There is not any fixed waiting time for driving tests (including written tests). In general, the waiting time of a driving test depends on the demand for that type of test. Please click here to obtain the latest information on the waiting time of different types of driving test.

Generally speaking, Written Tests (Part A) are planned to be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while Taxi Written Tests are planned to be scheduled on Mondays and Fridays.

As test demand varies, we need to monitor / keep the waiting time within a reasonable time frame according to our performance pledge. We may adjust the above schedule for both types of written tests if need arises. In case of any special event (e.g. system maintenance) scheduled on specific dates, we will not schedule any test on such days. Applicants should click here to follow the methods therein for checking the latest information on the end-of-list test appointment date and the waiting time before applying for or rescheduling the test.

Please click here for information about the Driving Test Centres in the Hong Kong Island Region, and the Kowloon and New Territories Region.

Under current practice, candidates can choose to drive a test vehicle with either automatic transmission or manual transmission which meets the specific requirements of the vehicle type they have applied for when attending the driving test. If candidates pass the driving test with a test vehicle fitted with automatic transmission, they will be issued with a driving licence of the relevant vehicle type with automatic transmission, i.e. classification code "A" will be shown beside the vehicle type of the probationary classes / full classes on the licence to indicate the restriction to drive vehicles fitted with automatic transmission only. If candidates pass the driving test with a test vehicle fitted with manual transmission, they will be issued with a driving licence of the relevant vehicle type without classification code "A" beside the relevant vehicle type of the probationary classes / full classes on the licence, and the licence holder could drive a vehicle with either automatic transmission or manual transmission of the relevant vehicle type.

However, if candidates have passed part of a driving test with a vehicle fitted with automatic transmission before, please refer the Frequently Asked Question 5 for relevant test vehicle arrangement.

With the exception of Motor Cycle, if a candidate has already obtained a driving licence with classification code "A" shown beside a certain vehicle type on the licence indicating the restriction to drive vehicles fitted with automatic transmission only, but would like to obtain a driving licence of the relevant vehicle type without classification code "A", he / she have to take the driving test (Part B and C) with a test vehicle fitted with manual transmission of the same vehicle type again, and should submit an application to the Driving Test Appointment Office before buying a driving test form.

In addition, if candidates have passed part of a driving test with a vehicle fitted with automatic transmission, they:

On the other hand, if candidates have passed part of a driving test with a vehicle fitted with manual transmission, then they can choose to:

For application details, please visit our Driving Test Appointment Office in person or contact our staff at 2771 7723.

The aforementioned arrangement is not applicable to applicants of Motor Cycle driving test. For applicants who have already obtained a Motor Cycle driving licence with classification code "A", or have passed part of a Motor Cycle driving test with a Motor Cycle fitted with automatic transmission before, and now would like to take the Motor Cycle driving test again with a Motor Cycle fitted with manual transmission, please contact our Driving Test Appointment Office in person or by phone at 2771 7723 for details of the arrangement.

Rainy Days or Slippery Roads:

All driving test (road test) candidates (except Motor Cycle or Motor Tricycle) must be present at the Driving Test Centre on the test appointment date and time, otherwise, they will be deemed as absent from the test and their relevant test form will be invalidated. The Driving Examiner has the right not to conduct a driving test after considering the road situation under rainy days or slippery roads as well as safety concerns. Affected candidates would be notified by our staff of the new appointment arranged if the test is cancelled. If candidates do not receive the new appointment 2 weeks after the original test date, please contact our staff at 2771 7723.

For Part C (Road Test) of Motor Cycle or Motor Tricycle, if it is affected by localized weather, the candidate may first phone to the arranged Driving Test Centre, confirming if the Part C (Road Test) of Motor Cycle or Motor Tricycle has been cancelled due to rainy days or slippery roads. If cancelled, the candidates will be later approached and notified by our staff of the new appointment arranged.

