The LTO Theoretical Exam โ also called the written exam or knowledge test โ is a mandatory assessment administered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines. Every applicant for a new student permit, non-professional driver's license, or professional driver's license must pass this test before proceeding to the practical road skills evaluation. Practice with the free LTO - Exam Reviewer practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (600+ questions with answer explanations).
The exam is grounded in Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which governs all motor vehicles and traffic regulations across the Philippines. Passing the LTO theoretical exam proves that an applicant understands Philippine traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving principles before taking the wheel.
If you are preparing for the test, start with our LTO Philippines Driver's License Complete Guide 2026 for a full walkthrough of all licensing requirements, then use the LTO Exam Reviewer 2026 to practice with real exam-style questions.
RA 4136, enacted in 1964 and supplemented by numerous LTO memorandum circulars, defines speed limits, right-of-way rules, penalties for traffic violations, vehicle registration requirements, and driver licensing procedures. The LTO theoretical exam draws its question bank directly from this law and from the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) traffic regulations that apply in urban areas.
Facts verified Oct 17, 2026 against Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (CDE Online Validation Exam (license renewal)) | 25 questions | Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines |
| Number of questions (Non-professional driver's license written exam) | 40 questions | elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph |
| Number of questions (Professional driver's license written exam) | 60 questions | elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph |
| Time limit (CDE Online Validation Exam (license renewal)) | No time limit | Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines |
| Passing score (CDE Online Validation Exam (license renewal)) | 80% (20 of 25 correct) | Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines |
| Passing score (Non-professional driver's license written exam) | 30 of 40 correct (75%) | elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph |
| Passing score (Practical driving exam) | 70 points (start at 100, deductions for errors) | elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph |
| Passing score (Professional driver's license written exam) | 45 of 60 correct (75%) | elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph |
| Delivery (CDE Online Validation Exam (license renewal)) | Online via LTMS portal (login required) | Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines |
Facts verified Oct 17, 2026 against Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive LTO - Exam Reviewer resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
The LTO theoretical exam currently consists of 60 multiple-choice questions for non-professional license applicants and may include additional items for professional license applicants. The test is administered at any LTO licensing center nationwide and, increasingly, through the LTO iDrivePH online platform.
For a full step-by-step walkthrough of the licensing process, see the LTO Philippines Driver's License Complete Guide 2026. If you already have a license and need to renew, visit our LTO Driver's License Renewal Guide 2026.
Try these questions from our free LTO - Exam Reviewer practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which law governs the operation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and the franchising of public land transportation services in the Philippines?
Answer: C. EO 202 creating LTFRB
Executive Order 202 created the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which franchises and regulates PUV operations.
Under RA 10586, what is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) allowed for non-professional drivers in the Philippines?
Answer: B. 0.05%
Under RA 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act), non-professional drivers must have a BAC below 0.05%.
Which law governs the use of child restraint systems for young passengers in the Philippines?
Answer: B. RA 11229 (Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act)
RA 11229 specifically requires appropriate child restraint systems for young passengers in motor vehicles.
How much is the second violation fine in the Philippines for not using a seatbelt:
Answer: A. PHP 2000
Under the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 (RA 8750) in the Philippines, non-compliance with seatbelt use carries penalties that increase with repeat offenses. For a second violation of not using a seatbelt, the fine imposed is PHP 2,000. This escalating penalty aims to reinforce the importance of seatbelt use for driver and passenger safety.