Story perspectives

Hong Kong Shifts to Online Ticketing Amid Scalper Crisis

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Hong Kong government halted on-site same-day tickets for test-free driving licence applications because of queueing gangs linked to paid scalpers.
From January 8, applicants must obtain tickets online, with 300 tickets issued daily.
The change follows reports of long queues caused by paid scalpers linked to the Southbound Travel Scheme allowing mainland Chinese vehicles into Hong Kong.
Staff informed them of the updated arrangements and turned them away.

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Story summary

The Hong Kong government halted on-site same-day tickets for test-free driving licence applications because of queueing gangs linked to paid scalpers.
From January 8, applicants must obtain tickets online, with 300 tickets issued daily.
The change follows reports of long queues caused by paid scalpers linked to the Southbound Travel Scheme allowing mainland Chinese vehicles into Hong Kong.
Staff informed them of the updated arrangements and turned them away.