Bad Weather:

If either Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 8 or above is hoisted, an "Extreme Conditions" announcement or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued, driving tests of all vehicle classes (including written test and road test) will be rescheduled. If such signals are issued before service hours but lowered after 7:00 a.m., all driving tests scheduled before 1:00 p.m. will be cancelled. If such signals are still hoisted at 11:30 a.m., all driving tests in the afternoon session will also be cancelled. Candidates who are scheduled to take driving tests do not have to report to the test centre. In addition, if the Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement is issued, the driving tests of which the expected completion time is within one hour from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 8 hoisting time mentioned in the Special Announcement (except for written test) will be cancelled. If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued during service hours (i.e. 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), all driving tests will be suspended. If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued during service hours (i.e. 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), all driving tests will be suspended. If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is lowered during service hours, the driving test service will resume, depending on the weather and traffic conditions. For candidates whose driving tests have not been conducted due to the abovementioned bad weather conditions, they would be approached and notified by our staff of the new appointment arranged later. In particular, for Part C (Road Test) of Motor Cycle and Motor Tricycle, once either Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 8 or above is hoisted, an "Extreme Conditions" announcement or Black / Red / Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued, even if such signals are lowered later on that day, in case candidates are unable to report to the test centre due to the weather condition, they would be later approached and notified by our staff of the new appointment arranged. The above arrangements are summarized as follows:

* For Part C (Road Test) of Motor Cycle and Motor Tricycle, once either Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 8 or above is hoisted, an "Extreme Conditions" announcement or Black / Red / Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued, even if such signals are lowered later on that day, in case candidates are unable to report to the test centre due to the weather condition, they would be later approached and notified by our staff of the new appointment arranged.

Candidates should pay attention to the announcements at the website of GovHK or on radio and television for the latest arrangements. If candidates (whose driving test was cancelled) do not receive the new appointment 2 weeks after the original test date, they should contact the Driving Test Appointment Office at 2771 7723.

If candidates have lost the licence, they should apply for a duplicate before they can continue to receive driving training. To apply for a duplicate learner's driving licence, candidates should complete the form TD 106 and submit it to our Licensing Offices in person or by mail. The fee for the duplicate learner's driving licence is $110. You may also apply for a duplicate driving licence online.

To apply for a duplicate appointment letter, candidates can submit an original signed written request with a copy of candidates' identification document in person, by post, via drop-in box or by authorized person to the Driving Test Appointment Office (Address: Transport Department, 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon).

All regulations relating to driving test appointment matters and application procedures stated on the appointment letter and the websites of this department are up-to-date and are final. Candidates may also call the 1823 Government Hotline or the hotline of the Driving Test Appointment Office at 2771 7723 within office hours for follow-up actions.

Candidates who failed the Written Test (Part A) / Taxi Written Test may bring along identification documents to apply in person for checking the wrongly answered questions and their selected answers at Counter 36, Driving Written Test Centre (2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon) during office hours (except system maintenance days).

Each candidate can only apply for question checking of the latest failed attempt twice. If he / she has already been allotted a new test appointment, he / she cannot make such application within one week before the new test date.

Please note that the applicant can only check his / her wrongly answered questions and the chosen answers at the designated computer at the Driving Written Test Centre. During question checking, the applicant may refer to the test preparation publications but copy of question content in any form and any writing is prohibited. The Transport Department will not provide the correct answers to the concerned questions but will indicate relevant pages and paragraphs where the correct answers can be found in the test preparation publications upon request.

As the computer system is unable to provide question checking service on the system maintenance days, applicants should call 2150 7777 to enquire before visiting the Driving Written Test Centre.

In case of any enquiries/complaints regarding your driving test results, please contact the Driving Test Verification and Complaint Office at 2714 6164. The Transport Department would arrange to check the result and / or conduct investigation on the driving test result and reply to the enquirer/ complainant accordingly.

Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre on time; otherwise they may NOT be allowed to take the test and their test form may be invalidated. If they want to take the driving test again, they will have to purchase a new test form. If a road test candidate is unable to arrive at the test centre on time for reporting due to uncontrolled situation (such as serious traffic congestion), he/she may, based on his/her situation, apply to centre staff to attend the test on the same day by completion of "Application for a Late Driving Test" form. TD will consider exercise discretion to approve the application having taken into account the manpower situation. In the event the application is not approved, the case will be treated as not attending the test.

