Car or private vehicle

Car rental in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a compact city with an extensive public transport system. The MTR metro system is exciting. The MTR is safe, air-conditioned, clean, and new. Therefore, the need to hire a car is relatively low. More than 80 % of all journeys are through public transport in Hong Kong. Interestingly, residents who own vehicles prefer to use the metro system.

Some highlights of driving conditions in Hong Kong

a. Less space in the city

b. Narrow roads, but well maintained

c. Heavy traffic because of small road space

d. Hong Kong has greatly limited space for cars

e. Parking is expensive

f. The British style of driving that involves using cars with left-handed drive

Requirements to rent a car

Renting a car follows a similar process, as in other parts of the world. Drivers are expected to be at least twenty-one years of age. It is preferable to be above 24 years. Some car rental firms rent specific make of cars to clients below the age of 25. The rates vary according to the type of companies, where small firms provide the most affordable rates. Large firms offer promotions and deals with attractive rates. Most companies provide chauffeur services, while others allow self-drives. Prices are calculated on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

The process of renting a car

a. Have a minimum age of 21 years

b. Hold a valid Hong Kong license or foreign driver’s license. There is the option of renting a car with a driver

c. Pay a deposit when picking up a car, and it is refundable when returning it.

The amount varies with the type of company, but can be similar to the price for car rental

d. Local firms do not permit vehicles across the boundary to China. However, international firms provide cars with drivers who are able to cross borders

e. You pay the price depending on the period, time of the week (slightly higher on weekends), type of cars (expensive for high-end vehicles), and location (cheaper within Hong Kong but expensive for crossing the border)

f. You can extend the time for renting a car where necessary; otherwise you are supposed to return the vehicle before the set deadline and obtain a refund of the deposit when the vehicle is in good condition

Useful Resources:

Hong Kong Automobile Association are accessed at

Website: www.hkaa.com.hk/ Tel: 3583-3615/3469 Email: membership@hkaa.com.hk

Regent Limousine Service:

Website: www.regentlimo.com.hk Email: marketing@regentlimo. com.hk Tel: (852) 2314 7946

Website: www.avis.com.hk Tel: (852) 2890 6988 / 28822927 Website: rentacar@avis.com.hk Email: rentacar@avis.com.hk

Jubilee International Tour Company

Address: 2/F Amtel Bldg, Des Voeux 144-148, Central HK Website: www.jubilee.hk Email: sales.jbl@jubilee.hk Tel: (852) 3555 5555

More taxies and drivers details are listed in directory section

Driver’s License in Hong Kong

The Department of Transport in Hong Kong issues driving licenses. A driving license is compulsory when operating vehicles and the full level is valid for ten years, unless the bearer is approaching seventy years old. The Hong Kong driving license contains less information because it is used together with an identity document. The license does not have the driver’s photo. The current version mainly includes the date of issue, driving entitlements, identity number, and the holder’s name.

(Source: Department of Transport)

There are three major levels of driving licenses in Hong Kong:

i. Full license

A driver applies for this license after completing the probation period. It is valid for ten years lest you approach seventy-years old. A driver applies for the license, after passing a driving test, to be allowed to drive commercial vehicles.

ii. Probationary license

An individual applies for a provisional license after passing a driving test for a motor tricycle or motorcycle. The process applies to light-good cars and private vehicles. The bearer is supposed to undergo a one-year probation. The period is extended to another half year if the driver is charged with a minor traffic offence, but cancelled in case of a grave traffic offence.

Conditions for using probationary license;

• Prohibited to carry a passenger using motor-bicycle • Restricted to 70 km/hr. even when the speed limit allows it • Having P-plate at the back and front of the car

• Not allowed to use right lane in a three-lane motorway

iii.Learner’s license

Applicable to new drivers to drive only class 22 or 3 motorcycles, class 2 light goods car, and class 1 private car. An individual is permitted to apply for learner’s license before doing the written test.

Conditions for using learner’s license

• Permitted to carry the driving instructor only

• Driver under the guidance of a skilled driving instructor

• Have L-plate at the back and front of the car

a. Complete all the necessary application forms that could be obtained from the Internet. The forms are also available in Licensing Offices and available

Post Office, Public Enquiry Service

Centres, Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Transport. b. Forward the completed forms along with other supporting documents by post or in person to licensing offices, after paying the required fee.

The licensing services in Hong Kong can be accessed at the following link: https:// www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/driving_licences/index. html Tel: (852) 2804 2600 / (852) 1823

How to Apply or renew driving license in Hong Kong (step by step process, no word limit)

Relocation to a new country also entails securing important documents including a driving license that can also double up as an ID proof to access local services and other facilities. It is important to know the procedures and rules involved in obtaining driving license in Tokyo or Hong Kong. Hong Kong attracts lots of people for tourism and professional purposes and many also relocate. For them an established government ID proof like Driving License will be useful for a hassle-free life style.

