TDC - Theoretical Driving Course Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An applicant wishes to upgrade their Non-Professional Driver's License to a Professional Driver's License. Which of the following is a key additional requirement specific to this upgrade?

A written recommendation from an employer
NBI or Police Clearance (Correct answer)
A new Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificate
Proof of vehicle ownership

Correct answer: NBI or Police Clearance

To upgrade to a Professional Driver's License, which authorizes driving as a means of livelihood, the LTO requires applicants to submit either a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or a Police Clearance to verify their criminal record.

Question 2: You are assembling a roadside emergency kit for your vehicle. Which of the following items is required by Philippine law for all motor vehicles (except motorcycles)?

A comprehensive first-aid kit.
A portable fire extinguisher.
Jumper cables.
An Early Warning Device (EWD). (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An Early Warning Device (EWD).

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an Early Warning Device (EWD) is a mandatory accessory for all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and tricycles, and must be carried at all times.

Question 3: A pedestrian is crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, but there is no traffic light. As a driver, what is the proper action?

Honk to alert the pedestrian of your presence.
Slow down and proceed with caution.
Continue at your current speed as vehicles have priority.
Stop and give the right-of-way to the pedestrian. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop and give the right-of-way to the pedestrian.

Traffic laws mandate that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This is a crucial aspect of road courtesy and safety, acknowledging the pedestrian's right to cross safely.

Question 4: When driving through a school zone, which of the following actions is required?

Only slow down if you see children on the road
Reduce speed to the posted school zone limit and watch for children (Correct answer)
Maintain the posted highway speed limit
Honk your horn to warn children

Correct answer: Reduce speed to the posted school zone limit and watch for children

School zones have reduced speed limits that must be observed during posted hours.

Question 5: What does a yellow curb marking indicate?

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

Correct answer: Loading and unloading zone for brief stops only

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

Question 6: What is the clutch pedal used for in a manual transmission vehicle?

To activate cruise control
To disengage the engine from the transmission for gear changes (Correct answer)
To apply the parking brake
To adjust seat position

Correct answer: To disengage the engine from the transmission for gear changes

Pressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the transmission for smooth gear shifts.

Question 7: What does the power steering system do?

Automatically steers the vehicle
Reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel (Correct answer)
Prevents the steering wheel from locking
Increases top speed

Correct answer: Reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel

Power steering uses hydraulic or electric assistance to make turning the wheel easier.

Question 8: Which of the following is the safest action when a tire blows out at high speed?

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

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 9: Which of the following is considered illegal parking according to Philippine traffic laws?

Parking in a designated parking bay.
Parking on the right-hand shoulder of a highway in an emergency.
Parking on a sidewalk or pedestrian crosswalk. (Correct answer)
Parking more than 6 meters away from a fire hydrant.

Correct answer: Parking on a sidewalk or pedestrian crosswalk.

Republic Act No. 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, explicitly prohibits parking on sidewalks and crosswalks as it obstructs pedestrian traffic and creates safety hazards.

Question 10: Why should drivers avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot?

It wastes fuel
It is illegal in all situations
Blind spots only exist on trucks
The other driver may not see you and could change lanes into your vehicle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The other driver may not see you and could change lanes into your vehicle

Lingering in a blind spot means the other driver may not be aware of your presence.

Question 11: Which lane should you use for normal driving on a multi-lane highway?

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

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

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)
At least 1 meter from the front and rear of the vehicle.
Only at the rear of the vehicle, about 10 meters away.

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 13: As a courteous and defensive driver sharing the road with cyclists, what is a key responsibility?

Assuming they will yield to faster-moving vehicles.
Expecting them to always stay on the sidewalk.
Honking to let them know you are about to pass.
Giving them sufficient space or clearance when overtaking. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Giving them sufficient space or clearance when overtaking.

Motor vehicles must provide ample space when passing cyclists, who are vulnerable road users. LTO guidelines suggest a minimum clearance to prevent accidents caused by wind draft or misjudgment.

Question 14: What penalty does a driver face for using an expired vehicle registration?

No penalty if expired less than a month ago
Automatic license suspension for 6 months
Only a verbal warning from the LTO
Fine plus prohibition from driving until registration is renewed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fine plus prohibition from driving until registration is renewed

Operating with expired registration results in a fine and the vehicle cannot be legally operated until properly registered.

Question 15: What is the meaning of a circular sign with a red border and a white center?

Warning sign
Roadwork ahead
Information sign
Prohibition or restriction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Prohibition or restriction

Circular signs with a red border and a white center are standard regulatory signs used to indicate prohibitions or restrictions. The specific symbol inside the circle dictates what is forbidden, such as 'No Entry' or 'No U-Turn.' This design helps drivers quickly understand what actions are not permitted on that particular road section, ensuring compliance with traffic rules.

Question 16: When is it most dangerous to drive in rainy conditions?