Upon passing the driving test, you can apply for a probationary / full driving licence after 4 working days but not exceeding 3 years from the date of passing the driving test.

Upon passing a driving test of motor cycle, motor tricycle, private car or light goods vehicle, you are required by law to undergo and successfully complete a 12-month probationary driving period (i.e. 12 months from the issue date of the probationary driving licence) before you can apply for a full driving licence for that vehicle class. A probationary driving licence must be applied within 3 years from the date of passing relevant driving tests; otherwise, you must re-take and pass the relevant driving tests before you can apply for a probationary driving licence for that vehicle class. If you hold a valid full driving licence to drive a private car for at least 3 years, you can apply for a full driving licence for light goods vehicle within 3 years upon passing the driving test of this class without undergoing the probationary driving period. If you hold a valid full driving licence issued after the completion of probationary driving period to drive a private car for at least 2 years, you can apply for a full driving licence for light goods vehicle within 3 years upon passing the driving test for this class without undergoing the probationary driving period. You are required to apply for a full driving licence for the respective vehicle class within 3 years from the date of your completion of the relevant probationary driving period; otherwise, you must re-take and pass the relevant driving tests and complete the relevant probationary driving period(s) before you can apply for a full driving licence for that vehicle class.

For commercial vehicles, you are required to apply for a full driving licence within 3 years after passing the relevant driving test.

You can apply for a probationary / full driving licence by submitting the application form TD 590 / TD 557 according to listed methods or applying online.

Upon passing the driving test, you can apply for a probationary / full driving licence after 4 working days but not exceeding 3 years from the date of passing the driving test.

According to the current arrangement, if a candidate obtains a "pass" result for the Written Test (Part A), he / she will be exempted from taking the Written Test Part A when he / she applies for Taxi Written Tests and road tests of various types in the future.

According to current legislations, if a candidate passes all parts of the driving test of a particular type of non-commercial vehicle (including Written Test (Part A), Part B and Part C), or the driving test of commercial vehicles, he / she should apply for the driving licence of that type of vehicle after 4 working days but not exceeding 3 years from the date of passing the driving test. Otherwise, all of his / her pass results (except Written Test (Part A)) will be invalidated. He / she has to attend relevant test again should he / she wish to apply for the respective driving licence.

Besides, if a person does not renew his / her full driving licence within three years after the expiry date, his / her driving licence will not be allowed to be renewed. All of his / her pass results (except Written Test (Part A)) will also be invalidated. The candidate will have to retake and pass the relevant driving test again should he / she wish to obtain a new driving licence. However, if a candidate passes part of a driving test, he / she will be exempted from taking that part of test. For example, if a candidate only passes Part B in the Combined Test of Private Car, the candidate can, at any time, apply for a Part C test.  

If a candidate fails his / her Written Test (Part A) or Taxi Written Test, the earliest date he / she could make a fresh application is right after the announcement of written test result. For candidate who does not attend the Written Test (Part A) or Taxi Written Test, the earliest date he / she could make a fresh application is the next working day after the date of his / her original test.

If a candidate fails or does not attend his / her Combined Test, Part B (Intermediate Test) / Mandatory Competence Test, Part C (Road Test) for non-commercial vehicle or driving test for commercial vehicle, the earliest date he / she could make a fresh application would be the 4th working day after the date of last attempt / original test.

Eligible applicants can apply for a repeater early test appointment on a first-come-first-served basis through the internet (www.gov.hk/drivingtest) or telephone hotline (2866 8148). The repeater early test slots will be updated every day at 7:30 a.m.. Vacant test slots in the period from the following 7th to 30th working day (counting from the next working day after the application date) will be available for application. Please note that a road test repeater who has already purchased a test form and allocated with an appointment is not eligible to apply for a repeater early test appointment. Please refer to "Notes to Candidates on Repeater Early Test Appointment Booking Service" for details.

