Preparations are in the final stage to upgrade an online reservation system for test-free driving licence applications with the use of artificial intelligence for verification, transport chief Mable Chan said on Wednesday.

The minister also said officials are hoping to launch the more comprehensive booking system for non-local drivers applying for a Hong Kong licence as soon as possible to replace current arrangements.

There had been long queues outside the Transport Department's Admiralty office, fuelling claims that agents were abusing the on-site ticketing system for "direct-issue" licence applications.

Officials had since stopped issuing same-day tickets on the spot, and switched to an electronic queueing system that offers 300 slots each working day.

Responding to a lawmaker's question on tackling people using improper means to get a ticket online, the transport secretary said there have been various measures in place to detect and block automated programmes from snapping up tickets.

She also told lawmakers that an upgrade of the reservation system is in the pipeline, which will include using artificial intelligence to verify the applicants' identities and issuing one-time passwords for authentication.

"The Transport Department has been working at full steam over the past few months to prepare for the system's enhancement. Such work is currently in the final phase, including measures to ensure system stability and to reduce the chance of abuse," Chan said.

"Once we have launched the system, we will cease this temporary arrangement of issuing same-day tickets online."

Holders of non-local driving licences from 32 jurisdictions, including the mainland, can apply for a Hong Kong licence without having to pass a test if they satisfy certain criteria such as their age and how long they've had their licences.

The minister said the number of applications has increased more than twofold to about 84,500 annually over the past five years, with 90 percent of them being individuals with mainland driving licences.