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

Correct answer: At the start of the rain

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

Question 17: Under the seatbelt law, which occupants of a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts?

No one, seatbelts are optional
The driver and front passenger only
Only the driver
All occupants in seats equipped with seatbelts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All occupants in seats equipped with seatbelts

RA 8750 requires all vehicle occupants in seats with seatbelts to wear them.

Question 18: Which of the following is considered illegal parking at all times?

Parking in a designated loading/unloading zone
Double parking (Correct answer)
Parking in front of a school during class hours
Parking on a wide residential street

Correct answer: Double parking

Double parking, which is parking on the roadway side of any vehicle already stopped or parked at the curb, is strictly prohibited as it obstructs the flow of traffic and poses a significant safety hazard.

Question 19: A round blue sign with a white bicycle symbol means:

Bicycle rental nearby
Warning: cyclists on road
Bicycle parking area
Bicycle lane for cyclists only (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bicycle lane for cyclists only

A blue circular sign with a bicycle symbol designates a mandatory bicycle lane.

Question 20: If your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road, what is the correct technique to regain control?

Apply the handbrake firmly to stop the skid
Accelerate to pull the front wheels out of the skid
Steer in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)
Steer in the opposite direction of the skid and brake hard

Correct answer: Steer in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator

Counter-steering into the skid (turning into the direction the rear is sliding) and releasing the accelerator helps realign the vehicle's direction without causing it to spin further.

Question 21: Which of the following methods can accelerate the elimination of alcohol from your body?

Eating a large meal
Vigorous physical exercise
Drinking strong coffee
None of the above — only time allows the body to eliminate alcohol (Correct answer)

Correct answer: None of the above — only time allows the body to eliminate alcohol

The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fixed rate of about one standard drink per hour; no food, exercise, or stimulant can speed up this biological process.

Question 22: What should a driver do when encountering heavy fog while driving?

Use low beam headlights and reduce speed significantly (Correct answer)
Pull over immediately and wait for the fog to clear
Drive at normal speed but stay in the center lane
Turn on high beam headlights for maximum visibility

Correct answer: Use low beam headlights and reduce speed significantly

Low beam headlights reduce glare in fog while still illuminating the road ahead.

Question 23: A driver installs an aftermarket muffler on their car that produces excessively loud noise, violating established standards. This falls under which LTO violation category?

Driving an Unregistered Vehicle
Unauthorized/Improper/Defective Accessories, Devices, Equipment, and Parts (Correct answer)
Obstruction of Traffic
Reckless Driving

Correct answer: Unauthorized/Improper/Defective Accessories, Devices, Equipment, and Parts

The LTO has specific regulations against unauthorized modifications. Installing an excessively loud muffler is a violation categorized under defective or unauthorized accessories, which carries a fine of P5,000.

Question 24: What is the penalty for colorum (unauthorized public transport) operations?

A warning letter from LTO
Loss of voting rights
Fines, impoundment of vehicle, and possible criminal charges (Correct answer)
Transfer of vehicle ownership to the government

Correct answer: Fines, impoundment of vehicle, and possible criminal charges

Operating a colorum vehicle is a serious violation resulting in heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal prosecution.

Question 25: Which system is primarily responsible for slowing down and stopping a moving vehicle?

The braking system (Correct answer)
The transmission system
The engine
The exhaust system

Correct answer: The braking system

The braking system is specifically designed to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy (motion) into heat through friction, which slows the wheels' rotation and brings the vehicle to a stop.

Question 26: How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely?

It has no measurable effect below 0.08% BAC
It improves reaction time at low doses
It only affects peripheral vision
It impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time

Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination, all of which are critical for safe driving.

Question 27: What does the term 'defensive driving' primarily mean?

Anticipating potential hazards and adjusting driving to prevent accidents (Correct answer)
Following the vehicle ahead as closely as possible
Driving aggressively to protect your right of way
Driving slowly at all times regardless of conditions

Correct answer: Anticipating potential hazards and adjusting driving to prevent accidents

Defensive driving involves proactively scanning for hazards and adjusting behavior to reduce risk.

Question 28: Under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (RA 10913), which of the following actions is illegal for a driver to perform while their vehicle is temporarily stopped at a red traffic light?

Sending a text message from a mobile phone. (Correct answer)
Listening to the car radio.
Speaking to a passenger.
Adjusting the car's air conditioning.

Correct answer: Sending a text message from a mobile phone.

RA 10913 explicitly prohibits the use of mobile communication devices for texting or calling not only when the vehicle is in motion but also when it is temporarily stopped at a traffic light or intersection.

Question 29: How far behind a disabled vehicle should an early warning device be placed on a highway?

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

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 30: What does a flashing red traffic light require a driver to do?