Candidates should submit a written application with the required documents (please refer to Frequently Asked Question 19) to this department at least 7 clear days before the test (that is, the day of the scheduled test and the day when the application is received are excluded). For example, if a candidate's test date is 9th February, the candidate is required to submit the postponement application on or before 1st February. Please note that, if a candidate authorises an agent to submit the postponement application, the candidate should hand in the written application and required documents to the agent (including the designated driving schools and other agency companies) before the due date, so that the agent can submit the postponement application to this department within our office hours and before the deadline.

If the application is sent by post, the date of postmark will be taken as the day on which the notice is deemed to be received. If the application is submitted via drop box, the date of submission is taken as the day on which the application is dropped. Late application would not be accepted. If a candidate is unable to submit the application before the due date, the candidate will need to attend the test as scheduled. Otherwise, the relevant test form shall be invalidated if the candidate is absent from the test.

Application for postponement due to absence from your driving test on medical grounds must be submitted within 1 month from the test date. Please note that candidates are not allowed to apply for postponement for a confirmed repeater early test appointment except on medical reasons.

In addition, in general, candidates are not able to apply for postponement on the same date his / her end-of-list appointment is allotted to him / her because the new and original test date will likely be the same. To ensure that resources can be better utilised, applicants may be requested to provide detailed explanation on the reason for more than one postponement.

A candidate, who is certified by a registered medical practitioner that she has been pregnant for over six months (24 weeks) as at the date of test, may apply for postponement or temporary cancellation of test appointment and submit the required documents to the Driving Test Appointment Office at any time before the test having considered her own health condition. For details about temporary cancellation of driving test, please refer to Frequently Asked Question 22.

Please also refer to the back of the appointment letter and the Frequently Asked Question 19-22 & 25 of this web page for related information.

For application of postponement, candidates can submit the following documents to the Driving Test Appointment Office (DTAO) (2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon) in person, by post, via drop box, or by authorised agent, (or via the Hong Kong Licensing Office in person, via drop box, or by authorised agent) at least 7 clear days before the test (please refer to Frequently Asked Question 18):-

If a candidate wishes to apply through an authorised agent, the authorised agent should bring along the candidate's original signed authorisation letter and identity document of the agent in addition to the above documents. Application by phone, e-mail or fax will not be accepted. Please also refer to the back of the appointment letter for related information.

The DTAO could provide the postponement application letter template to those who need to submit their application for completion over its counter.

Please note that the regulations regarding postponement of driving tests are listed out in the template. No matter whether candidates write their own letter or use the template, candidates must understand the detailed regulations as listed in the template, the department's website and the appointment letter. In addition, candidates must provide their original signature on the relevant documents. Scanned / printed copies of candidate's signature are NOT accepted.

As the date of postmark on the envelope containing a candidate's application will be taken as the day on which the notice is deemed to be received by the Driving Appointment Office (DTAO) of this department, candidates should make their postal submission earlier to avoid disputes / problems over the postmark which may arise when the posting date is close to the application deadline. Application with the date of postmark after the submission deadline is considered late application. This department would not process late application associated with disputes / problems over the postmark date. Applicants who wish to submit their applications by post should be responsible for all postal risk (including postal loss etc).

Also, underpaid mail items are subject to surcharge by the Hongkong Post. This department will not accept underpaid mail items, which will be returned to the sender (with return address) or disposed of (without return address) by the Hongkong Post. For proper delivery of the mail items to the department, and to avoid unnecessary delivery delay or unsuccessful delivery, candidates should ensure the mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. Please note details about postage and pay attention to the New Postage Structure (Details).

Applicant submitting application by post are advised to approach the DTAO by phone at 2771 7723 to enquire the mail delivery / application status before the application deadline, and to allow sufficient time to re-submit the application in time in case the postal application is not delivered to the DTAO.

Applications submitted by post will be replied by surface mail.  This department would not accept request for rescheduling of driving test due to missing the new test date or late postponement application for reason of including but not limited to not receiving the appointment letter issued by this department.

If a candidate would like to submit driving test postponement application due to personal or medical grounds, an end-of-list appointment will be allocated to him / her subject to the prevailing waiting time of the respective test type at the original Driving Test Centre (based on the waiting time during the handling of the candidate's application). Selection of new test date and time is not allowed, and the original test appointment will be cancelled and cannot be restored under any circumstances upon acceptance of the application based on personal or medical grounds.

