Frequently Asked Driving Questions FAQ

The full process has 7 steps: (1) register with the Transport Department ($510) → (2) apply for a learner's licence ($548) → (3) take the written test (Part A) → (4) find an instructor and take driving lessons → (5) take Part B (parallel parking and three-point turn) → (6) take the Part C road test → (7) apply for a probationary driving licence (P licence, $90). If everything goes smoothly, it takes about 5-6 months from registration to obtaining your licence. For detailed instructions and tips for each step, see Getting a Driving Licence page.

We generally recommend at least 20-25 lessons (45 minutes each), equivalent to around 15-19 hours of on-road practice. Complete beginners may need 25-30 lessons. The Transport Department recommends at least 30 hours of on-road practice. It usually takes 3-5 months from your first lesson to the test, depending on how many lessons you take each week. We recommend at least 1-2 lessons a week to maintain your skills.

A learner's driving licence is a document you must hold while learning to drive. It is valid for 1 year and costs $548. You must reapply and pay again if it expires. Display it prominently in the vehicle during on-road practice. You can apply online through GovHK.

A P licence is a probationary driving licence ($90), valid for 3 years. During the probationary period, you must display P plates at the front and rear of your vehicle. The main differences from a full licence are a lower speed limit on expressways (70km/h) and a stricter driving-offence points limit. After the probationary period, you can apply for a full driving licence ($900 for 10 years).

It depends on the severity. When registering, you must pass the Transport Department's colour vision test (identifying red, green and amber traffic lights). People with mild colour vision deficiency can usually pass; those with severe colour blindness may not. If you fail the first test, you can request another test using a colour vision testing instrument specified by the Transport Department. Consider an initial assessment at an eye clinic.

For 20 private-car lessons with a private instructor, the total cost is approximately $9,158 - $12,558: Transport Department fees of $1,058 (test registration $510 + learner's licence $548) + lesson fees of $6,000-$9,000 ($300-$450 per lesson × 20 lessons) + test vehicle hire of $2,100-$2,500 + P licence application of $90. If you pass first time, that is the total cost. Each retest adds $3,500-$5,260. For a detailed breakdown, see Complete Driving Cost Guide.

The average market rate in 2026 is $300-$450 per lesson (each lesson lasts 45 minutes), with a minimum session of 90 minutes (2 lessons). Actual prices vary by instructor experience, location and vehicle type. Hong Kong Island generally costs $20-$50 more per lesson than Kowloon and the New Territories. Light goods vehicle and private-car lesson prices are similar. For details, see Private Driving Instructors.

Test vehicle hire generally costs $2,100-$2,500 and usually includes a 45-minute to 1-hour warm-up lesson before the test. Your instructor will take you around the test route once and practise parking and turning. Hire charges may vary slightly between instructors, so check before registering.

Private instructors are much cheaper. A private instructor costs around $9,158-$12,558 (20 lessons), while driving school packages cost $10,500-$20,000+. School packages usually include only 15 basic lessons, giving you less actual driving time than with a private instructor. However, you must enrol through a designated driving school to use the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). For a detailed comparison, see Where Should I Learn to Drive? and Driving Lesson Costs.

The total cost of one retest is approximately $3,510-$5,260: re-registration $510 + 3-5 refresher lessons $900-$2,250 + test vehicle hire $2,100-$2,500. Passing first time is therefore the most economical option. Avoid cutting practice lessons just to save money: a retest costs far more than a few extra lessons.

Reputable instructors should have no hidden charges. Before registering, ask about: (1) the price per lesson and minimum lessons per session; (2) whether test vehicle hire includes a warm-up lesson; and (3) any extra administration fees. Tipping is not compulsory, although giving a $100-$200 red packet after passing is a common way to say thank you. Instructors matched through APASS guarantee transparent prices with no hidden charges.

The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions with three options each. You need 16 correct answers (80%) to pass, with a time limit of 20 minutes. Questions come from the Road Users' Code and cover traffic signs (~30%), traffic regulations (~20%), road markings (~15%) and more. The pass rate exceeds 90%, and 2-3 days of revision using free apps is usually enough. For a detailed guide, see Written Test Guide.

