Applications for 332 private driving instructor licences in Hong Kong drew 55,440 applicants last month. The Transport Department announced the scheme in April as economic conditions prompted some drivers to seek new opportunities.
Fung Fu, a 48-year-old with more than 20 years of experience as a light goods van driver, said he began considering a switch after noticing fewer restaurant orders and increased competition in logistics.
“Many restaurants have closed down, and companies are making fewer orders of goods. Besides, more drivers are joining the logistics industry, resulting in keener competition,” Fung told the South China Morning Post. “As I am getting older, my job of carrying heavy goods is becoming harder. The future looks uncertain.”
The licences fall into three categories covering private cars and light goods vehicles, public and private light buses and buses, and medium and heavy goods vehicles and articulated vehicles. The city has already issued 1,120 such licences for coach driving instructors.