The government's Continuing Education Fund (CEF) has recently increased its subsidy to HK$25,000, and covers driving courses from the Hong Kong School of Motoring, Lee Kin Driving School, and the Container Transportation Employee General Union. After deducting the subsidy amount, learners only need to pay around HK$5,000 to HK$6,000. In this article, Kwiksure compares the course content, number of lessons, graduation requirements, and fees of these three schools. We’ll also explain the application process for the Continuing Education Fund and provide a brief introduction to the driving courses of two non-CEF schools, A1 Driving School and Hung Chun Driving School, for your reference.

CEF Driving Courses: Course Quotas and Fees

Eligibility for the CEF for Learning to Drive

• Must be a Hong Kong resident.
• Age between 18 and 70 years old.
• Must have enrolled in an eligible course and paid the full tuition fee.
• Should not have previously enrolled in the same course, learning module, or earned credits.
• Must not have received other public funds or subsidies for the same course under other publicly funded schemes.
• Must submit the application within one year of completing the course.
  

CEF for Learning to Drive: Subsidy Calculation Method

Here’s how the subsidy amount is calculated under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) for driving courses:

For the first HK$10,000 of the course fee, the co-payment ratio is 20%.

For the remaining HK$15,000, the co-payment ratio is 40%.

CEF for Learning to Drive: Required Documents and Application Process

Required Documents

• Application form stamped by the institution/training organization.
• Copy of ID card.
• Copies of required documents (proof of payment for the course, proof of successful completion of the funded course).
• Bank statement with the applicant's name, account number, and bank name.

Electronic Application

The application can be completed and submitted online through the "GovHK" platform (must be submitted within one year after completing the course).

After successfully submitting the application form and required documents online, print the application form and sign the declaration in Part D, or print the application form signed digitally using "iAM Smart," and submit it to the training institution for certification of successful course completion.

The signed and stamped original application form must be submitted to the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency within one month of submitting the online application form.

Paper Application

The SFO 313 (2022) form can be obtained from District Offices or downloaded online. The completed form and required documents must be mailed or submitted in person to the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency.

CEF for Learning to Drive: Payment and Refund Procedures

For example, using the Hong Kong School of Motoring Private Car Driving Certificate Course

1. On the day of enrollment: Pay the first installment of the tuition fee (HK$1,588), the car rental for the Transport Department driving test (HK$2,200), and the exam form fee (HK$510), totaling HK$4,289.
2. Second to 12th month after enrollment: Pay the second to 12th installments of the tuition fee (HK$1,588 per installment), totaling HK$17,468.
3. Before starting driving practice (about 4 months before the exam): Pay the learner's license fee (HK$548).
4. Within one year after passing the driving test: Apply for a refund from the Continuing Education Fund. You will receive a notification letter of the application result within about six to eight weeks, and the amount will be credited to the applicant's designated account. Based on the maximum subsidy amount of HK$25,000, you can receive a refund of HK$13,934.

Non-CEF Driving Courses: Automatic Transmission Courses

What If I Fail to Pass the Course Under the CEF?

If you fail the driving test and cannot complete the course, you can still apply for the CEF if you retake and pass the test within two years.

Reviews of the CEF Driving Courses

While obtaining a driving license through the CEF is attractive, as it only costs a few thousand dollars, most reviews of the fund's driving courses are not very optimistic. This is because you must successfully obtain a driving license to receive the subsidy.

In fact, passing the driving test in Hong Kong is quite challenging. According to the Transport Department, the current waiting time for a private car combined test is about 240 days, and the pass rate for the private car combined test in Hong Kong stands at only 30%. It is not easy to pass the test on the first try and then apply for the CEF.

The driving certificate courses recognized by the CEF include more theory lessons than general driving courses. Some who have successfully applied mentioned that it has its benefits: "You can focus more on listening to the theory in class; it's hard to remember everything while driving and listening at the same time."

Important Notes about the CEF Driving Courses

1. After successfully passing the Transport Department's driving test, learners must also pass their institution’s final written and practical exams, which cover skills and rules for driving on expressways, roundabouts, tunnels, and curves. Only then can they apply for the CEF subsidy.
2. Not all branches of driving schools offering CEF-approved courses provide these specific programs. For example, the Hong Kong School of Motoring’s CEF courses are only available at the Sha Tin and Yuen Long branches. Make sure to check the availability before enrolling.
3. CEF-approved driving courses have limited slots, and popular driving schools may fill up quickly. It’s advisable to inquire about available spaces to avoid disappointments.
4. The CEF subsidy only applies to course fees. Additional costs such as car rental for exams and Transport Department test form fees are not covered by the CEF.
5. CEF-approved driving courses include many theory classes, unlike non-CEF courses, which focus mainly on practical learning on the road. When enrolling, choose a course that matches your preferred learning style.