Driving Written Test Guide 2026
Complete Guide to Passing Part A First Time
A full breakdown of the six main question types in the driving written test (Part A), frequently tested topics, five free revision apps, the test-day process and practical exam tips to help you score the 16/20 needed to pass.
Written Test Basics
The driving test's Part A written test is the first examination stage in Driving Licence Process Guide. Here are all the basics you need to know:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Test name | Part A Written Test |
| Number of questions | 20 questions |
| Question type | Multiple choice (three options) |
| Pass mark | 16 or more correct answers (80%) |
| Test duration | 20 minutes |
| Test format | Computer-based touchscreen test, with instant results |
| Test languages | Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese or English (optional audio: Cantonese / Putonghua / English) |
| Syllabus | Road Users' Code (June 2020 edition + September 2023 supplementary pages) |
| Application fee | Included in the $510 driving test application fee; no extra payment required |
| Waiting time | Subject to the latest waiting-time information |
| Written test centre | 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon (Transport Department Driving Test Appointment Office) |
| Test days | Tuesday to Thursday, excluding public holidays |
| Pass rate | >90% (relatively easy to pass) |
Money-Saving Tip: The written test is relatively straightforward; 2–3 days of revision with a free app should be enough. You do not need to pay for a written test course or question bank. It is more practical to save that money for on-road driving lessons.
6 Main Question Types
All written test questions come from the Road Users' Code and fall into six main categories. Understanding their weighting and key topics makes revision more effective:
Traffic Signs
~30%- Warning signs (triangular with a red border)
- Mandatory signs (circular with a blue background)
- Prohibitory signs (circular with a red border)
- Directional signs
- Temporary signs (yellow background)
Road markings
~15%- Meaning of double and single white lines
- Yellow box junction rules
- Directional arrows on the road
- Pedestrian crossing markings
- Parking space markings
Traffic legislation
~20%- Legal drink-driving / drug-driving limits
- Seat belt regulations
- Engine idling regulations
- Speed limits
- Age restrictions for motorcycle passengers
Safe Driving
~15%- Following distance (two-second rule)
- Driving in bad weather
- Night driving precautions
- Dealing with flooded roads
- Brake system checks
Driving rules
~15%- Giving way at roundabouts
- Meaning of traffic light signals
- Lane-changing and turning rules
- Expressway driving rules
- Parking and picking up or setting down passengers
Pedestrians and other topics
~5%- Zebra crossing / pedestrian crossing rules
- Precautions near schools
- Route numbers (1–10)
- Safety of older people and people with disabilities
- September 2023 supplementary updates
Frequently Tested Topics
Based on Transport Department sample questions and publicly available question banks, these topics appear most frequently. Remember these figures and rules to make passing straightforward:
| Category | Topic | Correct answer / figure | Code page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drink-driving | Legal breath alcohol limit | 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath | P. 12 |
| Drink-driving | Legal blood alcohol limit | 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood | P. 12 |
| Seat belts | Minibus and taxi passengers | Must wear the seat belt provided at their seat | P. 13 |
| Motorcycle | Minimum age for pillion passengers | 8 years | P. 103 |
| Following distance | Safe following rule | Two-second rule | P. 84 |
| Following distance | Following rule in bad weather | Four-second rule | P. 84 |
| No-stopping signs | A red sign post means | No stopping from 7 am to midnight | P. 91 |
| No-stopping signs | A yellow sign post means | No stopping from 7 am to 7 pm / 4 pm to 7 pm | P. 91 |
| Speed limits | General restricted areas | 50 km/h | P. 85 |
| Speed limits | Expressways | Up to 110 km/h, depending on the road section | P. 85 |
| Safe Driving | After driving through a flooded road | Test the brakes immediately | P. 87 |
| Roundabouts | Giving Way | Give way to vehicles from the right | P. 63 |
| Strategic routes | Route numbers | Routes 1 to 10 | — |
* Page references are to the June 2020 edition of the Road Users' Code. Supplementary material effective from September 2023 is published separately on the Transport Department website.
Official Transport Department Sample Questions
The following five sample questions come directly from the Transport Department's official website and give you a feel for the actual test's difficulty:
5 Free Written Test Revision Resources
These are some of the most popular free written test revision tools. All support mock tests, so you can practise whenever and wherever you like:
學車筆試 2026 年版 (2026 Driving Theory Test Edition)
Over 800 questions, revision and mock test modes, instant results, and the option to save questions for review. Based on the June 2020 edition of the Road Users' Code.
✅ Free iOS + Android學車王 Mock Written Test
500+ selected practice questions, with duplicate and out-of-syllabus questions removed. Links to the Transport Department's Code make checking easy. Includes sequential practice and mock tests.
✅ Free · No forced adverts iOS + AndroidOfficial Transport Department Sample Questions
Official sample questions on the Transport Department website. There are fewer questions, but they best reflect the style of the real test. Free to use, with no download required.
