officers in the windows, they
returned late because they took a lunch break first in spite of the notice
“NO LUNCH BREAK” in every corner.
5. I also observed that “palakasan” system is still
manipulating inside the office. When you know somebody inside the office,
you will get prioritized. How? I was on the line with a woman renewing her
license too. After she has her photo and signature capture, she just gave
the payment to that officer for she knew it and finished her renewal an
hour ahead of me.
By the
way, if you are asking about the renewal price, here it is:
Registration
fee: PhP350.00
Computer
Fee: PhP 67.63
Total:
PhP 417.63
However, expired
license will have an additional penalty of PhP75.00 for 1 day up to 1 year and
PhP150.00 for 1 year and 1 day up to 2 years. So better renew your license on
or before the day of expiration to avoid penalty.
How about
you what are your experience in renewing or application for driver’s license?