What you need to know about driving in Hong Kong
Date Posted: 10/11/2021
Hong Kong Drivers
This piece was put together as a guide to show you how to become a driver in Hong Kong, learn to drive, schedule an exam interview, and apply for an exam or a full driver's license.
Learning how to drive in Hong Kong
You can take driving lessons at a government-designated driving school or with a private instructor. There are four designated driving schools in Hong Kong, located in Shatin, Yuen Long, Ap Lei Chau, and Kwun Tong.
The Department of Transportation recommends that novice drivers with no driving experience have at least 30 hours of training before taking the exam.
How to apply for and get a student driver's license
You must apply for a student driver's license before learning to drive a vehicle (except for taxis and special vehicles).
For cars and light vehicles:
- You must be at least eighteen (18) years old; and
- Complete the TD555 application form and send it to any licensing office.
For motorcycles:
- You must be at least eighteen (18) years old;
- Enrol in a specialized driving school to follow compulsory training to acquire the basics of motorcycle driving; and
- Pass the written test and the basic driving test; also
- Complete the TD555 application form and send it to any licensing office.
For commercial vehicles:
- You must be above twenty-one (21) years old;
- Have a valid driver's license to drive a private car or light commercial vehicle for at least one year or have a valid driver's license issued after the end of the probationary period to drive a private car or vehicle light utility vehicle; and
- Complete the TD556 application form and send it to the Ministry of Transport, PO Box no. 79, Shatin Central Post Office.
It is essential to read the other conditions for obtaining a student driver's license, as mentioned in the application form.
Making the appointment for the driving test.
Once the student's driver's license is obtained, one hour will be scheduled for the driving test. Depending on the different classes of vehicles, a driving test may consist of a written test and a driving test (including a basic driving test). You must pass the driving test (every bit of it) before you can apply for a probationary driver's license or a full driver's license.
Request a driving test (non-commercial vehicles)
• You must be at least eighteen years old; and
• Purchase a driving test form by completing the TD82 application form and submitting it to the Kowloon licensing office in person, or through the Hong Kong licensing office, or an agent. You can also send the application form to the Kowloon licensing office.
How to apply for the driving test (commercial vehicles)
- You must be over twenty-one years old;
- Have a valid driver's license to drive a private car or light commercial vehicle for at least one year or have a valid driver's license issued after the end of the probationary period to drive a private car or vehicle.
- You have not been convicted of any traffic violation in the five years immediately preceding the request;
- Have a permanent and valid Hong Kong identity card; or have a Hong Kong identity card (other than a permanent Hong Kong card) but not subject to any residency requirement other than the residency limit, as defined in section 2(1) of the law on immigration; and
- Complete the TD321 application form and mail it to the Ministry of Transport, PO Box No. 79, Shatin Central Post Office.
Not all driving test centres will be open every day, and there are different driving test arrangements for different types of vehicles. If you have questions (as is usually the case) regarding a driving test appointment, you can call the Driving Test Scheduling Office on 2771 7723.
For students with disabilities
If you have a physical disability, you must pass a driving test before applying for the driving test.
How to Apply for a Driving License
Driver's License Exam
Suppose you are applying to take a driving test for a motorcycle, tricycle, passenger car, or light vehicle. In that case, you will only be able to apply for an examination permit after passing the test. You are legally required to pass a 12-month probationary period before you can apply for a full driver's license.
Full driver's license (non-commercial vehicles)
For motorcycles, motor tricycles, passenger cars, or light vehicles, you must apply for a full driver's license for this class within three years of the end of the trial period.
Suppose you have had a full driver's license valid for driving a passenger car for at least three years. You should apply for a full driver's license for light vehicles after acing the driving test of this class without exceeding the duration of the test driving.
Suppose you own a valid driver's license issued after the end of the probationary period to drive a private car for at least two years. In that case, you can apply for a full driver's license for light vehicles after passing the driving test for this class without favouring the probationary period for driving.
Full driver's license (commercial vehicles)
You must apply for a full driver's license within three years of completing all parts of the applicable driving test for commercial vehicles.
Driving and road rules in Hong Kong
Motoring notes on the driving and road use in Hong Kong. An introduction to the dos and don'ts of driving on the roads of Hong Kong: driver's license, speed, parking, and blood alcohol limits.
Rules and Regulations
- A valid driver's license must be displayed on the left side of the windshield.
- All drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
- By law, all drivers must have liability insurance.
- Cars entering secondary roads must give way to traffic on main roads.
- Cars turning right must give way to opposing traffic.
- Left-hand drive (Hong Kong does not allow registration of left-hand drive vehicles in Hong Kong, except under special circumstances)
- Make room for buses and minibuses.
- Overtake on the right unless there is traffic.
- The driver and passengers, front or rear, should wear their seat belts, if applicable. (The driver should not wear a seat belt during manoeuvres such as reversing, three-point turns, or parking)
- The use of mobile phones is prohibited (drivers can use the hands-free system)
- Wearing a helmet is compulsory for motorcyclists.
Please note that Hong Kong and Mainland China have different traffic laws and restrictions. With a vehicle registered in Hong Kong, you will need to have secondary Chinese license plates if the driver wishes to travel to Mainland China. Left-hand drive vehicles in Mainland China are generally not allowed on Hong Kong roads.
Items to be carried in the vehicle and other rules to take note of.
- A valid driver's license should always be with you when driving.
- If necessary, wear glasses to meet the driving test standard (reading a vehicle's license plate at 23 m in good light).
- Inexperienced drivers must have bilingual L-plates installed in the vehicle. They are only required to drive at certain times of the day with the aid of a qualified driving instructor and do not have to carry passengers. Specific routes are prohibited.
- Insurance documents must be in the vehicle.
- Once a car is six years old, it must pass an annual technical inspection test at one of 22 designated car test centres.
- The Hong Kong Department of Transportation recommends using emergency warning triangles, but these are not essential.