Hong Kong Driving Licence for Foreigners 2027: Convert Your Licence

If you hold a full driving licence from one of the 32 places on the Transport Department's recognised list (including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, Japan and most of Western Europe), you can swap it for a Hong Kong licence without a test, through "direct issue" on form TD63A. You must have passed a test to get it and meet one of three conditions: you lived there for six months when it was issued, you have held it for five years, or you hold that country's passport. The full licence fee is HK$900, applications are by online appointment only, and visitors can drive on an overseas licence or International Driving Permit for up to 12 months. If your country isn't on the list, you will need to take the Hong Kong test, and road test waits were about 190 days at the end of 2024.

This guide covers who can drive on a foreign licence, which countries qualify for direct issue, the documents and steps, fees, what to do if you are not eligible, and what it really costs to run a car. It is a practical companion to our first 30 days checklist.

Can You Drive in Hong Kong With a Foreign Licence?

Yes, as a visitor. Under the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations, a visitor can drive in Hong Kong on a valid International Driving Permit or a valid overseas domestic licence for up to 12 months from their last entry, according to the Transport Department.

The catch is the word "visitor". The Transport Department defines a visitor as someone who did not arrive to take up residence for more than 12 months. If you have moved to Hong Kong on a work visa, you are arguably not a visitor, so don't rely on your overseas licence for a year. Apply for direct issue as soon as you have your HKID and proof of address.

If you're still lining up the job that brings you here, check out ExpatJobBoard.com. We list thousands of English-speaking jobs in Hong Kong that don't require Cantonese or Mandarin.

Which Countries Can Convert a Licence Without a Test?

The Transport Department's list of recognised places (Schedule 4) has 32 entries:

Source: Transport Department, Appendix C (places recognised for direct issue), checked October 2026.

Notable places that are not on the list include the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, the UAE and Poland. If you hold one of those licences, skip to the section on what to do if you are not eligible.

Direct Issue: Who Qualifies?

According to the Transport Department, you can get a full Hong Kong licence without a test if all of these apply:

1. Your licence is a full licence (not a learner, probationary or International Driving Permit) issued by a recognised place, and it is still valid or expired for no more than three years.
2. The vehicle classes match what your licence authorises in the issuing place.
3. You got it by passing a driving test in that place.
4. You meet one of these three conditions:

• you lived in the issuing place for at least six months when the licence was issued, or
• you have held the licence for at least five years immediately before applying, or
• you hold a passport from the issuing place.

The fourth point is an "or", not an "and". Some older guides say you need both six months' residence and five years' holding; that is wrong. A British citizen with a UK licence passed at 17 qualifies on the passport ground alone.

Direct issue covers private cars, light goods vehicles, motorcycles and motor tricycles only.

Common edge cases

• US state licences. You must show the licence was obtained by passing a test in that place, so if you swapped states without a new test, bring your driving record showing the original test.
• Licences from a third country. A German citizen with an Australian licence qualifies only on the six-months or five-years grounds, not the passport ground.
• Expired licences. Up to three years expired is accepted.

What Documents Do You Need?

Bring originals and copies of:

• Form TD63A, signed by hand. The Transport Department rejects digital or printed signatures.
• Your HKID card or passport.
• Your passport, if you are relying on the six-months residence or passport ground.
• Your physical overseas licence, both sides. Digital licences shown on a phone are not accepted.
• Proof of Hong Kong address issued within the last three months.
• Supporting evidence for your residence or how long you have held the licence, if relevant.
• A certified translation if your licence is not in Chinese or English.
• Medical certificate TD256 if you are 70 or over, issued within four months.

The forms are on the Transport Department's driving licence forms page.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Book an appointment online. Direct issue is by appointment only, with no walk-ins, queue tickets, post or drop-in boxes. Slots open four weeks ahead and refresh at 5pm each working day.
2. Choose the right office. Only the Hong Kong Licensing Office handles licences from every recognised place; the Kowloon, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin offices handle Mainland licences only.
3. Attend in person, or send an authorised representative with your documents.
4. Pay the fee.
5. Collect your licence. There is no fixed processing time. If it can't be decided on the day, you get an acknowledgement and must return to the same office within the stated period.

Book through the government's driving licence appointment system. Slots can be scarce, so check at 5pm when new ones are released.

How Much Does a Hong Kong Driving Licence Cost?

Source: Transport Department, fees leaflet TD341 (revised February 2026). A small Traffic Accident Victims Assistance levy is added to the licence fee.

A full licence is valid for up to 10 years. You can renew within four months before expiry, or up to three years after, according to the government's HK Talent Engage guide.

