LTO Non-Professional cheat sheet

Republic Act 4136 is the Land Transportation and Traffic Code; it governs motor-vehicle registration, driver licensing, and traffic rules nationwide.

At an unmarked intersection, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle approaching from the right unless signs or signals say otherwise.

Overtaking is done on the left; a driver may return to the right lane only after signaling and confirming sufficient clear space.

A solid yellow center line on the driver's side prohibits passing; a broken line permits passing when safe.

Republic Act 8750 requires seat-belt use in vehicles equipped with seat belts; Republic Act 10054 requires approved helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers.

Republic Act 10913 prohibits mobile-phone use while driving except with a hands-free device.

Republic Act 11229 requires child restraint systems for children in private motor vehicles, subject to stated exceptions.

Driving under the influence is penalized under Republic Act 10586; a driver may be tested for alcohol or drugs after a crash or lawful stop.

Statutory speed limits are set by Republic Act 4136; local authorities may impose lower limits on specific roads through ordinance.

Regulatory signs are usually circular or rectangular with red, black, and white markings; they state prohibitions or mandatory actions.

Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds or triangles with black symbols; they indicate hazards ahead.

Guide or information signs are green or blue rectangles; they show directions, destinations, and services.

A stop sign is an octagon with red background and white STOP letters; it requires a complete stop, yielding, and proceeding only when clear.

A yield sign is an inverted triangle; it requires slowing down and giving way, stopping if necessary before entering.

A steady red light means stop; a steady yellow light means stop unless stopping is unsafe; a steady green light means proceed if the intersection is clear.

A flashing red light has the same effect as a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.

A solid white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and should not be crossed; a broken white line may be crossed when safe.

Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing for traffic in either direction.

SIPDE stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute; it is a defensive-driving sequence for spotting and responding to hazards.

Use at least a two-second following gap; increase it in rain, fog, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

Before a lane change, check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, and then move only when clear.

At intersections, scan left-right-left and confirm the path is clear before entering.

If tailgated, increase the gap ahead and allow the other driver to pass when safe.

In fog or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights; high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.

If hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight, and avoid hard braking.

At night, reduce speed and increase following distance to match reduced visibility.

A commonly used minimum tire tread depth is 1.6 millimeters; tires worn to that limit lose wet-road grip and should be replaced.

Check tire pressure when tires are cold; heat from driving raises pressure and can give a false high reading.

Check engine oil with the dipstick on level ground with the engine off; the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

Check coolant at the reservoir when the engine is cold; never open a hot radiator cap.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic; a low level can indicate worn brake pads or a leak, and only the specified fluid should be used.

Battery terminals should be clean and tight; corrosion can prevent starting.

Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, signal lights, and hazard lights must all function for visibility and signaling.

Carry a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and early warning device; check the spare tire pressure periodically.

During a tire blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, keep the vehicle straight, and slow gradually without hard braking.

If brakes fail, pump the brake pedal, downshift for engine braking, apply the parking brake gradually, and steer toward an escape area.

If the rear of the vehicle skids, steer in the direction of the skid and avoid hard braking until control returns.

During hydroplaning, release the accelerator, keep the steering straight, and avoid sudden braking or turning.

In fog, use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase the following gap; avoid high beams.

Do not drive through moving floodwater; moving water can sweep away a vehicle and hide road damage.

For a vehicle fire, stop, turn off the engine, evacuate, use an extinguisher from upwind if trained, and call emergency services.

At a crash scene, secure the area with an early warning device, call for help, and move injured persons only if there is immediate danger.

Right of way is yielded, not taken; legal priority does not remove the duty to avoid a collision.

Use the horn only to warn others of danger or signal presence; do not use it to express anger or hurry other drivers.

Signal lane changes and turns early, and cancel the signal after completing the maneuver.

At marked crosswalks, yield to pedestrians and do not block the crosswalk while waiting in traffic.

Allow merging vehicles to enter when safe, and avoid blocking intersections or driveways.

Dim headlights for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle closely at night.

Give cyclists and motorcyclists adequate space; avoid passing too closely.

Do not retaliate against aggressive drivers; increase distance and avoid confrontation.

A student permit is available at a minimum age of 16; a non-professional driver's license is available at a minimum age of 17, subject to LTO requirements.

A non-professional license authorizes driving private motor vehicles; a professional license is required for public utility or for-hire vehicles.

A driver must carry a valid license and produce it to authorized officers on demand.

A motor vehicle must carry the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration, which show registration and payment.

Compulsory Third Party Liability insurance is required for motor vehicle registration and covers third-party bodily injury.

Motor vehicle registration is renewed annually; emission testing and insurance are among the registration requirements.

Change of ownership requires documents such as a deed of sale, clearance, and transfer of registration records.

Driving with an expired license or expired registration is a violation and may result in penalties and impoundment.