TDC - Theoretical Driving Course Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is a legal and acceptable reason to temporarily stop in a no-parking zone?

To drop off or pick up a passenger quickly (Correct answer)
To watch traffic conditions ahead
To buy food from a roadside vendor
To wait for a friend who is running late

Correct answer: To drop off or pick up a passenger quickly

A brief stop to drop off or pick up a passenger is generally distinguished from parking. However, the driver must remain in the vehicle and move immediately — leaving the vehicle unattended constitutes parking.

Question 2: What is required when a driver changes their name or address after obtaining a license?

Take a new driving test
Notify LTO and apply for a license amendment within 15 days (Correct answer)
Surrender the license and apply from scratch
Nothing, the old information remains valid

Correct answer: Notify LTO and apply for a license amendment within 15 days

Drivers must report changes to personal information to the LTO within 15 days.

Question 3: How many hours is the Theoretical Driving Course for non-professional license applicants?

5 hours
10 hours
15 hours (Correct answer)
20 hours

Correct answer: 15 hours

The TDC for non-professional applicants is a minimum of 15 hours.

Question 4: Which of the following scenarios is the clearest example of 'Reckless Driving' under Philippine traffic laws?

Failing to use a turn signal when no other cars are nearby.
Aggressively weaving through traffic at high speed, disregarding the safety of other road users. (Correct answer)
Driving 5 kph over the speed limit on a clear highway.
Accidentally stalling the engine at a green light.

Correct answer: Aggressively weaving through traffic at high speed, disregarding the safety of other road users.

Reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle without reasonable caution, considering the conditions, and in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person. Aggressively weaving at high speed is a direct and willful disregard for the safety of others.

Question 5: What should a driver do first if their vehicle breaks down on a busy road?

Wave down other drivers for help
Leave the vehicle immediately and walk to the nearest gas station
Turn on hazard lights and move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible (Correct answer)
Wait inside the vehicle with the engine running

Correct answer: Turn on hazard lights and move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible

Activating hazard lights and moving off the road reduces the risk of a collision with other vehicles.

Question 6: A road sign showing a truck on a slope indicates:

Steep uphill grade ahead
Trucks only lane ahead
Truck parking available ahead
Steep downhill grade ahead requiring lower gear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Steep downhill grade ahead requiring lower gear

This warning sign alerts drivers to a steep downhill section where lower gears should be used.

Question 7: When approaching an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, which vehicle has the right of way?

The vehicle traveling faster
The larger vehicle
The vehicle that arrives first, or the vehicle on the right if arriving simultaneously (Correct answer)
The vehicle on the left

Correct answer: The vehicle that arrives first, or the vehicle on the right if arriving simultaneously

At uncontrolled intersections, the first vehicle to arrive has priority; if two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first.

Question 8: What does a solid yellow center line indicate?

The road is under construction
The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
Passing is permitted with caution
No passing in that direction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No passing in that direction

A solid yellow center line prohibits overtaking by crossing into the opposing lane.

Question 9: When driving at night, a driver should:

Use high beams at all times to see farther ahead
Drive at the same speed as during daytime
Reduce speed and increase following distance (Correct answer)
Turn on interior lights for better visibility

Correct answer: Reduce speed and increase following distance

Reduced visibility at night requires lower speeds and greater following distances.

Question 10: What is the minimum safe following distance a driver should maintain behind the vehicle ahead under normal conditions?

One car length for every 10 km/h of speed
5 meters at all times
A 2-second gap between vehicles (Correct answer)
A 1-second gap between vehicles

Correct answer: A 2-second gap between vehicles

The 2-second rule provides a minimum cushion under normal conditions: pick a fixed point and ensure at least 2 seconds pass before your vehicle reaches it after the car ahead does.

Question 11: According to LTO guidelines, what is the proper placement for an Early Warning Device (EWD) when a vehicle is stalled on a highway?

At least 1 meter from the front and rear of the vehicle.
Only at the rear of the vehicle, about 10 meters away.
Placed directly on the vehicle's roof to be more visible.
At least 4 meters away from both the front and rear of the vehicle. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least 4 meters away from both the front and rear of the vehicle.

LTO regulations specify that when a vehicle is stalled, the EWD should be installed at least four meters away from the front and rear of the motor vehicle to give oncoming traffic adequate warning.

Question 12: What is the purpose of brake fluid?

