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Leopold Chen

More than 11,000 Hong Kong residents have applied to take a new joint examination required to qualify for a taxi driving licence or ride-hailing permit, exceeding government expectations, the city’s transport minister has said.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also shared details on Monday about a separate scheme enabling mainland Chinese yachts to enter city waters, noting that candidates taking the required certification exam achieved a strong pass rate.
Hong Kong recently passed legislation to regulate local ride-hailing services, capping the total number of vehicle permits at 10,000.
Under the new rules, residents must pass a joint assessment to apply for either a taxi driving licence or a ride-hailing permit. However, existing valid taxi driving licence holders can apply directly for the permit without retaking the test.
“The response was really beyond our expectations,” Chan told a radio programme. “Since the opening of applications for the examination, we have received many sign-ups per day, and the number has [only] recently stabilised.”
Under the regulatory framework to be launched next year, drivers operating approved ride-hailing vehicles must be the registered owners. Ride-hailing platform operators will also be required to obtain dedicated licences.
Chan said that more than 20 organisations had attended the government’s briefing session on platform licensing, and obtained the application forms and relevant documents.
The minister said that more than 11,000 residents had signed up for the test since registration opened on August 3, adding that the Transport Department would arrange for them to take the exam within two months.
Four sessions had been arranged so far, she said.
Turning to maritime travel, Chan revealed more details about a scheme allowing mainland-registered yachts to enter Hong Kong waters, expected to launch next month.

A parallel initiative permitting Hong Kong yachts to sail northbound was introduced in June.
Currently, mainland yachts have to secure bookings for berths at private clubs before they are permitted to enter Hong Kong waters.
Under the new arrangement, they will be permitted to anchor without prior reservations across five designated areas: Tai O, Three Fathoms Cove in Tai Po, Repulse Bay, Tai Tam Bay and Stanley Bay.
“The surrounding bays of the five anchorage areas designated by the Marine Department are remarkably beautiful, with excellent natural resources. These are also places that many yacht owners have frequently expressed a desire to visit in the past,” Chan said.
She added that the department had activated a dynamic monitoring system to check the availability of anchorage spaces in each location, and would liaise closely with mainland yachts using the system.
“If we spot any vacancies, we will update mainland yacht operators, and they can anchor at designated locations – as long as there is still room – without any prior application to yacht clubs,” she said.
To support the initiative, authorities established training and examination centres across six mainland locations to certify captains operating vessels bound for Hong Kong. To date, more than 60 candidates have passed, reflecting what Chan described as a solid pass rate.
Chan also expects the initiative to deliver a boost to the local economy.
“Based on our previous understanding of the industry, yachts can drive a whole chain of supply services. For instance, vessel maintenance and repairs, or the provision of water and food supplies for passengers, and all these related service industries can be stimulated,” she said.


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News

Hong Kong

Transport

Transport minister says response has exceeded expectations, adds that authorities to arrange for applicants to take test within two months


Transport minister says response has exceeded expectations, adds that authorities to arrange for applicants to take test within two months.


Hong Kong taxis

Mable Chan

Hong Kong economy

China

Over 11,000 sign up for Hong Kong taxi, ride-hailing test, beating expectations

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Transport minister says response has exceeded expectations, adds that authorities to arrange for applicants to take test within two months

Transport minister says response has exceeded expectations, adds that authorities to arrange for applicants to take test within two months