🏛️ Official Web versionhkdriving.net Online Practice
Browser-based mock written tests for computers and phones, with no app to install. The simple interface is ideal for quick revision.
✅ Free Web versionRoad Users' Code (Official Code)
The official Code produced by the Transport Department is the source of all written test questions. A printed copy is issued when you first apply for a learner's licence, and you can also read the electronic version free on the Transport Department website (June 2020 edition, including the September 2023 supplementary pages).
🏛️ Official ✅ Free3-Day Revision Plan
Most people can pass comfortably after 2–3 days of revision. Here is a suggested three-day plan:
📅 Day 1
Build the Basics (Around 2 Hours)
- 📖 Skim the full Road Users' Code, focusing on signs, rules and legislation
- 📱 Use the app's sequential practice mode to work through all 500+ questions once
- 📌 Save questions you do not know
- 🎯 Goal: understand all question types and the syllabus
📅 Day 2
Target Weak Areas (Around 1.5 Hours)
- 📌 Review the questions you got wrong and saved on day 1
- 📖 Focus on traffic sign illustrations, the most frequently tested question type
- 📝 Memorise key figures for alcohol limits, speed, age and other common topics
- 📱 Take 3 mock tests, aiming for at least 18/20
📅 Day 3 (Before the Test)
Final Revision (Around 1 Hour)
- 📱 Take 2–3 mock tests, making sure you consistently score at least 16/20
- 📌 Review saved mistakes and the frequently tested topics table one last time
- 🔍 Focus on the updates in the September 2023 supplementary pages
- ✅ If you pass 3 mock tests in a row, go to the test with confidence!
Test-Day Process
Here is the full process on written test day, taking around one hour in total:
Arrive at the written test centre
2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early. Bring your appointment letter and original identity card.
Register
Show your appointment letter and identity card so staff can verify your details. Switch off your phone or put it on silent.
Enter the test room
Staff will take you to the test room and assign you a computer. Select your language on screen: Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese or English.
Answer the questions within 20 minutes
There are 20 questions with three options each. Touch the screen to choose your answers. You can skip questions and return to them. A timer shows the remaining time.
Get your result immediately
Your pass or fail result appears as soon as you submit. Successful candidates receive a road test appointment letter.
Essential Test Documents: (1) Original written test appointment letter (2) Original Hong Kong identity card. You will not be allowed to take the test if either is missing. If you lose your appointment letter, obtain a replacement from the Transport Department ($24).
10 Written Test-Taking Tips
Master these ten tips to improve your chances of passing:
1️⃣ Answer the Questions You Know First
Skip anything you are unsure about and return after answering the questions you know. Avoid spending too long on a single question.
2️⃣ Recognise Signs Rather Than Guess
Traffic sign questions make up the largest share, around 30%, so memorise each sign's appearance and meaning. These should be easy marks; do not lose them.
3️⃣ Remember the Key Numbers
Questions on alcohol limits, speed limits and age restrictions always appear. Memorise the figures in the Frequently Tested Topics table above.
4️⃣ Put Safety First
If you are unsure, the safest option is usually correct, such as slowing down, giving way or keeping your distance.
5️⃣ Watch for Absolute Wording
Options containing extreme words such as “always” or “absolutely” are often wrong. Driving situations rarely have an absolute answer.
6️⃣ 20 Minutes Is Plenty of Time
With 20 questions in 20 minutes, you have an average of one minute per question. Most people finish in under ten minutes, so there is no need to rush. Use the remaining time to review uncertain answers.
7️⃣ Try the Practice Machine in the Lobby
The written test centre lobby has a mock test machine. Arrive early to practise free of charge and get used to the touchscreen.
8️⃣ Remember the 2023 Updates
The supplementary pages effective from September 2023 are included in the syllabus, covering new traffic rules and legislative amendments. Remember to revise this material too.
9️⃣ Aim for Consistent Mock Scores of 18+ Before the Test
Score at least 18/20 on three consecutive app mock tests before attending with confidence. If your scores are inconsistent, spend another day revising.
🔟 Avoid Changing Answers
Unless you are sure you answered incorrectly, your first instinct is usually right. Repeatedly changing answers can introduce more mistakes.
What If You Fail the Written Test?
Although more than 90% of candidates pass the written test, here is what to do if you are unlucky enough to fail:
❌ What Happens If You Fail
- Your existing road test appointment is unaffected, but you must pass the written test before taking the road test
- You need to arrange a new written test date
- No extra fee is required; it is included in the $510 application fee
- You can view the questions you answered incorrectly after the test, but only within a limited period
✅ Retest Steps
- Ask the Transport Department to arrange another written test date
- You can usually retake it after 2–4 weeks
- Revision strategy: focus on the question types you got wrong
- Take more mock tests until you consistently score 18/20 before trying again
Do Not Worry: Failing the written test does not affect your road test appointment. However, you must pass the written test before the road test. If your road test date arrives and you have still not passed the written test, the road test will be cancelled and must be rescheduled. We therefore recommend revising and taking the test as soon as you receive the appointment letter.