To lubricate brake pads
To transmit hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers or drums (Correct answer)
To clean the brake system
To cool brake rotors

Correct answer: To transmit hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers or drums

Brake fluid transfers the force from the brake pedal to the braking mechanisms at each wheel.

Question 13: While driving, you approach an intersection with a solid white horizontal line painted across your lane. What does this pavement marking signify?

A pedestrian crossing is ahead.
Overtaking is permitted.
You must stop before this line. (Correct answer)
It indicates the center of the road.

Correct answer: You must stop before this line.

A solid white horizontal line, also known as a stop line, indicates the point where vehicles must come to a complete stop for a stop sign or a red traffic light.

Question 14: What does a yellow curb marking indicate?

No stopping at any time
Reserved for government vehicles
Loading and unloading zone for brief stops only (Correct answer)
Parking permitted for any duration

Correct answer: Loading and unloading zone for brief stops only

Yellow curb markings designate loading and unloading zones for brief stops.

Question 15: What happens if a driver fails to yield to an emergency vehicle?

No penalty
A warning is issued
Fine and possible license suspension (Correct answer)
Mandatory driving course

Correct answer: Fine and possible license suspension

Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is a serious traffic offense that endangers emergency personnel and the public, hindering critical response times. Penalties typically include substantial monetary fines and can lead to demerit points or even suspension of driving privileges. This reflects the gravity of disregarding emergency vehicle priority and the importance of road safety.

Question 16: You are looking for a place to park your car on a steep downhill street with a curb on the right side. Which way should you turn your front wheels?

Away from the curb
Towards the curb (Correct answer)
Straight ahead
Parallel to the curb

Correct answer: Towards the curb

When parking downhill, you must turn your wheels towards the curb. This safety measure ensures that if the brakes fail, the car will roll into the curb and stop, preventing it from rolling into traffic.

Question 17: What should a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights?

Continue driving at the same speed
Stop only if a pedestrian is already crossing
Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary (Correct answer)
Overtake other vehicles to avoid stopping

Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary

Drivers must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ensure their safety.

Question 18: Which lane should you use for normal driving on a multi-lane highway?

The rightmost lane, using left lanes for overtaking only (Correct answer)
Any lane you prefer
The center lane only
The leftmost lane

Correct answer: The rightmost lane, using left lanes for overtaking only

Drivers should travel in the rightmost lane and use the left lane only for overtaking.

Question 19: How far from an intersection or corner must a vehicle be parked to avoid obstructing traffic?

10 meters
5 meters (Correct answer)
6 meters
3 meters

Correct answer: 5 meters

Under Philippine traffic rules, vehicles must be parked at least 5 meters away from an intersection or corner to maintain clear visibility and traffic flow for all road users.

Question 20: How far behind a disabled vehicle should an early warning device be placed on a highway?

Directly behind the vehicle's bumper
4 meters minimum, farther on high-speed roads (Correct answer)
1 meter
It should be placed in front of the vehicle only

Correct answer: 4 meters minimum, farther on high-speed roads

The EWD should be placed at least 4 meters behind, with greater distances on highways.

Question 21: A driver behind you continuously flashes their headlights to pressure you to move faster. The correct response is to:

Speed up to match their preferred pace
Slow down significantly to teach them a lesson
Flash your brake lights to warn them
Maintain your safe speed and move right when safe to allow them to pass (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintain your safe speed and move right when safe to allow them to pass

Yielding to an aggressive driver's pressure by speeding is unsafe and illegal. The correct response is to hold your safe, legal speed and move to the right when it is safe to do so, allowing the aggressive driver to pass.

Question 22: What is the primary purpose of road safety regulations?

To enforce strict penalties
To reduce accidents and injuries (Correct answer)
To increase vehicle speed
To control traffic volume

Correct answer: To reduce accidents and injuries

Road safety regulations aim to protect all road users by preventing accidents and minimizing harm.

Question 23: Which of the following is the most appropriate and courteous way to react to an aggressive driver who is tailgating you?

Increase your speed to create more distance.
Gesture at the driver to back off.
Safely change lanes and let the driver pass. (Correct answer)
Brake suddenly to warn them.

Correct answer: Safely change lanes and let the driver pass.

The safest and most defensive action is to de-escalate the situation. Instead of engaging in aggressive behavior yourself, it is best to remove yourself from the situation by safely moving over and allowing the aggressive driver to pass.

Question 24: Running a red light may result in which penalty?

