HK to simplify taxi driver written test amid industry reforms

02-07-2025 15:55 HKT

The Transport Department will significantly reduce the number of location and route-based questions in Part B of the taxi driver written examination, Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced Wednesday, citing the widespread use of modern navigation technology.

The move comes as part of a comprehensive review of the taxi licensing examination system, with reforms targeting implementation in the fourth quarter of this year.

Chan said the department will introduce new test questions assessing candidates' knowledge of service quality enhancement measures while cutting geography-focused content, as GPS navigation now helps drivers quickly locate destinations and plan optimal routes.

The announcement follows successful 2020 test revisions that dramatically increased both applicant numbers and pass rates.

According to Chan, Hong Kong has 210,000 licensed taxi drivers as of April this year, including 46,000 active operators. Notably, drivers under age 40 now number 17,500 - a near 50 percent increase since 2019.

Lawmaker Frankie Yick Chi-ming raised concerns in a Legco meeting today about recruitment challenges facing the city's five taxi fleets, suggesting expansion of the imported labor scheme that proved successful for public light buses and non-franchised buses.

Yick proposed allocating quotas to taxi fleets as a "triple-win" solution, ensuring full fleet operations, satisfactory service through employment contracts, and successful policy implementation.

In response, Chan emphasized improving entry barriers and incentives through the fleet system to attract new drivers rather than immediately resorting to imported labor.

She also stressed the importance of drivers mastering the driving routes and service standards while adapting to industry modernization efforts.