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Surge in Test-Free Driving Licences Floods Hong Kong

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Hong Kong Transport Department sees a surge in demand for test-free driving licences, rising from 27,000 in 2021 to over 84,000 last year.
The increase follows the launch of a southbound scheme for Guangdong drivers entering Hong Kong.
On a Monday, over 1,000 people applied for 300 daily slots within 30 minutes of opening.
The department imposes stricter identification to curb queuing, but has not upgraded the online system.

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Story summary

The Hong Kong Transport Department sees a surge in demand for test-free driving licences, rising from 27,000 in 2021 to over 84,000 last year.
The increase follows the launch of a southbound scheme for Guangdong drivers entering Hong Kong.
On a Monday, over 1,000 people applied for 300 daily slots within 30 minutes of opening.
The department imposes stricter identification to curb queuing, but has not upgraded the online system.