Yield to oncoming traffic only
Slow down and proceed with caution
Stop and wait for the light to turn green
Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light is treated the same as a STOP sign: the driver must come to a complete stop, check for cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Question 31: What is the recommended following distance when driving at highway speeds in good weather conditions?

2 seconds
3 seconds (Correct answer)
5 seconds
1 second

Correct answer: 3 seconds

The 3-second following distance rule provides adequate reaction time and braking distance at highway speeds in normal conditions.

Question 32: What should a driver do before opening the car door when parked alongside a road?

Honk the horn to warn others
Open the door only a few inches and wait
Check mirrors and look behind for approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians (Correct answer)
Open the door quickly to minimize time exposed to traffic

Correct answer: Check mirrors and look behind for approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians

Checking for approaching traffic prevents dooring accidents that can injure cyclists and pedestrians.

Question 33: Which action is the safest choice when you plan to consume alcohol?

Drink coffee beforehand to counteract the effects
Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service (Correct answer)
Take a cold shower before driving to sober up faster
Eat a large meal and wait 30 minutes before driving

Correct answer: Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service

Designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service is the only fully safe option, as no food, coffee, or shower eliminates alcohol impairment.

Question 34: When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who has the right of way?

The vehicle traveling at a higher speed
The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
The vehicle on the left
The larger vehicle

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

At an uncontrolled intersection when vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right — this is the 'yield to the right' rule.

Question 35: A road sign showing a truck on a slope indicates:

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

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 36: You are involved in a minor fender-bender in a busy intersection with no apparent injuries. What should you do to avoid causing major traffic congestion?

If the vehicles are drivable, and after taking quick photos, move them to the side of the road before exchanging information. (Correct answer)
Get out and start arguing with the other driver about who is at fault.
Immediately drive away from the scene to find a police station.
Leave the vehicles in place and wait for the police to arrive, no matter how long it takes.

Correct answer: If the vehicles are drivable, and after taking quick photos, move them to the side of the road before exchanging information.

In minor, non-injury accidents, the priority after ensuring safety is to avoid obstructing traffic. Authorities like the MMDA encourage drivers to quickly document the scene with photos and then move vehicles to a safe location on the shoulder or side road to exchange details and wait for assistance, thus clearing the roadway.

Question 37: What is the legal requirement regarding child car seats?

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

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

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

Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop

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

Question 39: What is the consequence of tampering with a vehicle's odometer reading?

Warranty voiding only
A warning from the manufacturer
No specific penalty
Fraud charges with criminal and administrative penalties (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fraud charges with criminal and administrative penalties

Odometer tampering is fraud and can result in criminal charges.

Question 40: Which of the following is the most common cause of road accidents in the Philippines?

Animal crossings
Mechanical failure
Human error and reckless driving (Correct answer)
Poor road conditions

Correct answer: Human error and reckless driving

Studies consistently show that human error accounts for the vast majority of road accidents.

Question 41: What is the purpose of a field sobriety test administered by law enforcement?

To measure the speed at which a driver was traveling
To verify a driver's knowledge of traffic laws
To determine whether a driver is impaired due to alcohol or drugs (Correct answer)
To test a driver's vision acuity

Correct answer: To determine whether a driver is impaired due to alcohol or drugs

Field sobriety tests are standardized physical and cognitive tests used by officers to assess whether a driver is impaired.

Question 42: A driver is caught operating a motor vehicle with an expired registration for more than 90 days. What is the most likely consequence?

Suspension of the driver's license only
A verbal warning from the traffic enforcer
Impoundment of the vehicle and a fine (Correct answer)
Required attendance at a defensive driving seminar

Correct answer: Impoundment of the vehicle and a fine

Operating a vehicle with an expired registration beyond the grace period subjects the vehicle to impoundment and the owner to fines, as the vehicle is considered unregistered and illegal to operate on public roads.

Question 43: Which of the following can result in license confiscation on the spot?

Failure to wear a seatbelt
Parking in a no-parking zone
Driving under the influence of alcohol (Correct answer)
Using a mobile phone while stopped at a red light

Correct answer: Driving under the influence of alcohol

DUI is a serious offense that allows traffic enforcers to confiscate the driver's license immediately.

Question 44: You are approaching an intersection without any traffic signals or signs. Another vehicle is approaching from your right at the same time. Which of the following actions should you take?

Yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right. (Correct answer)
Accelerate to pass the intersection first.
Stop and flash your headlights to signal the other driver to go.
Maintain your speed and assume the other driver will stop.

Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right.

In the Philippines, at an intersection without traffic controls, the vehicle approaching from the right has the right-of-way if both vehicles arrive at the same time. This rule prevents confusion and potential collisions.

Question 45: What precaution should be taken when parking and leaving a vehicle unattended?

