A valid driving licence is compulsory for anyone driving any type of motor vehicle on the roads in Hong Kong.

Some foreign residents may be able to exchange their foreign driving licence for a Hong Kong one without taking the test.

• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence

Holders of certain foreign licences that may not be exchanged may apply for a temporary licence to allow them to drive until they can take a test. Others, as well as those who don't hold any driver's licence, must apply for a learner's licence before they can take the Hong Kong driving test. Then they must take a driving test in order to qualify for a full Hong Kong driver's licence.

Temporary Driving Licences

A temporary driving licence may be issued if the applicant's overseas driving licence cannot be exchanged. 

• For more information see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence

Learner's Driving Licence

For those who don't already hold a driving licence it is necessary to apply for a learner's driving licence before learning to drive a vehicle. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and be physically fit to drive.

• For information on the requirements regarding physical fitness: Click here

To apply, complete application form TD555 (PDF) available from the Transport Department. The application should be submitted in person or by post to any of the Licensing Offices:

• Hong Kong Licensing Office
  At: 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong
• Kowloon Licensing Office
  At: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
• Licensing Office
  At: 5/F, Kowloon East Government Office, 12 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kowloon
• Sha Tin Licensing Office
  At: 2/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories

Learner drivers must have L-plates fitted to the vehicle. They may only drive at certain times of day with a qualified driving instructor and must not carry passengers.

Prescription glasses should be used if needed to meet the driving test standard, which is the ability to read a vehicle number plate at a distance of 23m in good daylight.

Taking a Driving Test

Applicants should obtain a driving test form TD82 (PDF) available from the Transport Department. This form is valid for 18 months and allows the person to take a driving test. Next, make a driving test appointment. Submit this form to either the Hong Kong or Kowloon Licensing Office by post or in person.

What the Test Involves

It is necessary to pass all parts of a driving test before becoming eligible to apply for a full driving licence. If a candidate fails any section of the test it will be necessary to reapply for a new test form.

• Written test (Part A test) on the Road Users' Code; this is a multiple choice test
• For information on the Road Users' Code prepared by the Transport Department: Click here
• Road test (Part B test and Part C test). Part B may be on- or off-road and tests driving technique. It may be combined with Part C which is an on-road test

To Apply for a Full Driving Licence

A full driving licence must be applied for within three years of passing all parts of the driving test.

Complete application form TD557 (PDF), available from the Transport Department website. Submit it to any licensing office by post or in person. The following documents are needed:

• Hong Kong Identity Card or passport
• original driving test form
• payment for full driving licence
• a medical certificate for applicants aged 70 or above
• For comprehensive information on driving licences from the Hong Kong Transport Department: Click here

Driving Licence Validity

Hong Kong Driving Licences are valid for 10 years then need to be renewed. The Hong Kong Transport Department will send driving licence holders a full driving licence renewal form before the expiry date. Driving licences can be renewed up to four months before the expiry date or within three years following expiry.

• Transport Department Hotline 
  Tel: 2804 2600
  e-mail
• Driving licences can also be renewed online via the Electronic Services Delivery system

Change of address

Holders of a Hong Kong driving licence must inform the Commissioner for Transport in writing of their change of address within 72 hours. Failure to do so will result in a fine. Form TD559 (PDF) can be downloaded from the Transport Department website. Completed forms may taken in person to any of the licensing offices listed above, or sent to:

• Kwun Tong Licensing Office
  At: PO Box 69511, Kwun Tong Post Office, Kowloon

Duplicate Driving Licences

If the driving licence is lost or defaced, report to any of the above licensing offices. A duplicate licence will be issued upon payment of a fee.

Further Information

• The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Road Rules & Driving in Hong Kong
• The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Road Traffic Accidents in Hong Kong
• The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Insuring a Vehicle in Hong Kong
• The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Exchanging a Driving Licence in Hong Kong

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