Remember to get an International Driving Permit from the Transport Department before trips abroad if your destination requires one. It costs HK$80.

What If Your Country Isn't on the List?

You will need to pass the Hong Kong driving test. The Transport Department offers a temporary driving licence while you wait, on form TD181, if:

• you hold a valid full licence from a place not on the recognised list,
• you apply for a driving test within three months of arriving to take up residence, and
• you meet one of the same three conditions (six months' residence, five years' holding or that country's passport).

The temporary licence covers private cars and light goods vehicles. It lasts until your overseas licence expires or 12 months after arrival, whichever is earlier, and can be extended once, for free, by up to six months if you hold a valid test appointment.

How long is the wait for a driving test?

Long. The government told LegCo in January 2025 that the waiting time for the combined road test for private cars and light goods vehicles averaged about 190 days at the end of December 2024, down from more than 300 days in 2022. Test applications reached about 190,000 in 2024. Book your test the moment you arrive.

What Does It Cost to Own a Car in Hong Kong?

Most expats don't. Public transport is cheap and excellent, and parking in the urban areas is expensive. If you do want a car, the main official costs are first registration tax and the annual licence.

First registration tax

Private cars pay first registration tax on their taxable value: 46% on the first HK$150,000, 86% on the next HK$150,000, 115% on the next HK$200,000 and 132% on the rest, according to the government.

Electric private car concessions ended on 31 March 2026. Applications from 1 April 2026 get no concession, except for cars ordered on or before 25 February 2026 and registered by 24 February 2027.

Annual vehicle licence

Source: Transport Department, TD341 (February 2026), including the TAVA levy.

On top of that come insurance, parking (often a monthly space), fuel, tunnel and road tolls. If you will live outside the urban areas, ask whether a car allowance is part of the package. Our expat package guide covers what employers typically include.

Tips From Expats Who Have Done It

• Apply early. Don't wait for your overseas licence to expire or for the 12-month mark.
• Drive on the left. Hong Kong drives on the left, like the UK and Australia. Americans and Europeans should take a few lessons before driving in the city.
• Get your address proof sorted. It must be dated within three months; see our bank account guide for documents that double as proof of address.
• Check your HKID first. Our HKID guide explains how long the card takes.

FAQs: Driving in Hong Kong as a Foreigner

Can I drive in Hong Kong with my foreign licence?

Yes, as a visitor, for up to 12 months from your last entry, using a valid overseas licence or International Driving Permit. If you have moved to Hong Kong to live, apply for a Hong Kong licence instead.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Hong Kong?

Not if your overseas licence is valid and you are a visitor. An IDP helps if your licence is not in English or Chinese.

How do I convert my UK, US or Australian licence to a Hong Kong licence?

Apply for direct issue on form TD63A at the Hong Kong Licensing Office, by online appointment. Bring your licence, ID, proof of address and evidence for the six-months, five-years or passport condition.

Which countries can exchange a licence without a test?

The 32 places on the Transport Department's Schedule 4, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and most of Western Europe.

Is the Philippines on the direct issue list?

No. Licence holders from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam must take the Hong Kong driving test, but can apply for a temporary licence while they wait.

How much does a Hong Kong driving licence cost?

A full licence costs HK$900, plus a small levy, and lasts up to 10 years.

How long does direct issue take?

There is no fixed processing time. Some applications are decided on the day; otherwise you get an acknowledgement and return to collect it.

Can I walk in to apply for direct issue?

No. Applications are by online appointment only, with no walk-ins or queue tickets.

Can I apply if my overseas licence has expired?

Yes, if it expired no more than three years ago.

Do I need a translation of my licence?

Yes, a certified translation is needed if your licence is not in Chinese or English.

How long is the Hong Kong driving test wait?

About 190 days for the combined road test at the end of 2024, according to the government.

Key Takeaways

• Visitors can drive on an overseas licence or IDP for up to 12 months from their last entry.
• Licences from 32 recognised places can be converted without a test through direct issue on form TD63A.
• You need one of three: six months' residence when issued, five years' holding, or that country's passport.
• A full Hong Kong licence costs HK$900 and lasts up to 10 years.
• Direct issue is by online appointment only, and the Hong Kong Licensing Office handles all countries.
• If your country isn't listed, expect a test wait of about 190 days and apply for a temporary licence.
• Electric car first registration tax concessions ended on 31 March 2026.

Find the Job That Brings You Here

A Hong Kong job comes first, then the HKID, then the licence. Browse English-speaking roles on ExpatJobBoard.com and get the move started.