Man charged with offering 600-yuan bribe to driving examiner

A 47-year-old man has been charged with attempting to bribe a driving examiner with 600 yuan during a commercial vehicle driving test.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption said the man, surnamed Zhan, allegedly offered the cash to a Transport Department examiner on Tuesday afternoon at the Hong Kong School of Motoring test centre in Yuen Long, hoping to obtain a passing grade.

The examiner rejected the bribe and reported the incident immediately. ICAC arrested the suspect later that day after receiving a corruption referral from the department.

Investigations revealed the man had paid HK$60,000 to an intermediary to arrange the test booking. An additional HK$8,000 would have been required for a retest if he failed. It is suspected he thought he had made a serious mistake during the exam and would not pass, leading to the bribe attempt.

The man has been charged with offering an advantage to a public servant under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. His case will be heard at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on Thursday morning.

ICAC reminded the public that bribing public officers is a serious offence. The Transport Department provided full assistance during the investigation.