Amazing!

Took me only 51 minutes to renew my driver's license. For a government agency, this is a big improvement.

Went to the LTO near the office this afternoon. The requirements:

1. Current/Expired License Card (plus photocopy of receipt and card)
2. Medical Certificate (from LTO accredited or Government Physician) or valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID (taken at the LTO accredited drug testing center right beside the LTO)
3. Drug Clearance Certificate (from an LTO accredited drug testing center) (there are peeing centers aka toilets inside the drug testing center).
4. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (I left mine blank, should be okay without it)

The whole procedure:

1. At the LTO, I was asked to fill up the Driver's License Application Form after inspecting my driver's license. Proceeded to the Evaluator to have my documents checked for completeness and authenticity. The Evaluator then asked me to go to the drug testing center next door.

2. At window 1 of the drug testing center, I submitted the forms and paid the Php400 processing fee. A staff just outside the windows gave more forms to fill up.

3. After a few minutes, a person at window 2 called my name for picture taking and finger printing (actually, digital finger printing).

4. Once done with the forms (given in step 2 above), I gave them back and was told that my name will be called for the actual testing. When I was called, I was asked to sign on a strip of packing tape and was given a plastic cup. After that, I found out what the signed strip of packing tape was for.

5. After that, a number tag was given to me and was asked again to wait for my number to be called. I was number 53.

6. I then realized that the next step was the medical doctor's interview and eye test. I was asked if I wore glasses, I said no but told him I had laser operations on both eyes. I was then asked to stand behind a white strip on the floor and asked to read the eye test chart. I could read the 20/20 but not the 20/10 (missed a letter).

7. After a few minutes, they called again my name for the result of the drug test. Negative!

8. Now back to the LTO next door. Submitted the forms, had picture taken, paid Php415+ and voila! new driver's license in 51 minutes.

Kudos to LTO!