More than 1,000 people applied for test-free driving licences on Monday, with the 300 daily slots filled in about half an hour after Hong Kong authorities moved the process online to tackle long queues and scalping. A Post reporter tried to secure a spot at 7am but was met with a digital bottleneck that saw all available slots snapped up quickly.
Hong Kong's Transport Department launched an online queuing system on Monday for direct applications for test-free driving licences, replacing the previous in-person process that often involved long queues. The move aims to combat scalping by touts and reduce waiting times. However, the system faced immediate overwhelming demand.
A South China Morning Post reporter attempted to secure a spot at exactly 7am when the system opened, but encountered a digital bottleneck. Upon joining, the reporter was placed behind 1,065 other users, with the system initially estimating a 36-minute wait. The wait time ballooned to more than an hour even after advancing to No 785 in the queue. The attempt ended at 7.36am, when the screen refreshed to show that all tickets had been allocated, with the entire batch of 300 daily slots filled in just over 30 minutes.
The department explained that the system processes access to application forms in small batches, meaning waiting times might vary among users. Previously, applications for test-free licences—available to holders of valid overseas licences meeting certain criteria—required queuing at the Admiralty Licensing Office, leading to long lines and scalping issues. The Transport and Logistics Bureau promoted the online shift to improve efficiency.
This incident highlights the high demand for Hong Kong driving licences. The department has not indicated whether daily slots will increase but stated the system will be continuously optimized.