License revocation
Mandatory court appearance
Verbal warning
Fine and demerit points (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fine and demerit points

Running a red light is a dangerous traffic violation that significantly increases the risk of collisions at intersections. As a consequence, drivers are typically issued a monetary fine. Additionally, demerit points are often added to their driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums or, if accumulated, license suspension, emphasizing the need to obey traffic signals.

Question 25: What is the primary function of the vehicle's alternator?

To start the engine by providing an initial burst of power
To generate electrical current and recharge the battery while the engine runs (Correct answer)
To regulate fuel flow to the engine
To cool the engine by circulating coolant

Correct answer: To generate electrical current and recharge the battery while the engine runs

The alternator is a generator driven by the engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, keeping the battery charged and powering electrical systems while the vehicle is running.

Question 26: What is indicated by a road sign showing two merging arrows?

Two-way traffic begins
Equal priority intersection
Road divides into two lanes
Two lanes merge into one (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two lanes merge into one

The merge sign warns that two lanes are converging into one.

Question 27: What should you regularly check to maintain proper engine lubrication?

Windshield washer fluid
Brake fluid
Engine oil (Correct answer)
Coolant

Correct answer: Engine oil

Engine oil reduces friction and ensures the engine runs smoothly.

Question 28: What should a driver do when an emergency vehicle with its siren and lights activated approaches from behind?

Stop immediately wherever the vehicle is
Speed up to clear the lane quickly
Pull over to the right side of the road and stop (Correct answer)
Continue at the current speed and move slightly left

Correct answer: Pull over to the right side of the road and stop

Drivers must pull over to the right edge of the road and stop to allow emergency vehicles a clear path. Stopping in the middle of the road or speeding up creates additional hazards.

Question 29: A triangular sign with a red border is typically what kind of sign?

Guide Sign
Expressway Sign
Regulatory Sign
Warning Sign (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Warning Sign

In the Philippines, warning signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border. These signs are used to warn motorists of potentially hazardous conditions on or adjacent to the road.

Question 30: Under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (RA 10913), which of the following is prohibited while driving?

Checking the rearview mirror
Talking to passengers
Listening to the car radio
Using a mobile phone to make calls without hands-free device (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using a mobile phone to make calls without hands-free device

RA 10913 prohibits using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving unless a hands-free accessory is used.

Question 31: What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?

The traffic light is broken
Proceed with caution after slowing down (Correct answer)
Yield to all traffic
Stop and wait for green

Correct answer: Proceed with caution after slowing down

A flashing yellow means proceed with caution, slowing down for potential hazards.

Question 32: What is the purpose of a rumble strip on the road?

To indicate a pedestrian crossing ahead
To mark a construction zone
To alert drowsy or inattentive drivers that they are drifting out of their lane (Correct answer)
To indicate a speed zone change

Correct answer: To alert drowsy or inattentive drivers that they are drifting out of their lane

Rumble strips create vibrations and noise to warn drivers who may be drifting due to drowsiness or inattention.

Question 33: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for non-commercial drivers in most US states?

0.05%
0.04%
0.08% (Correct answer)
0.10%

Correct answer: 0.08%

The legal BAC limit for non-commercial drivers in most US states is 0.08%, at which point a driver is considered legally impaired.

Question 34: What is the SIPDE method used in defensive driving?

Signal, Inspect, Proceed, Decelerate, Engage
Steer, Indicate, Position, Decelerate, Evaluate
Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute (Correct answer)
Stop, Inspect, Park, Drive, Exit

Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute

SIPDE stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.

Question 35: What types of vehicles can be driven with a non-professional driver's license?

Only vehicles under 1,000cc
Any vehicle including trucks and buses
Private motor vehicles and motorcycles for personal use (Correct answer)
Only motorcycles

Correct answer: Private motor vehicles and motorcycles for personal use

A non-professional license permits driving private vehicles and motorcycles for personal purposes.

Question 36: How do fatigue and alcohol consumption interact when combined?

Fatigue and alcohol together significantly increase impairment beyond either alone (Correct answer)
Fatigue slows alcohol absorption into the bloodstream
They produce no combined effect beyond what alcohol causes alone
Fatigue cancels out some of the sedative effects of alcohol

Correct answer: Fatigue and alcohol together significantly increase impairment beyond either alone

Fatigue compounds alcohol's sedative effects, making even a low BAC far more dangerous when combined with drowsiness.

Question 37: Which of the following is the safest action when a tire blows out at high speed?

Shift to a lower gear immediately
Turn the steering wheel sharply to the side of the road
Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and gradually pull over (Correct answer)
Slam on the brakes immediately

Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and gradually pull over

Maintaining control of the steering wheel while gradually decelerating is the safest way to handle a blowout.

