Over 15,000 Apply for Ride-Hailing Exam; Nearly 40% Fail Despite Simplified Test
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The Transport Department's new combined Taxi and Ride-hailing Integrated Written Examination has attracted over 15,000 applications since August, with the first batch of candidates sitting the exam in mid-September. After 14 examination days, the overall pass rate exceeds 60%, meaning nearly 40% of candidates still failed the test. A Sing Tao journalist took the exam personally and successfully passed, but experts warn that the exam, while simplified, still contains traps that require preparation. The government expects to begin issuing ride-hailing platform licences from late November at the earliest, making this examination a critical gateway for drivers seeking to enter the emerging industry.
Key Points
- As of October 11, the Transport Department received over 15,000 examination applications, with candidates taking exams since mid-September
- The 45-minute exam comprises 65 multiple-choice questions split into Part A on taxi and ride-hailing operations (30 questions) and Part B on road user regulations (35 questions), requiring 85% overall accuracy to pass
- Li Yiu-pei, Honorary Permanent President of the Automobile Association Hong Kong China, warned that many candidates underestimate the difficulty, believing driving experience and navigation apps alone are sufficient
- The exam includes tricky questions on alcohol limits distinguishing blood (50mg) from breath (22mcg) standards, light rail signage nuances, and parking techniques on slopes with or without kerbs
- Legislative Council member Zhuang Hao-feng from the Realist Roundtable plans to take the exam in November and suggests a balloting system similar to public housing to help unsuccessful applicants
Why It Matters
With the government poised to issue ride-hailing platform licences from late November, this examination serves as the primary gateway for drivers seeking to enter Hong Kong's new regulated ride-hailing market. The high failure rate highlights a need for better candidate guidance, while the expected oversupply of licensed drivers raises questions about economic viability for those investing time and money in obtaining qualifications .
With the government poised to issue ride-hailing platform licences from late November, this examination serves as the primary gateway for drivers seeking to enter Hong Kong's new regulated ride-hailing market. The high failure rate highlights a need for better candidate guidance, while the expected oversupply of licensed drivers raises questions about economic viability for those investing time and money in obtaining qualifications .