Driving in Hong Kong
While driving is generally a great way to get around, Hong Kong has one of the highest concentrations of vehicles in the world. This means frequent traffic jams and a rather slow driving commute speed. This is why a lot of foreigners living in Hong Kong prefer to use public transport to get around the city. However, if you do insist on having your own vehicle, here's what you need to know about driving in Hong Kong.
Can expats drive in Hong Kong?
Yes, expats can drive in Hong Kong with a valid driver's license from their home country. However, they will need to obtain a Hong Kong driving license if they plan to stay in Hong Kong for an extended period.
Expats who have a valid driver's license from a country or territory that has a reciprocal agreement with Hong Kong (such as the United States, Canada, and most European countries) can exchange their foreign license for a Hong Kong license without taking the written or driving tests. However, this is only possible if the expat has been in Hong Kong for less than 12 months. After 12 months, the expat will need to obtain a Hong Kong license by taking the written and driving tests.
In addition to a valid driver's license, expats will also need to register their vehicle and obtain car insurance. There are several insurance companies in Hong Kong that offer car insurance policies, and it's important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs.
Overall, expats can drive in Hong Kong with a valid driver's license from their home country, but they will need to obtain a Hong Kong license if they plan to stay in the city for an extended period of time. It's also important to follow all traffic laws and regulations and to make sure you have proper insurance coverage for your vehicle.
How to get a driver's license in Hong Kong (if you already have one)
Those with valid foreign licenses from the countries below can receive a full Hong Kong driving license without taking the test. You can apply for a full license directly if you are a resident of the UK, the US, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
You will need to fulfill the following criteria:
- possess a valid driver's license from your country of previous residence;
- have resided in the country that had issued your driver's license for no less than 6 months; and
- hold your current driver's license for at least five years prior to the application.
If you meet all the requirements, get the following documents ready:
- Duly completed application form (TD36A)
- HK ID card or passport
- Your overseas driver's license and official translation (if it's not in English)
- Proof of address issued within the last 3 months
- Medical examination certificate (for senior applicants)
- You will need to submit the above documents to the nearest Licensing Office (you can find a Licensing Office in Hong Kong Central, Kowloon, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin).
Keep in mind that fees apply.
How to get a driver's license in Hong Kong (if you need a new one)
If your driver's license cannot be exchanged for a Hong Kong driver's license, you will need to take a driving test. However, in the meantime, you can apply for a temporary driver's license.
The requirements and the documents needed to apply for a temporary license are similar to those needed for a full license: you must have resided in the country that had issued your original driver's license for at least six months; you must have held the license for at least five years. The needed documents are:
- A duly filled-in application form (TD181)
- HK ID card
- Relevant travel documents
- Your original driver's license's official translation (if the driver's license is not in English)
- Proof of address within the last three months
- Medical exam certificate for senior applicants
- As with the full license, there are applicable fees.
How to get a driver's license in Hong Kong ("from scratch”)
If you've never held a driver's license before, you will need to apply for a learner's driving license prior to taking the driving test. To apply, you will need to complete a TD555 form and submit it together with the supporting documents (HK ID card, proof of residence and fees) at the nearest Licensing Office.
Good to know:
Drivers in training are only allowed to drive at specific times of day and should have an 'L' sign fitted onto their vehicle.
Taking a driving test in Hong Kong
The driving test in Hong Kong consists of two parts: a multiple-choice written test and a road test.
When you are ready to take the driving test, you will need to submit a filled-in TD82 form and make a driving test appointment. You can send the documents to a Licensing Office by mail or in person.
Probationary driver's license in Hong Kong
After you have passed the driving test, you will need to apply for a probationary driver's license within 3 years. The probation period is 12 months.
To apply for a probationary driver's license, you will need to submit a TD590 form and submit it at the Licensing Office together with the supporting documents (HK ID card, proof of address and fees).
Full driver's license in Hong Kong
Once you have completed your 12 months probation period, you can apply for a full driving license. Complete your final application form (TD557), get together the already familiar set of supporting documents (HK ID card or passport, proof of address, original driving test form and payment for the license), and submit the paperwork to the Licensing Office.
Traffic rules in Hong Kong
The traffic rules and regulations in Hong Kong are generally quite similar to those in other countries. Here are the basic driving rules to keep to:
- Drive on the left side of the road: Like in the United Kingdom and many other countries, vehicles in Hong Kong are driven on the left side of the road. This can take some getting used to if you are from a country where vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
- Follow speed limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced in Hong Kong. The speed limit on most roads is 50 km/h (31 mph) unless otherwise posted. On expressways and some major roads, the speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Use turn signals: It is important to use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. This helps other drivers anticipate your movements and avoid accidents.
- Wear a seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for drivers and passengers in Hong Kong.
- Don't use your phone while driving: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in Hong Kong. This includes talking, texting, and using apps.
- Observe traffic signals: Traffic signals, including red lights and stop signs, must be obeyed at all times. Failing to do so can result in fines and points on your license.
- Don't drink and drive: It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Hong Kong. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you could face severe penalties.
- It is important to familiarize yourself with traffic laws and regulations in Hong Kong to ensure that you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents or traffic violations.
Useful links:
Hong Kong Transports Department - Driver's license
TD82 Form - Registering for the driving examinations
TD590 Form - Probationary driver's license
TD557 Form - Full driver's license
TD63A Form - Full driver's license for foreigners holding a foreign driver's license