Options for Indians to obtain driving license

Get an International Driving License An Indian citizen who wants to drive a car or motorbike in a foreign country must obtain an International driving license or International Driving Permit from the local RTO office. An international driver’s license will come in handy for an Indian to rent vehicles or drive in foreign lands, like Japan and Hong Kong, during their visit. International Driving License means a translated copy of the original driver’s Licence issued by the State licensing authority in India. All Indian states issue International Driving License via the local RTO office or Motor Vehicle Department. Hong Kong driving license and procedures In Hong Kong, the procedures are different from that of Japan in the matter of new Driving Permits or converting a Driving Permit into the Hong Kong pattern. Visitors not planning to stay in Hong Kong for more than one year are allowed to drive using foreign driving licenses. If the stay exceeds that period, they must exchange their overseas driving licence for a Hong Kong version provided the licence has been issued by one of the approved countries. In case the driving licence is not from an approved country, a temporary driving licence will be issued, until the Hong Kong driving test is cleared. Citizens holding overseas driving licenses in Hong Kong can apply for a full-fledged Hong Kong driving license without the driving test if the driving license was issued by an approved country. However, the overseas driving licence must be valid and not expired and obtained after passing a driving test at the issuing place. For issuing a Hong Kong driving licence of the same class/category as the existing licence, an applicant must satisfy one of the following conditions: • The applicant must have lived at least six months in the place where the licence was issued. • He must possess the licence for at least five years before applying for the exchange. • He must possess passport of the country where the licence was issued

If the above requirements are not met, a test will be compulsory. The Transport Department has all the information and the licence exchange application form (TD63A) can be downloaded.

The following documents are required:

• The original and photocopy of the overseas driving licence with a certified translation if the language is other than English or Chinese. • Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance with the above criteria • Applicants above the age of 70 must have a medical certificate under form

TD256 • Address proof issued in the last three months • Required fee as specified • Passport • All supporting documents both in original and photocopy.

Temporary Driving Licences

• A temporary driving licence will be issued if the applicant’s overseas driving licence was issued by a country not on the approved list. • A temporary driving licence will be valid for 12 months before taking a driving test.

When to apply for driving test

For the Hong Kong driving test, the application should be submitted within three months from the date of arrival in Hong Kong. If the applicant fails in any part of the driving test, the temporary license will be withdrawn and no fresh license will be issued.

Norms for temporary driving license in Hong Kong

To receive a temporary licence, one of these requirements are compulsory:

Must have lived for at least six months in the place where the license was issued • Or, there was a license for at least five years before applying for the temporary license • Or, a passport of the country where the license was issued • The Transport Department website has the temporary license application form (TD181) available for download.

• Documents for a temporary license

• The application should be submitted in person to the Hong Kong Licensing

Office with the following documents:

• Original passport

• Overseas driving licence and an officially certified translation if the language is other than English or Chinese

• Hong Kong Identity Card

• Proof of address issued within the last three months

• Any other documentary proof of compliance with the above criteria

• A medical certificate for those applicants aged 70 or above

• Those not satisfying the above criteria will have to take a driving test in Hong

Kong.

Even though the procedures may appear hard and time-consuming, it is ideal to follow the guidelines while applying for fresh driving permits or converting to the format of the country into where you have moved.

Buying a car in Hong Kong

Owning a vehicle is not a priority in Hong Kong. The city is well-connected and small, making car ownership an unnecessary luxury. Hong Kong has an environment-friendly, economical, and efficient public transport system. Therefore, it is easy to get by without owning a car. However, purchasing a car appears attractive when an individual decides to live away from the city or as families grow. Some precautions need to be taken before deciding on buying a car.

a. You have to be a resident to purchase a new or used car in Hong Kong

b. You need a local driving license and

Hong Kong identity card

c. You need to take an extra precaution while checking the mileage and history of vehicles

d. Conduct search on the internet about the car mileage, condition, age, and model before initiating the purchase process

e. Ask for a drive-in showroom or garage to check and test drive the vehicle to ensure it is in good condition

f. Pay for a trusted mechanic or get one from the Hong Kong Automobile Association, who does the following:

i. Organize road test ii. Check suspension, brakes, tires, and wheels iii. Inspects steering system, transmission, and air conditioning iv. Checks the cooling system, fuel system, and engine ignition v. Inspects electrical equipment, and the structure and body of the car

Hong Kong Automobile Association is accessed at

Website: www.hkaa.com.hk/ Tel: (852) 3583-3615/3469

Practical steps when purchasing a car

1. Decide on affordability

Consider whether you have enough finances, especially when intending to take out a loan.

2. Select the car of your choice

A proper car needs to be fuel efficient and in good condition, particularly for second-hand vehicles

3. Source for funds to purchase the car

There are two options: The first is to get a loan through in-house financing. The second option is to get a loan from a bank, which can either be a secured vehicle loan or personal loan. It is good to read and understand the terms and conditions.

4. Obtain insurance coverage

It is mandatory to have insurance before driving off. Hong Kong requires all motor vehicles to have insurance covers for third-party risks. Select insurance that satisfies your driving style. For further details, explore the insurance section in this book.