Improved arrangements for issue and renewal of full driving licences

The Transport Department announced today (March 7) that the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2008 would come into operation next Monday (March 10). This will, among other things, introduce improved arrangements for the issue and renewal of driving licences.

    "Starting from March 10, the renewal arrangement for full driving licences will be simplified by replacing the existing requirement of producing a copy of identity document or using an e-certificate for authentication of identity with a personal identification number (renewal password) issued by the Transport Department.  This will provide more efficient and convenient services to the public," a spokesman for the department said. 

    The renewal password will be included in the Renewal Notice and Application Form (RA Form) sent to driving licence holders before the expiry of their driving licences.  Another measure recently introduced to promote electronic applications is the abolition of the credit card limit on the department's e-services.

    From March 10, the department will also consider the applicants' eligibility to perform commercial driving duties for employment purpose in Hong Kong when processing applications for the issue and renewal of commercial driving licences.  "However, this arrangement will not affect Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card holders and Non-permanent Identity Card Holders without any condition of stay," the spokesman said.

    People may visit GovHK at www.gov.hk or call the Government hotline 1823 for details of these arrangements.

Ends/Friday, March 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01