Leave headlights on so the vehicle is visible
Engage parking brake, turn off engine, lock doors, and take the keys (Correct answer)
Leave the engine running for quick departure
Leave windows open for ventilation

Correct answer: Engage parking brake, turn off engine, lock doors, and take the keys

Securing the vehicle prevents theft, unauthorized use, and accidental movement.

Question 46: 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
Flash your brake lights to warn them
Maintain your safe speed and move right when safe to allow them to pass (Correct answer)
Slow down significantly to teach them a lesson

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 47: What does the acronym ABS stand for in vehicle safety systems?

Automatic Braking System
Auxiliary Brake Support
Anti-lock Braking System (Correct answer)
Advanced Balance Stabilizer

Correct answer: Anti-lock Braking System

ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

Question 48: What is the proper way to change a flat tire on the roadside?

Ask other drivers to push the car to a tire shop
Remove the flat tire before positioning the jack
Jack up the car first, then loosen the lug nuts
Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the tire is on the ground, then jack up the car (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the tire is on the ground, then jack up the car

Loosening the lug nuts while the tire is on the ground prevents the wheel from spinning freely.

Question 49: What should a defensive driver do when approaching a green traffic light that has been green for a long time?

Maintain speed since the light is green
Prepare to stop as the light may change to yellow soon (Correct answer)
Speed up to get through before it changes
Flash headlights to warn other drivers

Correct answer: Prepare to stop as the light may change to yellow soon

A stale green light may change at any moment, so defensive drivers should be prepared to stop.

Question 50: You see a curb painted yellow. What does this generally signify regarding parking?

Parking is allowed for a limited time.
This is a designated parking zone for commercial vehicles.
Stopping or parking is prohibited. (Correct answer)
Parking is allowed for persons with disabilities.

Correct answer: Stopping or parking is prohibited.

A yellow-painted curb indicates a no-stopping or parking zone. This is often used in areas where a clear way is needed, such as in bus or PUJ lanes, to prevent any obstruction.

Question 51: What does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) do?

Repairs flat tires automatically
Monitors tire alignment
Alerts the driver of low tire pressure (Correct answer)
Adjusts tire pressure during driving

Correct answer: Alerts the driver of low tire pressure

The TPMS warns the driver when tire pressure drops below safe levels.

Question 52: A driver should check their mirrors:

Only when they hear a horn behind them
Only when changing lanes
Regularly every 5-8 seconds while driving (Correct answer)
Only before making a turn

Correct answer: Regularly every 5-8 seconds while driving

Regular mirror checks every 5-8 seconds help maintain situational awareness of surrounding traffic.

Question 53: Which LTO restriction code is assigned to a driver authorized to operate motor vehicles with automatic transmission only?

Restriction Code 2
Restriction Code 8 (Correct answer)
Restriction Code 1
Restriction Code 5

Correct answer: Restriction Code 8

Restriction Code 8 is the LTO designation that limits a driver to vehicles equipped with automatic transmission. This code is commonly issued to applicants who completed their practical driving course on an automatic vehicle.

Question 54: What does the vehicle’s odometer measure?

Fuel efficiency
Speed
Distance traveled (Correct answer)
Engine temperature

Correct answer: Distance traveled

The odometer records the total distance a vehicle has driven.

Question 55: What types of vehicles can be driven with a non-professional driver's license?

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

Correct answer: Private motor vehicles and motorcycles for personal use

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

Question 56: What is the move over law?

Vehicles must move right for emergency vehicles
Only applies to commercial vehicles
Change lanes or slow down when passing stopped emergency or roadside assistance vehicles (Correct answer)
Moving out of the passing lane

Correct answer: Change lanes or slow down when passing stopped emergency or roadside assistance vehicles

Drivers should change lanes or reduce speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles and roadside workers.

Question 57: What does a red circle sign with a white horizontal bar in the centre indicate?

Stop and give way
No entry for all vehicles (Correct answer)
Road narrows ahead
Speed limit ahead

Correct answer: No entry for all vehicles

A red circle with a white horizontal bar is the universal 'No Entry' sign, meaning vehicles must not enter the road or lane in that direction.

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

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

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: When driving on a road with a designated bicycle lane, motor vehicles must:

Share the bicycle lane during peak hours
Use the bicycle lane when traffic is heavy
Never drive in or obstruct the bicycle lane (Correct answer)
Park in the bicycle lane for brief stops

Correct answer: Never drive in or obstruct the bicycle lane

Motor vehicles are prohibited from driving in, parking in, or obstructing bicycle lanes.

Question 60: What does a Breathalyzer device measure when used during a traffic stop?

The driver's level of fatigue
Blood pressure and heart rate
Blood alcohol concentration estimated through exhaled breath (Correct answer)
The presence of illegal drugs in the body

Correct answer: Blood alcohol concentration estimated through exhaled breath

A Breathalyzer estimates BAC by measuring the concentration of alcohol in exhaled breath, which correlates with blood alcohol levels.

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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