The Transport Department on Monday said an enhanced online booking system that allows non-local drivers to apply for a test-free driving licence is operating smoothly.

Starting on Monday, applicants must make appointments via the new system as the online same-day queuing service was no longer available.

The service quota was also increased to 550 per working day.

Speaking to RTHK, assistant commissioner for administration and licensing, Amy Lee, said the department had released its booking quota in batches last week and the booking rate for the coming four weeks from Monday to April 10 had reached 80 percent.

Some timeslots at the end of March were still available for people to make appointments, she added.

Lee also said the department would ensure the system’s stability.

"During the system optimisation, we have passed stress and safety tests by some independent consultants commissioned by the Digital Policy Office," she said.

"We also have a backup plan for the system. In case the main system has a malfunction, we will switch to a backup system to continue providing the services, so people don’t need to worry about it."

Lee went on to say that the online booking process was simple and applicants could complete the process within 10 minutes.

Security measures were also in place to prevent online bots from snatching up the quota, she said.


Edited by Tony Sabine