For overseas driving licence holders who wish to drive in Hong Kong, they may do so through one of the following means:-

(a)  Apply for a full driving licence by direct issue without test;
(b)  Apply for a temporary driving licence;
(c)  Driving on strength of their valid overseas driving licence or international driving permit if they are visitors to Hong Kong (visitors mean that they arrive Hong Kong other than to take up residence for a period exceeding 12 months).

3.1 Apply for a Full Driving Licence by Direct Issue without Test

3.1.1 Criteria

       * Hold an overseas driving licence issued by one of the countries or places as listed in Appendix C.
       * The overseas driving licence must be:
   
       *
(a)  valid or has not expired for more than 3 years; and
       *
(b)  must be obtained through passing of driving test held in the issuing country or place.
   
       * The driving entitlement(s) applied for must be equivalent to the class(es) which are authorized to drive by the issuing country or place.
       * Satisfy any one of the requirements listed below:
   
       *
(a)  have resided in the overseas country or place of issue for a period of not less than six months during which the licence was issued; or
       *
(b)  have held the licence for 5 years or more immediately prior to the application; or
       *
(c)  hold a passport or equivalent travel document of the country or place in which the licence was issued.

3.1.2 How to apply?

       * Complete an application form TD63A PDF (183KB)
       * Submit it to Hong Kong Licensing Office in person or by an authorized person

3.1.3 What to bring?

       * Original and photocopy of overseas driving licence, Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance of the above criteria
       * An officially certified translation of your overseas driving licence if it is in a language other than English or Chinese
       * A medical certificate (for applicants aged 70 or above)

3.2 Apply for a Temporary Driving Licence

3.2.1 Criteria

       * Hold a valid overseas driving licence of which the issuing country or place is NOT on the approved list in Appendix C.
       * Apply for a driving test within 3 months after the date of arrival in Hong Kong to take up residence.
       * Satisfy any one of the requirements listed below:
   
       *
(a)  have resided in the overseas country or place of issue for a period of not less than six months during which the licence was issued; or
       *
(b)  have held the licence for 5 years or more immediately prior to the application; or
       *
(c)  hold a passport or equivalent travel document of the country or place in which the licence was issued.
   
       * If you subsequently fail in any part of the driving test, your temporary driving licence will be cancelled immediately.

3.2.2 How to apply?

       * Complete an application form TD181 PDF (420KB)
       * Submit it to Hong Kong Licensing Office in person or by an authorized person

3.2.3 What to bring?

       * Original passport, overseas driving licence, Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance of the above criteria
       * An officially certified translation of your overseas driving licence if it is in a language other than English or Chinese
       * A medical certificate (for applicants aged 70 or above)