New driving licence design marks continuous service improvement

Driving licences and driving instructor's licences are given a face-lift when the Transport Department introduces a new design from October 28, 2002.

Launching the new design at a press conference today (October 25), the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman said that the initiative was part of the continuous improvement in licensing service.

"The new licences not only look more formal and smarter but are also more user-friendly because of improved clarity in driving entitlements," he said.

Mr Footman reminded licence holders that there was no need to replace their licences for the new design as the existing driving licence will continue to be valid until their expiry.

"Duplicate driving licences will only be issued if the licences are lost, defaced or damaged," he said.

The new driving licence, as well as the driving instructor's licence, will have a new design bearing the Emblem of and the words Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They are green in colour with the letters "hk" printed in the background in thin white stripes symbolising Hong Kong as well as its roads and bridges.

In addition to the new driving licences, TD will also launch five new forms on October 28 to replace the 11 existing ones. The new forms are:

	Application for Full/Probationary Driving Licence & Driving Instructor's Licence;
	Application for Renewal of Vehicle Licence;
	Notice of Change of Personal Particulars or Vehicle Particulars (Except Change of Vehicle Class);
	Application for Learner's Driving Licence (Private Car, Light Goods Vehicle, Motor Cycle & Motor Tricycle); and
	Application for Learner's Driving Licence (Commercial Vehicles).

Mr Footman noted the more user-friendly features of the new forms, which provided greater customer convenience.

"The information is arranged in logical sequence facilitating customers to read the instruction before filling in the form, with important information highlighted in colour.

"Customers will spend less time to complete the forms as most information requiring reference is printed on one side without having to turn the page. The cover pages of each category of the forms are uniquely coloured for easy identification.

"The forms are handy for customers and can reduce storage space at TD licensing offices," he said.

Mr Footman said TD had tested the forms of new design with focus groups, and their comments helped fine-tune the user-friendliness of the new forms.

"The new forms are printed on better quality paper but at a lower cost because less paper is used. There will be a 40 per cent savings in production of the forms each year with introduction of the new design," He added.

Mr Footman said in addition to the processes, TD also improved service which was delivered through staff members by starting a Customer Service Officer pilot scheme in the Hong Kong Licensing Office.

"Staff working in the enquiry counter will put on their working gear.

They will look more professional and can be easily identified in the waiting hall, and will answer enquiries and assist customers in getting good licensing services," Mr Footman said.

A comprehensive information booklet providing guidelines and procedures on how to apply for driving licences has been produced for customers' reference. Copies can be obtained from TD's Licensing Offices. The booklet can also be downloaded from TD website http://www.info.gov.hk/td.

End/Friday, October 25, 2002