16,000 sign up for exam to drive taxis or ride-hailing cars in Hong Kong

About 16,000 Hong Kong residents have signed up for a joint exam to drive taxis or ride-hailing cars, the transport chief has said.

Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the allocation arrangement for the 10,000 ride-hailing vehicle permits would be announced in November, with the government considering increasing the odds for certain drivers in the lottery draw.

“We are pleased to see the enthusiastic response to the joint examination. We’ve been considering how to make the best use of the quota of 10,000 permits to ensure they can be given to those who are genuinely dedicated and capable of providing ride-hailing services,” she said.

“Making early preparations, such as signing up for or completing the examination, reflects their genuine commitment to taking part early in providing point-to-point services … We hope that within the lottery system, these individuals can be given higher odds of being selected.”