Hong Kong Driving Licence Process 2026
Complete Guide from Start to Licence
Understand the seven steps to getting a driving licence, the latest Transport Department waiting times, a full cost breakdown, what Parts A, B and C involve, and test advice to help you plan your learning journey.
📑 Contents
- Driving Licence Process at a Glance
- Step 1: Apply for a Driving Test
- Step 2: Apply for a Learner's Driving Licence
- Step 3: Pass the Part A Written Test
- Step 4: Take Driving Lessons
- Step 5: Pass Part B + the Part C Road Test
- Step 6: Apply for a Probationary Driving Licence (P Licence)
- Step 7: Obtain a Full Driving Licence
- Parts A, B and C Explained
- Latest Driving Test Waiting Times
- All Driving Licence Costs at a Glance
- Driving Test Tips
- Driving Licence Process FAQs
Driving Licence Process at a Glance
Here is an overview of the seven steps from starting out to obtaining a full driving licence. The whole process normally takes around 10–14 months:
Complete TD82 · $510
Complete TD555 · $548
Part A · 20 questions
20–30 lessons
Parts B + C
$90 · 1 year
$900 · 10 years
Apply for a Driving Test (Book the Written Test + Road Test)
The first step in getting a driving licence is to apply to the Transport Department for a driving test. Complete the TD82 form (driving test application form) and pay the $510 application fee. Your written test (Part A) and road test (Part C) will both be scheduled after you apply.
📋 How to Apply
Visit a Transport Department licensing office in person; we recommend 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices. Alternatively, apply online using iAM Smart+. Bring your original identity card and a recent photograph.
💰 Application Fee
$510, covering the application fees for Part A written test, Part B intermediate test and Part C road test. You do not need to pay separately.
📅 Waiting Time
Refer to your assigned test notification for the date. Refer to your assigned test notification for the date, which depends on vehicle type and test centre. Your appointment letter will state the test date and centre.
⚠️ Things to Note
You must be aged 18 or over. Choose your vehicle type when applying: private car, light goods vehicle or motorcycle. You may apply for tests for more than one vehicle type at the same time.
Apply for a Learner's Driving Licence
After applying for your test, you need a learner's driving licence before you can legally learn to drive on the road. Complete TD555 form, for a fee of $548. The learner's licence is valid for one year.
🪪 Using Your Learner's Licence
You must carry your learner's licence during lessons, display L plates on the vehicle and be accompanied by an approved driving instructor. Learning to drive without a learner's licence is illegal.
📝 Documents Required
Original identity card, completed TD555 form and the $548 fee. You can apply at the same time as TD82 to complete both in one visit.
Time-Saving Tip: We recommend applying for the test (TD82) and learner's licence (TD555) on the same day, completing both in one visit to the Transport Department. Bring your original identity card, a recent photograph (may not be needed for an online application) and cash or an Octopus card.
Pass the Part A Written Test
Once you receive your assigned test date and notification, you can take Part A. It is a computer-based test with 20 multiple-choice questions, each with three options. Answer at least 16 correctly to pass.
📖 Test Content
Traffic signs and road markings, the Road Users' Code, general driving knowledge and safety. Most questions are based on the Road Users' Code.
⏱️ Test Format
Computer-based, with 20 multiple-choice questions and a 20-minute time limit. Results are immediate. After passing, you will receive a road test appointment letter.
📍 Written Test Centres
Pui Ching Road Driving Test Centre (Ho Man Tin) and Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices. Tests take place from Tuesday to Thursday; attend at the time specified in your appointment letter.
📱 How to Revise
Use a free mock written test app; search for “香港駕駛筆試” (Hong Kong driving written test). Repeated practice should be enough to pass, and most people need only 2–3 days of revision.
No Written Test Classes Needed: The written test is relatively simple, and practice with a free app is enough. There is no need to pay for a written test course; it is more practical to save that money for on-road driving lessons.
Take Driving Lessons
After passing the written test, you can begin driving lessons. The Transport Department recommends at least 30 hours of on-road practice (around 40 lessons × 45 minutes). You can choose Private Instructors or Driving Schools for your driving lessons.
| Learning option | Cost per lesson | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌟 APASS (Private Instructors) | From $300 per lesson | Pay per lesson, one-to-one throughout, flexible scheduling | Learn more → |
| Designated Driving School | $172–$492 per lesson | Structured courses, CEF eligibility and internal test scheduling | Compare driving schools → |
| Continuing Education Fund (CEF) | Out-of-pocket cost from $5,024 | Government funding up to $25,000 | CEF guide → |
Complete your lessons while waiting for the test. Refer to the latest waiting-time information for the road test, and use this period to practise rather than cramming just before the test. We recommend 1–2 lessons a week; spreading out your practice gives the best results.
Pass Part B + the Part C Road Test
On your road test date, you need to pass Part B (intermediate / manoeuvring test) and Part C (road test). For private cars and light goods vehicles, Parts B and C are usually held on the same day as a combined test.