Question 38: What is the penalty for obstructing traffic such as loading in a no-loading zone?

Only applicable to commercial vehicles
A verbal warning for the first three offenses
No penalty during off-peak hours
A fine and the vehicle may be towed or clamped (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A fine and the vehicle may be towed or clamped

Obstructing traffic results in fines and the vehicle may be towed or clamped.

Question 39: How long is a Philippine non-professional driver's license valid?

5 years (Correct answer)
10 years
It never expires
3 years

Correct answer: 5 years

A non-professional driver's license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Question 40: While driving on a highway, you experience a sudden tire blowout. Which of the following is the correct immediate response?

Accelerate quickly to regain control before pulling over.
Slam on the brakes and steer sharply towards the shoulder.
Grip the steering wheel firmly, avoid braking, and gently ease your foot off the accelerator. (Correct answer)
Immediately turn on your hazard lights and stop in your lane.

Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, avoid braking, and gently ease your foot off the accelerator.

When a tire blows out, the vehicle will pull strongly to one side. The correct response is to maintain control by holding the steering wheel firmly, avoid sudden braking which can cause a spin, and gradually slow down by taking your foot off the gas.

Question 41: If an ambulance with flashing lights and siren is approaching from behind, a driver should:

Ignore it if you are on a multi-lane road
Pull over to the right side of the road and stop (Correct answer)
Stop immediately in the current lane
Speed up to get out of the way faster

Correct answer: Pull over to the right side of the road and stop

Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping.

Question 42: What is the correct procedure when approaching a STOP sign?

Slow down and proceed if no traffic is visible
Come to a complete stop, check for traffic, and proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Honk and proceed slowly
Stop only if pedestrians are in the crosswalk

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, check for traffic, and proceed when safe

A complete stop is required at the stop line, followed by checking for cross traffic.

Question 43: Which dashboard indicator warns of engine overheating?

Oil pressure warning light
Fuel level warning light
Battery charge indicator
Engine temperature gauge or warning light (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Engine temperature gauge or warning light

The engine temperature gauge monitors coolant temperature and alerts when the engine is overheating.

Question 44: What is the legal requirement regarding child car seats?

Recommended but not required
Children can sit in front with a regular seatbelt
Children 12 and under must use a child restraint system appropriate for their size (Correct answer)
Only infants under 1 year need car seats

Correct answer: Children 12 and under must use a child restraint system appropriate for their size

RA 11229 requires children 12 and under to use appropriate child restraint systems.

Question 45: What does the term 'target fixation' mean in the context of defensive driving?

Focusing on your destination on a GPS device
Maintaining a fixed following distance behind one vehicle
The tendency to steer toward whatever you are looking at, including hazards (Correct answer)
Memorizing road signs along your regular route

Correct answer: The tendency to steer toward whatever you are looking at, including hazards

Target fixation is the dangerous tendency for a driver's vehicle to follow their eyes — meaning if you stare at a hazard such as a pothole or barrier, you are likely to steer toward it instead of away from it.

Question 46: What does a blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing right indicate?

Right turn recommended
Mandatory right turn (Correct answer)
One-way street to the right
Right lane ends ahead

Correct answer: Mandatory right turn

A blue circular sign with a directional arrow is a mandatory sign requiring the indicated direction.

Question 47: If your vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing and a train is approaching, what should you do?

Stay in the vehicle and try to restart the engine
Get out and push the vehicle off the tracks
Call 911 and wait in the vehicle
Get out and run toward the approaching train at an angle away from the tracks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Get out and run toward the approaching train at an angle away from the tracks

Running toward the train but at an angle away from the tracks protects you from debris thrown forward.

Question 48: When approaching a pedestrian crossing where someone is waiting to cross, a driver must:

Flash headlights to signal the pedestrian
Speed up to clear the crossing quickly
Honk to warn the pedestrian
Slow down and prepare to stop (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop

Drivers are legally required to slow down and yield to pedestrians at designated crossings.

Question 49: What does the vehicle's timing belt or timing chain do?

It links the steering wheel to the front wheels
It controls the tension on the drive wheels to prevent wheel spin
It connects the engine to the gearbox to transfer torque
It synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so valves open and close at the correct moment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so valves open and close at the correct moment

The timing belt/chain keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in precise synchronisation, ensuring the engine's intake and exhaust valves open and close at exactly the right point in the combustion cycle.