We recommend revising for 2-3 days. Free resources include: (1) the 學車筆試 2026 年版 app (800+ questions); (2) the 學車王 app (500+ questions); and (3) the Transport Department's official mock questions. Once you score at least 18/20 in 3 consecutive mock tests, you can attend with confidence. There is no need to pay for a written-test course or question bank.

You can choose Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese or English. You may also apply to use the audio system (Cantonese, Mandarin or English). Candidates who cannot read Chinese or English may apply for an oral written test, arrange their own government-recognised interpreter and answer on paper within 40 minutes.

No additional fee is required. The written test is included in the $510 test registration fee. If you fail, simply ask the Transport Department to arrange another date, usually 2-4 weeks later. However, after passing the written test, you must pass the road test within 2 years or your written-test result will expire.

No. The written test and road test are scheduled and taken separately. Waiting times vary by test type and region; please refer to the latest shared test scheduling information. Waiting times vary by test type and region; please refer to the latest shared test scheduling information. However, both bookings can run concurrently: you join both queues when you register.

The driving test is divided into Part B (manoeuvring test) and Part C (road test). Part B covers parallel parking and a three-point turn (81% pass rate); Part C involves around 20 minutes of driving on public roads (59% pass rate). The first-attempt pass rate for the combined test is only 30%. The road test is the hardest stage of obtaining a driving licence. For details, see Driving Test Guide.

The most frequent reasons are: (1) failing to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (the most common); (2) a driving error that causes the examiner to intervene (an immediate fail); (3) incorrect positioning when turning (cutting corners or swinging wide); and (4) failing to choose your lane early. Remember these four steps: Signal → Check mirrors → Check blind spots → Manoeuvre. For a detailed analysis of the 8 most common failure points, see Driving Test Guide.

You cannot choose a specific test venue. When registering, you can choose only Hong Kong Island or Kowloon and the New Territories; the Transport Department assigns the actual test centre. Major venues include Pui Ching Road, Chung Yee Street, Tin Kwong Road, Yau Tong, So Kwun Wat and So Kon Po. Practise with your instructor on the routes of venues you may be allocated.

No. You must pass Part B (parallel parking and three-point turn) before proceeding to the Part C road test. If you fail Part B, your test ends that day, and you must register again ($510) and wait for a retest. Make sure your Part B manoeuvres are completely consistent.

You must bring 3 documents to the road test: (1) original driving test appointment letter；(2) original Hong Kong identity card；(3) original learner's driving licence. You will be refused entry if any one is missing. Check them the night before and put them in your bag. Also remember to arrange test vehicle hire.

Private-car tests are automatic only. Since 2020, all private-car tests have used automatic vehicles. If you want to learn manual, you need to apply for a Light Goods Vehicle (which offers manual and automatic options). Passing the light goods vehicle test also automatically grants you a private-car licence.

Waiting times vary by test type and region; please refer to the latest shared test scheduling information. The same applies to light goods vehicle combined tests (refer to the latest shared test scheduling information). Motorcycle Part C tests (refer to the latest shared test scheduling information). For details, see driving test waiting times.

The Transport Department's expedited retest system allocates earlier test dates to retest candidates through a daily computer ballot. To apply: (1) register for the ballot on the Transport Department website or in person after a cooling-off period of 4 working days; (2) register before 5 pm each day; and (3) check the result the next day. Successful applicants must complete the test within (refer to the latest shared test scheduling information). Note: this is for retest candidates only, not first-time bookings. For details, see the expedited retest guide.

Expedited retest ballot success rates are not published, but informal experience suggests that most candidates who register every day receive a slot within 7-35 days. Recommended strategy: register every day and keep a regular retest booking as a fallback. Registering for multiple time slots and regions can improve your chances.

Waiting times vary by test type and region; please refer to the latest shared test scheduling information. Expedited retests offer earlier appointments to retest candidates only, through a daily ballot. We recommend doing both: keep a regular booking as a fallback and enter the daily ballot for an earlier date.