🅱️ Part B (Intermediate Test)
Manoeuvres such as parallel parking and turning in a narrow road (three-point turn), performed within the test grounds. You must pass Part B before proceeding to Part C.
🅿️ Part C (Road Test)
Driving on public roads, with an examiner assessing your skills. You leave the test centre, follow a specified route and return. It generally takes around 20 minutes.
🚗 Test Vehicle Hire Fee
You need to hire a driving instruction vehicle for the test. Private instructors charge $2,100–$2,500, usually including a pre-test warm-up lesson.
❌ What If You Fail?
You can reapply for a retest ($510), taking only the part you have not passed. We recommend 3–5 extra lessons before trying again. For retest scheduling, see Driving Test Waiting Times page.
Apply for a Probationary Driving Licence (P Licence)
After passing the road test, you can apply to the Transport Department on the same day for a probationary driving licence, commonly called a P licence. The fee is $90, and the P licence is valid for 1 year.
🅿️ P Licence Rules
During the probationary period, display a P plate on the front windscreen. You cannot act as the accompanying qualified driver for another learner. Any disqualification record may extend your probationary period.
📝 How to Apply
Visit a licensing office on the day you pass, bringing your road test pass notification, original identity card and $90 fee. You can also apply by post.
Obtain a Full Driving Licence 🎉
After holding a P licence for one year, you can obtain a full driving licence. The fee is $900, valid for 10 years. Congratulations on becoming a fully licensed driver!
📝 How to Obtain It
Apply in person at a licensing office, by post, or online through iAM Smart. Submit a copy of your identity card, your original P licence and the $900 fee.
⏰ When to Apply
You can apply within four months before your P licence expires. We recommend applying early to avoid driving illegally after it expires.
Parts A, B and C Explained
The driving test has three parts, all of which you must pass before getting your licence:
Part A (Written Test)
Written Test
- 20 multiple-choice questions (three options)
- 20-minute time limit
- Computer-based with instant results
- Traffic signs and road markings
- Road Users' Code
- General driving knowledge and safety
Part B (Intermediate Test)
Intermediate / manoeuvring test
- Parallel parking
- Turning in a narrow road (three-point turn)
- Hill start
- Within the test grounds
- For private cars / light goods vehicles
- Motorcycles take the “competence test”
Part C (road test)
Road Test
- Driving test on public roads
- Start at the test centre and follow a specified route
- Around 20 minutes
- Turning, changing lanes, parking and more
- Only after passing Part B
- After passing, you can apply for a P licence
Latest Test Waiting Times
Below are the Transport Department's latest published driving test waiting times for candidates outside designated driving schools. Actual waiting times are updated daily:
Refer to the shared waiting-time section for the source and data date.
Waiting times vary by test type and region. Please refer to the shared waiting-time information on this page.
All Driving Licence Costs at a Glance
Here is a breakdown of all costs from starting out to obtaining a full licence, including Transport Department and driving lesson fees:
| Cost item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📋 Transport Department Fees (Compulsory) | ||
| Driving test application fee | $510 | TD82 form; includes written test + Parts B and C |
| Learner's licence fee | $548 | TD555 form; valid for one year |
| P licence (probationary driving licence) | $90 | Apply after passing the road test; valid for one year |
| full driving licence | $900 | Obtain after one year on a P licence; valid for ten years |
| Transport Department fees subtotal | $2,048 | Government fees from application to full licence |
| 🚗 Driving Lesson Costs (Depending on Your Choice) | ||
| Private instructor lessons (×20 lessons) | $6,000 - $9,000 | $300–$450 per lesson × 20 lessons |
| Test Vehicle Hire | $2,100 - $2,500 | Hire of an instruction vehicle on road test day |
| Total cost from starting out to full licence | $10,148 - $13,548 | Based on 20 lessons with a private instructor |
* Each road test retake costs approximately $3,500–$5,300 extra: $510 application + $2,100–$2,500 vehicle hire + extra lessons.
Driving Test Tips
Want a better chance of passing first time? These six tips will help you prepare thoroughly:
1️⃣ Start Practising Early
Waiting times vary by test category and district. Please refer to the latest shared test waiting-time information.
2️⃣ Get to Know the Test Routes
Cover the common routes near your test centre with your instructor, remembering junctions, traffic lights and places where marks are easily lost. APASS instructors' will give you targeted practice.
3️⃣ Focus on Part B Practice
Practise parallel parking and three-point turns until you can perform them consistently every time. If you fail Part B, you cannot take Part C, wasting the day's appointment.
4️⃣ Arrange a Pre-Test Warm-Up Lesson
Have a lesson near the test centre before your road test to warm up and get used to the traffic conditions. The test vehicle hire fee usually includes this lesson.
5️⃣ Stay Calm and Listen to Instructions
The examiner will give clear directions; simply follow them. Do not let nerves overwhelm you. If you do not hear clearly, politely ask them to repeat the instruction.
6️⃣ Watch for Common Reasons for Failure
Insufficient mirror checks, not signalling, speeding, crossing boundary lines and failing to give way at zebra crossings are the most common reasons for deductions or failure. Build good habits during your lessons.