TAC briefed on Government's proposal to enhance requirements for physical fitness certification of driving licence applicants and holders
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (January 28) by the Government on the proposal to enhance the requirements for physical fitness certification of driving licence applicants and holders.
The Government attaches great importance to road safety and the physical fitness of drivers. In light of the ageing population and the increasing number of aged commercial vehicle (CV) drivers, the Transport Department (TD) reviewed the physical fitness certification requirements and mechanism, and put forth enhancement measures to further safeguard road safety.
At the meeting, the Government outlined the legislative proposals to tighten the medical fitness requirements. These include (1) enhancing physical fitness requirements by updating the diseases and physical disabilities prohibiting driving, with updated vision standards and additional items applicable to CV drivers; (2) more stringent certification for CV drivers by lowering the age threshold for submitting medical examination certificates from 70 to 65 and shortening the full driving licence validity period to one year to necessitate annual medical check-ups; and (3) empowering the Commissioner for Transport to require reports from any driver with dubious health conditions, with non-compliance potentially resulting in licence cancellation or suspension.
Members were also briefed of the Government's preparatory work in taking forward the proposed measures, including formulation of a comprehensive set of medical guidelines and new medical examination certificates, and the refinement thereof after considering the views of various stakeholders and the feedback collected from the trial health assessment.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Wong Sze-chun, said, "Members noted with appreciation the Government's comprehensive review and expressed views on the legislative amendment proposals. We support the Government's direction to adopt a more stringent physical fitness certification requirement for aged CV drivers, including lowering the age threshold to 65 and requiring annual check-ups. A more robust assessment mechanism is essential for enhancing road safety. The more frequent check-ups will raise CV drivers' awareness of their own physical conditions, and facilitate early treatment for those with remediable conditions, thereby extending the safe driving years of aged drivers and supporting the sustainable operation of the industry. Members fully support the Government in moving forward with the legislative amendments and stepping up publicity to ensure the industry is well-prepared for the new requirements."
The Government will continue with the work and plans to report to the Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council (LegCo) the results of the trial and the legislative proposal in the first quarter of this year, and submit the subsidiary legislation amendments to the LegCo with a view to implementing the new arrangements as soon as possible following the completion of the legislative amendments.
Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is thriving, attracting a growing number of local and international founders. The city’s business-friendly environment and strong innovation support make it an appealing base for startups aiming to expand in the region.
Startups thriving in HK.
One of them is a Hong Kong fintech startup that was acquired last year by a loyalty and travel rewards platform from Singapore.
David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong, said the city offers favourable conditions for startup development.
Hong Kong is first and foremost a travel hub, he noted, adding that following the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport has benefited significantly, and with a new terminal opening, he expects travel demand to continue growing.
David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong.
Mr Wang also highlighted Hong Kong as a dynamic fintech hub that unites financial services and innovation, enabling companies to test new ideas and products. He also expressed appreciation for the various partners and stakeholders who supported the company’s entry into Hong Kong.
“Thanks to organisations, including Cyberport and Invest Hong Kong, for giving us the resources and showing us that there is an ecosystem here for us to tap into so that we can accelerate our growth and expansion to the market.”
Startups thriving in HK.
Last year, the number of startups and startup employees in Hong Kong reached new all-time highs. According to Invest Hong Kong, the number of startup firms in the city exceeded 5,200 in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. These companies employed nearly 20,000 people, reflecting growth of 12% compared with the previous year.
Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau said Hong Kong’s appeal extends far beyond its borders, with international founders accounting for approximately 33% of the city’s startup community, demonstrating that it is an ideal place for such firms.
“Whether they are local or from around the region using Hong Kong’s wonderful ecosystem for financing, or whether it is to look for support from government funding or develop test cases so that they can grow their dreams.”
Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau.
In 2025, Invest Hong Kong helped 560 companies to set up or expand their operations in the city. These companies are expected to bring in nearly $70 billion in direct investment and create more than 10,000 new jobs.
In addition, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which is partly administered by Invest Hong Kong, received more than 2,850 applications last year, and is expected to bring in investment of more than $85.5 billion to Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Ms Lau said the department will focus on the Northern Metropolis and supporting Mainland enterprises in “going global” through Hong Kong.
Startups thriving in HK.
She said as Chinese Mainland industries continue to grow and expand their sales, technologies and investments abroad, Invest Hong Kong will help them to use the city as a platform. This includes managing the functions of their regional headquarters, fundraising, serving as a corporate treasury centre, and managing international operations.
Ms Lau outlined that the department will also identify companies that are interested in using the Northern Metropolis to expand their businesses, such as technology companies looking to establish research and development functions and pursue advanced manufacturing in the area.