For postponement applications in general,

The handling method (2) is also applicable to application of postponement due to absence from driving test on medical grounds regardless of the submission method. Applicant shall pay attention to the delivery of the new appointment letter. As regard to the application processing time, please click here to refer to the information in the postponement letter template.

Test forms are valid up to 18 months from the date of issue. The above arrangement only applies if the test form is still valid at the time of the new test appointment (which is the end-of-list appointment when the application is being approved). Please read the Frequently Asked Question 25 for the impact of the validity of test form on the application before submission.

Candidates are advised to check the latest updated waiting time and end-of-list appointment date so as to select the most appropriate time and suitable method for submission of postponement application. It would facilitate candidates in estimating the test date and submitting application in time. For methods of enquiry, please click here to browse the relevant webpage.

The end-of-list test appointment date and driving test waiting time varies due to changing test demand. As such, this department will only provide the prevailing end-of-list test appointment date as at the time of handling the enquiries. Nevertheless, this does not imply that the candidate would be allotted with that end-of-list appointment date and the department is not able to confirm with the candidate the next test appointment date after this end-of-list-appointment date.

Candidates should also check the expiry date of the Learner's Driving Licence (LDL) before making application for postponement. If it expires on or before the time of the new driving test appointment so arranged subsequent to the test postponement (it is valid for a period of 12 months from the issue date) and if on-road driving training is required before the new test day, renewal of the LDL is required.

Candidates may consider applying for temporary cancellation of their test appointment. Upon successful application for temporary cancellation of driving test, the original driving test appointment scheduled will be cancelled and a candidate would not be allotted with a new end-of-list test appointment of the respective test type at the original Driving Test Centre temporarily. The application procedures, documents required and the points to note for temporary cancellation of driving test and driving test postponement are the same.

Please note that there is no specific application temporarily cancellation letter format. Candidates may download, print, fill in and sign the application letter template provided by us. Please click here to download the template. The DTAO could also provide a temporary cancellation letter template to those who need to submit their application for completion over its counter.

After temporary cancellation of test appointment, a receipt of temporary cancellation of driving test appointment application will be issued to the applicant for reminding the expiry date of his/her driving test form. Candidates should check the latest updated waiting time and end-of-list appointment date, contact the Driving Test Appointment Office (DTAO) and initiate a request for re-scheduling the test at an appropriate time. If a candidate would like to re-schedule a new driving test appointment thereafter, he/she can submit the following documents to the Driving Test Appointment Office (DTAO) (2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon) in person, by post, via drop box, or by authorised agent (or via the Hong Kong Licensing Office in person, via drop box, or by authorised agent):-

• the original receipt of temporary cancellation of driving test appointment application;
• identification document (original or copies); and
• candidate's original signed written application letter for rescheduling a new driving test appointment (with clearly stated name, HKID No., driving test type, etc.) (only for applications submitted by post, via drop box, or by authorised agent).

If a candidate wishes to apply through an authorised agent, the authorised agent should bring along the candidate's original signed authorisation letter and identity document of the agent in addition to the above documents. Application by phone, e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Test forms are valid up to 18 months from the date of issue. The above arrangement only applies if the test form is still valid at the time of the new test appointment (which is the end-of-list appointment when the application is being approved). Please read the Frequently Asked Question 25 for the impact of the validity of test form on the application before submission.

The Transport Department will follow the choice of test region of the candidate (current test regions available for selection are the "Kowloon and New Territories Region" and the "Hong Kong Island Region") and allot a Driving Test Centre and test date (where the respective test type can be conducted therein) and the respective end-of-list test appointment date by a computer system. In other words, candidates can select their test region but cannot specify the Driving Test Centre. If a candidate wish to change the test region for his / her driving test, the candidate has to submit the application at least 7 clear days before the test date (that is, the day of scheduled test and the day when the application is received are excluded. For example, if a candidate's test date is 9th February, the candidate is required to submit the application on or before 1st February) with the following documents:-

If the application is sent by post, the date of postmark will be taken as the day on which the notice is deemed to be received. If the application is submitted via drop box, the date of submission is taken as the day on which the application is dropped. Late application would not be accepted. If a candidate is unable to submit the application before the due date, he / she will need to attend the test as scheduled. Otherwise, the relevant test form shall be invalidated if the candidate is absent from the test.

