Overnight queues return at Admiralty Licensing Office as Guangdong drivers seek Hong Kong licenses

Since the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme launched last month, requiring mainland drivers to hold Hong Kong driving licenses, demand for direct-issue licenses has surged, prompting overnight camping outside the Transport Department's Admiralty office to grab limited daily tokens.

Applicants start queuing in the evening, equipped with folding stools and luggage. By 7.30am today, nearly 100 people were waiting, most speaking Mandarin and likely from the mainland.

A local proxy agent reported mainland queuing groups now make up 60 percent of the lineup—up from 30 percent—often transported by coaches and offering services for around 250 yuan, undercutting local fees of HK$400-500.

She criticized the department for ignoring complaints about illegal proxy operations.

She accused the department of inaction despite complaints about illegal proxy services.

Only the Admiralty office processes direct-issue applications for overseas license holders, distributing 140 same-day tokens (80 morning, 60 afternoon) plus 100 appointments, frequently booked out 70 days in advance. Individuals can handle up to five applications each.

Some in the queue denied being paid proxies, insisting they were waiting for friends. Staff maintain on-site order but direct inquiries to the press office.

A planned shift to full online booking, eliminating on-site tokens and originally targeted for December or sooner, is now postponed to March.

The media are inquiring with the Transport Department on handling increased demand and with the Immigration Department on cracking down on mainland visitors acting as illegal proxies—previously resulting in convictions for unauthorized work.