[Driving license test tips] Driving license test process guide | What should I prepare for the driving test? | The procedures and precautions for applying for a formal driver's license

In Hong Kong, anyone aged 18 or above who meets the physical requirements can apply for a driver's license and enjoy the freedom of self-driving. Kwiksure will provide you with a detailed introduction to the driving test process in Hong Kong, the specific steps and precautions for applying for a formal driver's license, for reference by readers who are interested in taking the driving test.

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Procedure for applying for a full driving license

In simple terms, if you want to get a license plate, you must first apply for a learner's driving license (learner's license) and schedule a driving test. The learner's license is valid for 12 months, and the candidate must complete the test before the deadline, otherwise you need to apply for renewal. After passing the written test and road test, you can obtain a provisional driving license (P license). After passing the 12-month mandatory probationary driving period, you can apply for a formal license.

1. Apply for a learner's license and schedule a driving test

Applicants can apply online, apply for a Learner’s Driving License and book a driving test, or prepare the following documents and fees and submit your application by post or in person at the Licensing Office counter:

1. Application form for school license TD555 and driving test application form TD82
   (Note: People aged 70 or above are required to submit a medical examination certificate TD256 at the same time）
2. Learning license fee $548, and appointment test fee $510
3. Identity card (for Hong Kong residents) or passport (for non-Hong Kong residents)
4. Proof of Address

• In person:
  Hong Kong Licensing Office or Kowloon Licensing Office
• Mailing address for application:
  "Kowloon Licensing Office, Transport Department"
  2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon

2. Take the driving test

The driving test is divided into three parts: Part A is a written test, and Part B and Part C are road tests. Candidates must pass all three to be eligible to apply for a provisional driving licence.

Part A: Written test

The written test revolves around knowledge of the Road Users' Code, and candidates must answer 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.

Part B and Part C test: road test

Part B of the test is conducted in an off-road environment, testing the candidates' ability to control the vehicle on a slope, in a parking space and to make a U-turn on a narrow road; Part C of the test is conducted on the road, testing the candidates' ability to control the vehicle on a public road. The Transport Department will assign candidates to a designated driving test center to take the test. When taking the exam, candidates must bring their ID card and school badge and pass a vision test.

3. Apply for a Probationary Driving License

After passing the driving test, you can apply for a probationary driving licence (P license). The P license must be applied for within 3 years from the date of passing the relevant driving test; after obtaining the license, the 12-month mandatory probationary driving period will begin immediately.

Applicants are required to prepare the following documents and fees and submit them by post or at the counter of the Licensing Office:

1. P Plate Application Form TD590
2. Learner’s Driving License
3. Application Fees $90
4. Identity card (for Hong Kong residents) or passport (for non-Hong Kong residents)
5. Proof of Address

4. Apply for a full driving license

After the 12-month mandatory probationary driving period is over, as long as you have not committed any offenses, minor or major road traffic violations, you can apply for a full driver's license with a validity period of 10 years. After obtaining the license plate, you can consider buying your favorite car and car insurance, and drive legally in Hong Kong.

Applicants are required to prepare the following documents and fees and submit them by post or at the counter of the Licensing Office:

• Application Form TD557
  (Note: People aged 70 or above are required to submit a medical examination certificate TD256 at the same time）
• Identity card (for Hong Kong residents) or passport (for non-Hong Kong residents)
• Original copy of driving test form
• Proof of Address
• Cost：
• 60 years and under - $900
• 70 years and older (one-year driver's license) - $90
• 70 years and over (three-year driver's license) - $270
• 60+ to 67 - Fees are calculated differently, see Transport Department website

Things to note when applying for a driver's license

• Applicants must apply for a formal license within 3 years of the expiration of the mandatory probationary driving period, otherwise they will need to retake the driving test.
• For applicants aged 60 or below, the full driver's license is valid for 10 years
• If the applicant is over 60 years old, the driver's license is valid until the day before the applicant turns 70.

Buying car insurance after getting your driver's license

Although P-plate holders can purchase car insurance, insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver and the premium will be relatively high. If you purchase car insurance with a full driver's license, you will be considered a lower risk driver and the premium will be lower. According to Hong Kong Law, all car owners must purchase Third Party Liability Insurance, and you can drive the vehicle on the road.

Frequently asked questions

How to get a full driving license in Hong Kong?

To get a full license, you must first apply for a learner's license, then obtain a P license after a successful test, and then you can get a full driver's license after one year with the P license.

Can I buy car insurance with a P license?

You can buy car insurance with a P license, but the insurance company will regard you as a high-risk driver and the premium will be relatively high. If you buy car insurance with a full driver's license, you will be regarded as a low-risk driver and the premium will be lower.