Hong Kong is on track to secure enough drivers to operate the 10,000 ride-hailing vehicles set to debut in November, a legislator said on Tuesday, citing a strong surge in licence applications.

The optimistic outlook follows an enthusiastic first-day response to the new combined written test.

This is bolstered by a pre-emptive rush by many drivers who have been obtaining their licences over recent months.

That came after the Transport Department reported receiving more than 1,000 online applications on Monday for its newly introduced combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles.

The computer-based examination, conducted at the department's Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices testing centre, is divided into two sections.

The first covers regulations and service operations for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, while the second focuses on the road users' code, including safe driving practices and traffic rules.

Candidates who pass the test will be required to complete a pre-service course, after which they can apply for an official ride-hailing vehicle driving permit.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Legislative Council transport panel member Mark Chong described the application numbers as "very enthusiastic".

He noted that many prospective drivers – uncertain whether the new exam would be more difficult or easier than its predecessor – had already taken the traditional taxi licence test well in advance.

This proactive approach, Chong said, has effectively created a substantial reserve of qualified candidates.

"Adding those to the pool, I think by around November, when the first batch of ride-hailing vehicles are launched, there will be more than enough drivers," he said.

Chong also shared his impression that the new written test is roughly equivalent in difficulty to the old taxi exam it replaces.

However, he pointed out that the first section now includes questions on technology applications, such as using ride-hailing platforms and e-payment systems.

When asked whether the test still emphasises local knowledge and route planning – given that many drivers rely on navigation apps for real-time directions – Chong stressed the continued importance of fundamental road familiarity.

"Some places don't have good reception or signal," he said.

"If the driver doesn't know the roads and can't navigate, that's a big problem. So drivers must have some basic road knowledge."


Edited by Tony Sabine