Application method, required documents and the points to note are the same for the postponement application. Please read the Frequently Asked Question 19 - 21 & 25 of this web page.

The Driving Test Appointment Office could provide a letter template for test region change to those who need to submit their application for completion over its counter.

Please note that if a candidate wishes to change his / her test region back to the original one later, the candidate will be allotted with an end-of-list appointment at the original Driving Test Centre of the original test region.

Test forms are valid up to 18 months from the date of issue. The above arrangement only applies if the test form is still valid at the time of the new test appointment (which is the end-of-list appointment when your application is being approved). Please read the Frequently Asked Question 25 for the impact of the validity of test form on the application before submission.

This application only applies to Private Car and Light Goods Vehicle driving tests.

On the date the written test is passed, an end-of-list road test appointment will be allotted to the candidate based on the prevailing waiting time at a Driving Test Centre (which holds driving test of the selected vehicle type) according to the road test region (either Kowloon and New Territories Region or Hong Kong Island Region) and vehicle type selected by the candidate on the driving test application form (TD 82).

Therefore, written application for change of vehicle type of driving test must be submitted to the Driving Test Appointment Office before the written test with following required documents. Application will be considered on a case-by-case basis -

Otherwise, change of the vehicle type would not be possible and candidates should attend the allotted original road test of the original vehicle type or purchase another driving test form for applying for a new test of another vehicle type according to the prevailing practice for a new end-of-list test appointment.

If the application is submitted to our office 7 working days or more before the written test date (that is, there are at least 6 working days between the test date and the date of submission), successful applicants can attend the written test on the original appointment date. If a candidate submitted the application within 7 working days before your written test, the candidate will be allotted with an end-of-list appointment date at the prevailing waiting time upon approval of application.

If the application is sent by post, the date of postmark will be taken as the day on which the notice is deemed to be received. If the application is submitted via drop box, the date of submission is taken as the day on which the application is dropped. If a candidate wishes to apply through an authorised agent, please hand in the written application and required documents to the authorised agent (including the designated driving schools and other agency companies) before the due date, so that the agent can submit the application to this department within our office hours and before the deadline. However, if the candidates submit the application on the date of their written test, the department will only accept applications made in person; submission by mail, via drop box and by authorised agent will not be accepted. Application after the written test would not be accepted.

Under prevailing policy, candidates will not be tested if the test vehicle presented is not of the test vehicle type applied for.

Learner drivers could receive driver training through one of the following ways:

1. Government Designated Driving Schools

Click here for information about Government Designated Driving Schools

2. Private Driving Instructors

You can also receive driver training from private driving instructors. A list of private driving instructors is posted at our Driving Test Appointment Office. The address is:

2/F Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon

Besides, the contact lists of Private Driving Instructors published by Transport Department can be viewed here.

In addition, some private organizations together with private driving instructors set up private driving schools with various sizes. Such private driving schools would also organize driver training courses to public.

Government designated driving schools, private driving instructors and private driving schools offer different kinds of driver training courses in the market. Learner drivers should consider the following before they decide to join any course:

1. contents of the training courses

2. restrictions on training courses with special offers

3. prices of the courses and their total training hours

4. reputation of the driving instructors or the driving schools

5. advice and recommendations from friends and other driving licence holders

No matter which alternative you choose, make sure you receive sufficient training and possess basic driving skills and enough on-road experience before taking driving tests. For learner drivers without any driving experience, we recommend at least 30 hours of driver training before taking the test.

In accordance with Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulation, (Cap. 374B),no person shall be eligible to take a driving test unless he holds a valid driving test form.  Prevailing ordinance does not impose any requirement on the need to hold a valid learner driving licence for taking driving test.