A valid Hong Kong driving licence entitles the holder to drive a motor vehicle of specified class (es) by virtue of the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations, Cap. 374. Most of the driving licences were issued to applicants after they have passed a driving test for the respective type of vehicles.

A Hong Kong driving licence may be issued without a test if the applicant is a holder of an overseas driving licence issued on passing a driving test by one of the approved countries listed on the Fourth Schedule of the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations, Cap. 374 and is valid or has expired for not more than three years.