332 New Private Driving Instructor's Licences Available for Application from May 11 to May 29

New private driving instructor's licences open for applications from May 11

The Transport Department (TD) today (April 30) announced that a total of 332 new private driving instructor's (PDI) licences will be open for applications from 9am on May 11 until 5pm on May 29. The quotas for each group are tabulated below:

PDI group

Number of new licences to be issued: Public Quota/Driving Instructor Quota

Group 1: private cars and light goods vehicles

160/54

Group 2: public light buses, private light buses, public buses and private buses

37/13

Group 3: medium goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and articulated vehicles

51/17

A spokesman for the TD said, "Following the completion of the periodic review on the issue of new PDI licences, including a detailed review of learner drivers' demand for driver training from PDIs, the issuance of new licences according to the mechanism aims to ensure an adequate supply of PDIs to meet the demand for driver training, while sustaining market competition."

Applicants should note the following:

• The Guidance Notes for Applicants for each group and quota can be downloaded from the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) for applicants to thoroughly understand the qualification requirements for different quotas and submit applications according to their own circumstances;

• Applicants must complete and submit the online application form from May 11 to 29 via the designated online platform using an "iAM Smart+" account with the digital signing function or a valid digital certificate. Applicants yet to register for "iAM Smart+" should do so as soon as possible.Upon receipt of their applications, applicants will receive an SMS confirming the application number;

• Applicants must meet the qualifications for the relevant groups and quotas. Only one application may be submitted for each group (regardless of Public or Driving Instructor Quota). Late applications will not be accepted;

• If the number of applications exceeds the number of licences to be issued for an individual group and quota, the TD will draw lots to determine the order of handling the applications (details to be announced separately), and verify applicants' eligibility and arrange for them to take the driving instructor's test in sequence;

• The driving instructor's tests are expected to commence as early as July and the TD will notify qualified applicants individually; and

• If all licences are issued, the remaining applications will not be processed.

For enquiries, please call the TD's hotline at 2804 2600.

The Transport Department (TD), Photo by Bastille Post

Public urged to guard against repeated fake messages on Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for vehicles

A spokesman for the Transport Department (TD) today (April 29) again reminded members of the public not to be misled by recent fake messages in social media and messaging groups that claim Hong Kong residents can directly apply for valid permanent Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for their vehicles and use various boundary control points (BCPs). The case will be referred to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.

The Transport Department (TD), Photo by Bastille Post

A spokesman for the TD clarified that applicants for the Regular Quotas must meet the application requirements stipulated by the Mainland authority and submit the specified documents (such as business registration documents of both Guangdong and Hong Kong) to the Mainland authority. Upon receipt of the Mainland Approval Notice from the Mainland authority, applicants may then apply to the TD of the HKSAR Government for Closed Road Permits for the designated land-based boundary control points.

The spokesman added, "Similar false information has from time to time appeared in local and Mainland social media and messaging groups. Such messages repeatedly impersonate government announcements, falsely claiming that quotas are not subject to BCPs or eligibility criteria to solicit clients. Members of the public should heighten vigilance."

The HKSAR Government stressed that the arrangements for the Regular Quotas and the use of BCPs are serious issues which must be jointly deliberated by the governments of the two places holistically. Citizens should refer to official announcements, verify messages carefully and stay alert against deception to avoid disruption to their travel plans.

Photo source: FB@Agent T