Over 1,000 sign up for Hong Kong’s new taxi, ride-hailing test

More than 1,000 individuals have applied for the new combined taxi and ride-hailing service test in Hong Kong, anticipating increased demand for ride-hailing drivers following the introduction of the city's regulatory regime next year. The Transport Department replaced the separate taxi driver examination with the combined test, enabling successful candidates to apply for either a taxi driving licence or a ride-hailing vehicle permit after completing necessary courses.

On the inaugural day of registration, the department reported a positive response, with over 1,000 online applications. Ben Chan Han-pan, chairman of the Transport Panel at the Legislative Council, anticipates a growing number of candidates in the coming months, as the combined test will allow individuals to legally operate both taxi and ride-hailing vehicles.

Mark Chong Ho-fung, another Legco transport panel member, noted that the combined written test has been well-received and expressed belief in an increasing number of applications as drivers prepare in advance. Existing taxi licence holders can now apply for a ride-hailing vehicle permit without taking the new test. The Transport Department anticipates that all ride-hailing services will operate under the new regime by August 22 following a year of preparation.

From mid-September, the first wave of combined test candidates will sit the examination, with the Transport Department planning to invite ride-hailing platform licence applications later in the month. The government has set a cap of 10,000 ride-hailing vehicle permits, with applications opening in the fourth quarter of the current year.

Chong and Chan echoed each other's view, emphasizing the need to focus on driver registration and that the current lack of data on ride-hailing operations makes it premature to adjust the permit quota. Both noted that Hong Kong has approximately 18,000 taxis and around 50,000 licensed taxi drivers, ensuring an adequate supply of drivers when the ride-hailing services launch.

Major players including Didi Chuxing, Uber, and Amap have expressed readiness to cooperate with the government and work towards a practical, transparent, and data-driven review mechanism for ride-hailing services.