Question 50: What is the primary function of a vehicle's alternator?

To control the air conditioning system
To start the engine
To charge the battery and power electrical systems while the engine runs (Correct answer)
To regulate fuel injection

Correct answer: To charge the battery and power electrical systems while the engine runs

The alternator generates electricity to charge the battery and power electrical systems when the engine is running.

Question 51: If your brakes fail completely while driving downhill, what should you do?

Steer into oncoming traffic to slow down
Turn off the engine immediately
Pump the brake pedal rapidly, downshift to lower gears, and look for a safe area to stop (Correct answer)
Open the car door and drag your foot on the ground

Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal rapidly, downshift to lower gears, and look for a safe area to stop

Pumping may restore partial brake pressure, and downshifting uses engine compression to slow the vehicle.

Question 52: What does a large white triangle painted on the pavement indicate?

Merge area ahead
Pedestrian waiting area
Speed bump ahead
Yield to other traffic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yield to other traffic

A painted triangle (yield marking) indicates drivers must give way to traffic on the intersecting road.

Question 53: What is a 'space cushion' in defensive driving?

The airbag system in the vehicle
The gap between the seat and steering wheel
A safe buffer of space maintained around the vehicle in all directions (Correct answer)
Padding on the dashboard for crash protection

Correct answer: A safe buffer of space maintained around the vehicle in all directions

A space cushion is the clear area maintained around your vehicle that provides time and distance to react.

Question 54: A white inverted triangle (point downward) painted on the road surface means:

Speed bump ahead
Junction merging point
You must give way to traffic on the road you are entering (Correct answer)
Pedestrian crossing ahead

Correct answer: You must give way to traffic on the road you are entering

A white inverted triangle on the pavement is the give-way road marking, reinforcing the requirement for the driver to yield to traffic already on the major road ahead.

Question 55: What should a driver do if they encounter a downed power line on the road?

Drive over the power line quickly
Touch the vehicle's exterior to check for charge
Get out and move the power line
Stay inside the vehicle and call emergency services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay inside the vehicle and call emergency services

A downed power line may be energized, and the vehicle's rubber tires provide insulation.

Question 56: When is it most dangerous to drive in rainy conditions?

During light drizzle
At night only
After heavy rainfall
At the start of the rain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At the start of the rain

The initial rain mixes with oil and dirt on the road, making surfaces slippery.

Question 57: What are the consequences of driving without mandatory third-party liability insurance?

No consequence, insurance is optional
A fine, inability to register, and personal liability for accident damages (Correct answer)
A courtesy notice from the insurance commission
Only needed for commercial vehicles

Correct answer: A fine, inability to register, and personal liability for accident damages

CTPL insurance is mandatory and driving without it results in fines and bars registration renewal.

Question 58: What is the purpose of the LTO's drug testing requirement for license applicants?

To check for medication allergies
To ensure applicants are not drug users who pose a danger on the road (Correct answer)
To check for diabetes
To verify blood type for emergencies

Correct answer: To ensure applicants are not drug users who pose a danger on the road

Drug testing ensures that licensed drivers are not substance abusers who could endanger road safety.

Question 59: Under the LTO's demerit point system for drivers with a 10-year license validity, what is the direct consequence of accumulating 10 or more demerit points?

The driver must pay an additional fee for every point over ten.
The driver will no longer be eligible for a 10-year validity upon their next renewal and will be issued a 5-year license instead. (Correct answer)
The driver's license is immediately suspended for 30 days.
The driver is required to retake the practical driving examination.

Correct answer: The driver will no longer be eligible for a 10-year validity upon their next renewal and will be issued a 5-year license instead.

The 10-year license validity is a privilege for drivers who maintain a clean record. According to the LTO's system, accumulating 10 or more demerit points means the driver has committed multiple violations, making them ineligible for another 10-year license at their next renewal. They will revert to a 5-year validity period.

Question 60: According to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), what is the minimum required distance a vehicle must maintain from a fire hydrant when parking?

6 meters
4 meters (Correct answer)
2 meters
5 meters

Correct answer: 4 meters

Republic Act No. 4136 specifies that no driver shall park a vehicle within four meters of a fire hydrant to ensure emergency services have unobstructed access.

TDC - Theoretical Driving Course Exam

The LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) exam is a mandatory 60-item test in the Philippines that assesses knowledge of road safety, traffic signs, driving rules, and vehicle operation required to obtain a Student Driver's Permit.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

75%

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