Waiting times vary by test type and region; please refer to the latest shared test scheduling information. Choose the region where you live, as your instructor will help you learn its test routes. Taking the test in an unfamiliar area may reduce your chances of passing.

If you only need a car for everyday travel, an automatic private car is the best choice: it is easier to operate and has a higher pass rate. If you also want a light goods vehicle licence or want to learn manual, apply for a manual light goods vehicle— passing also gives you a private-car licence. Since 2020, private-car tests have been automatic only. Light goods vehicles offer both manual and automatic options.

It depends on your needs: Private Car allows you to drive private cars only (up to 7 seats); Light Goods Vehicle passing also gives you a private-car licence, so one licence covers two vehicle types. However, light goods vehicles have a lower pass rate (Part C 52% versus 59% for private cars) and their larger size makes them harder to handle. Choose a private car for everyday travel; choose a light goods vehicle if you may need to drive a van.

In most cases, private instructors offer better value: lower prices ($9,158 versus $10,500-$20,000), one-to-one tuition throughout, a higher road-test pass rate (61% versus 55%), and a choice of instructor and lesson times. Driving schools offer CEF funding and shorter booking waits. For a detailed comparison, see Where Should I Learn to Drive?.

Look for 5 things: (1) a Transport Department driving instructor's licence; (2) an above-average pass rate; (3) good student reviews; (4) familiarity with your test venue's routes; and (5) patient teaching and clear communication. The easiest option is to use APASS's free matching service: we have already screened instructors carefully.

Yes. One advantage of learning with a private instructor is the freedom to switch. If the teaching style does not suit you or communication is difficult, you can change at any time. Students matched through APASS can change instructors free of charge, and we will arrange a new match within 24 hours.

Female instructors make up a smaller proportion of instructors, but they are available. Tell APASS via WhatsApp that you would like a female instructor and we will prioritise your request. As numbers are limited, matching may take 1-2 days longer than usual, or longer in certain areas. Please tell us your preference early.

Yes. The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) can subsidise driving courses for private cars and light goods vehicles. With the maximum remaining fund balance of $25,000, the subsidy is approximately $13,786. However, you must enrol through a Designated Driving School in a recognised course; it cannot be used for private instructors. Complete the course within the 2-year enrolment period and obtain your P licence before applying for reimbursement. For details, see CEF Driving Courses.

5 designated driving schools offer CEF courses: (1) Hong Kong School of Motoring（HKSM）；(2) Lee Kin Driving School；(3) 鏗鏘 Driving School；(4) A1 Driving School；(5) 安佳 Driving School. Fees, lesson numbers and services vary slightly between schools. For a detailed comparison, see CEF Driving Courses and Where Should I Learn to Drive?.

Yes, with no limit on retakes. However, you must obtain your P licence within the 2-year enrolment period to apply for CEF reimbursement. If you cannot pass within 2 years, you may apply to extend your enrolment, subject to an administration fee. After obtaining your P licence, you must also complete a vocational course before graduating and applying for CEF reimbursement.

If everything goes smoothly, it can take as little as 8 months to pass the road test and obtain your P licence. You must then wait 1 year before converting it to a full licence, and complete the vocational course before applying for CEF reimbursement. The enrolment period is 2 years.

Completely free. Students pay nothing for the matching service: no agency fee, handling fee or platform fee. You pay your instructor only the normal lesson fees. Your instructor will not charge more because you were matched through APASS. For details, see About APASS.

Usually within 24 hours for a match. Tell us your requirements on WhatsApp and our team will recommend 2-3 suitable instructors. Once you choose, your instructor can start your first lesson as early as the next day. Special requirements, such as a female instructor or a specific area, may take 1-2 days longer.

Contact us on WhatsApp at any time to request a free instructor change. Explain why you are unhappy and we will match you with a more suitable instructor within 24 hours. Your learning experience matters most to us. Contact Us.

Our key difference is our rigorous instructor verification system with 8 checks: licence verification, pass-rate reviews, interview assessments, vehicle condition checks and monitoring student feedback. Not every licensed instructor can join APASS. We also offer a free replacement if you are unhappy, with support throughout. For details, see About APASS.