Tips for motorcycle and motor tricycle driving tests in Hong Kong

To successfully obtain a motorcycle license, candidates must pass three parts of the driving test in the following order:

• Part A - Written Test
• Part B - Compulsory Test
• Part C - Road Test

Additionally, candidates must undergo a vision test and read a license plate from 23 meters away under good lighting. You may wear glasses or contact lenses if you are near-sighted, far-sighted, or astigmatic.

Candidates can personally visit one of the government-designated driving schools to register for the written test, attend compulsory courses, and take the compulsory test. The road test can be registered separately to choose a suitable course and instructor.

It is important to note that candidates can register for the written test at the Transport Department but must register for the compulsory test at a driving school. The driving school bundles the registration and fees for the written and compulsory tests, meaning that even if you have passed the written test beforehand, you couldn’t be exempted from the test’s registration fee.

Four Government-Designated Driving Schools:

• Siu Lek Yuen Driving School
  Address: 138 Siu Lek Yuen Sha Tin Wai Road, Sha Tin
• Yuen Long Driving School
  Address: 38 Chung Yip Road, Yuen Long
• Ap Lei Chau Driving School
  Address: 68 Lee Nam Road, Ap Lei Chau
• New Kwun Tong Driving School
  Address: 8 Yau Shun Street, Kwun Tong

After completing the compulsory test, you can schedule the road test and apply for a motorcycle learner's license within 4 working days, up to 2 years. This license allows you to ride on the roads in Hong Kong, but you must adhere to specific location and time restrictions.

Unlike other vehicle types, candidates do not need to find an instructor licensed by the Transport Department; you can choose to learn from the driving school, hire an instructor, get guidance from peers, or even self-practice for the road test.

The written test assesses knowledge based on the "Road Users' Code" published by the Transport Department, which revolves around the correct use of roads, related laws, and common road terminologies, including traffic signs, signals, and gestures. Candidates must correctly answer at least 16 out of 20 multiple-choice questions to pass the written test.

The compulsory test examines your driving skills. Before the test, candidates must attend three sessions of 4 hours each (12 hours in total) of compulsory training, commonly known as "ABC Class," to learn basic motorcycle control techniques. Punctuality and attendance are mandatory.

During the compulsory test, candidates must complete various operations within a designated area, with the examiner evaluating from a control room outside. Evaluation includes:

• Starting and Stopping: Starting the engine and driving from outside the test area to the central parking area.
• Turning Left and Right: Drive into the central parking area, make a left turn along the route to complete a round trip, and then return to the starting point to park. Then, using the same steps, make a right turn to complete a circle.
• Emergency Braking: Accelerating to 23 km/h or more on the examiner's signal and then performing an emergency stop before the turn. If the warning light does not activate, candidates must continue and have three attempts.
• Signal Use: Clear signaling during driving.

Since helmets and protective gear must be worn during classes and tests. Candidates can borrow gear from the driving school, but we recommend purchasing a suitable set for personal use.

The road test is divided into two parts: the "Slope 8 Figure" and "On-Road Practical."

The "Slope 8 Figure" assesses the candidate's ability to perform a U-turn on a slope, requiring you to execute an 8-shaped turn on a slope approximately 1 to 2 lanes wide.

The "On-Road Practical" requires you to drive along a designated route, allowing the examiner to evaluate your vehicle control skills, road responses, judgment, and knowledge of road rules.

Here are some key skills to master before taking the motorcycle and motor tricycle tests:

• Preparation Before Driving: Ensure the handbrake or foot brake is engaged before starting the engine.
• Driving Operations and Speed Control: Master all controls, including the steering wheel, throttle, and brakes, to adapt to road conditions, inclines, intersections, and roundabouts.
• Judging Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially when overtaking or stopping.
• Changing Lanes: Use mirrors to ensure safety before, during, and after changing lanes.
• Navigating Roundabouts and Intersections: Select the correct lane and maintain a safe speed.
• Braking System and Techniques: Know when to use front and rear brakes appropriately.

On the test day, you need to prepare: a compliant motorcycle/motor tricycle and the required documents. Here are the details to ensure a smooth process at the driving test center.

Required Documents for the Test

Candidates must present the following documents for verification by the test center supervisor and license officer:

• Test appointment letter
• Hong Kong Identity Card or other recognized identification documents, such as a passport
• Learner's driving license (for the road test)
• Disability driving test approval letter (if applicable)
• Valid third-party insurance certificate for the test vehicle (including for driving test purposes)
• Compliant helmet

The following are the vehicle requirements as stated by the Transport Department:

General Specifications

If the following requirements are not met, candidates will not be allowed to take the test:

• The vehicle must be mechanically sound.
• The vehicle must have valid third-party insurance (including for driving test purposes).
• The left side of the vehicle must display a valid vehicle registration certificate.
• The right side must be equipped with one rearview mirror.
• The vehicle must have a gearbox with at least four forward speeds.
• The front and rear axle distance must be at least 1,200 mm.

Motorcycle Specifications

In addition to the general specifications, motorcycles must also meet the following:

• Must be a licensed motorcycle.
• Engine displacement must be no less than 125 cc.

Motorized Tricycle Specifications

In addition to the general specifications, motorized tricycles must also meet the following:

• Must be a licensed motorized tricycle.
• Engine displacement must be no less than 90 cc.

As mentioned, you need to purchase third-party insurance for your test vehicle to cover risks related to the driving test. However, there are many motorcycle and motor tricycle insurance plans available in the market, each with different exclusions, coverage, and premiums.

If you finding the best-valued car insurance plan, our experts at Kwiksure are happy to assist you. As one of Hong Kong's leading car insurance brokers, we can help you find the best motorcycle insurance. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team or visit our website for a free quote.