Hong Kong novice driver's license experience and experience

──Editor's personal experience × True blood and tears history──

---

1. Hong Kong driving test process guide

1. Basic process of learning to drive and taking the driving test

1. Apply for the theoretical test (written test)

   • Apply online/by mail first, then register for the written test after successful application.
   • You can apply for a Learner's Permit only after passing the written test.

2. Book a driving certificate & choose a driving instructor/driving school

   • The driving license is valid for one year and must be accompanied by a qualified instructor.
   • You can choose a private driving instructor or a driving school (such as the Hong Kong Driving School, United College, etc.).

3. Internship driving process

   • It is recommended to attend at least 10-15 lessons (45-60 minutes each). There are examination centers in Shing Mun Valley, Tsing Yi, Fanling, Yau Tong, etc.
   • Learn techniques such as road driving, parking, three-way steering, S-shaped lanes, and reverse parking.

4. Apply for the road test (practical test)

   • The waiting period is usually several months, and you can check seats online in advance.
   • After passing the test, you can obtain a temporary driver's license (P license, Probationary Licence).

2.Choose the test location

• Common examination venues: Shing Mun Valley (Tsuen Wan), Tsing Yi, Fanling, Yau Tong
• Each test site has different road sections. It is recommended to choose a test site based on where you live and whether the driver is familiar with it.

Editor's experience : Many people try to pass the test in different zones just to make it easier. In fact, each zone has its own difficult positions. Instead of pursuing "Legend is the easiest", it is more practical to learn the route you will take from an experienced master.

---

II. Experience of Written Examination (Theoretical Examination)

1. Written Examination Content

• There are 20 multiple-choice questions in total, and the passing score is 16 points (i.e. the minimum score is 16 points)
• Covers road sign regulations, driving attitudes, and emergency knowledge

2. Review methods

• Official Road User Guidelines (app/online version available)
• Practice mock tests (such as those from the Hong Kong Transport Department/online platforms)
• Look at pictures to remember logos and make past papers

Editor's Tips :

• Do several sets of practice questions every day, and mark the questions you missed and review them later.
• The theory test is actually not difficult. The most important thing is not to be careless and read the key words of the questions carefully.

---

3. Driving Learning Process × Practical Experience

1. Choosing a private instructor vs. a driving school

My experience : A good instructor with a good reputation and recommended by friends is the best choice. A good instructor not only teaches technical skills but also teaches personal conduct, driving attitude, and tips on testing pitfalls. Driving schools are ideal for beginners who want a formal, hands-on experience and are unsure about where to go.

---

2. Common pain points in the driving learning process

• Nervous and shy, finding it difficult to ask questions
• I can't remember the technical moves well, especially the three-hand steering, S-shaped road, and parking on an incline.
• When encountering buses, trucks, and cut lines on the road, you will be in a panic.
• The master's teaching method is "fast, sharp and accurate", but the students can't absorb it quickly.
• There is a big gap between field practice and actual combat

Editor's Tips :

• Before each practice, ask for today's focus and practice one by one.
• If you don't understand something, be sure to ask. Don't be afraid of the teacher's displeasure.
• Use your phone to record difficult points and review them when you get home.
• When practicing driving, try to simulate the test situation and avoid "heavy passes"

---

3. Self-study psychological construction

• Learning to drive is not a race, so don't be afraid of slow progress.
• It doesn't matter if you make a mistake, the most important thing is to know where you made the mistake
• Learn to stay calm under pressure. The exam room is more complicated than you think.
• Each practice session should have a goal (changing lanes today, parking tomorrow)

---

4. Road Test Practice × Blood and Tears Experience

1. Examination Process

• Arrive at the test center during the designated time, bringing your ID card, driving license, and test notice
• Follow the examiner's instructions to complete a series of specified actions:
  • Road driving (including starting, changing lanes, stopping, and giving way)
  • Skills test (S-shaped lanes, three-hand steering, reversing into a parking space, parking on an incline, and parking in a parking space)
• The examiner will score on the spot and you will pass if you pass the score sheet.

2. Common loss points

• No lights on, no hope of turning lanes, blind spots
• Failure to stop or yield as instructed
• Stopping distance/parking out of bounds
• The three-hand steering is not fully finished and the car body is crooked
• Nervous mistakes, horn sounds, engine stalls (even automatic transmissions can stall!)

3. Editor’s experience in taking the test × Real sharing

"I took my first driving test at Shing Mun Valley. I had practiced and was confident, but I was incredibly nervous when I got to the test center. I was slow to turn the three-hand steering wheel and almost hit the corner on an S-shaped road. Luckily, the examiner reminded me to turn early, and I narrowly passed. A friend of mine passed before me on his third try because he always had a blind spot when turning.

Another friend took the test in Yau Tong and forgot to engage the handbrake when parking at the rear, resulting in a fatal error. The most important thing is not to give up on yourself because of small mistakes. Ask the instructor immediately after the test what you need to improve. Keep practicing, and you'll pass!

---

4. On-the-spot psychological adjustment

• Go to bed early the night before the exam and stay awake
• Take some deep breaths before arriving to reduce tension
• Treat the examiner as a "passenger" and perform normally.
• If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask. The examiner won't make it difficult for you.
• Even if you make a mistake, remember to stay calm and don't lose your composure.

---

5. Exam Tips

• Familiarize yourself with the route to the examination center every day one week before the exam
• Memorize the "light, mirror, blind spot" trilogy
• All the movements should be "generous and obvious" so that the examiner can see that you have done it
• It is better to be slow than hasty when doing technical movements. Safety is the most important
• Ask about the paper details after the exam, and learn from your experience regardless of whether you pass or not.

---

5. Getting on the road after taking the test × Novice P-license experience

1. First time challenge

• P license plates cannot exceed the speed limit within one year, use express lanes, or have speed limits.
• New drivers often encounter "forced driving", snake kings, cut lines, and narrow roads.
• People are most likely to become nervous at night, on rainy days, or in traffic jams.

Editor's experience :

• After taking the test, you should practice on familiar roads and during light traffic hours, rather than immediately taking on busy driving hours.
• Have a friend accompany you and travel on familiar routes, so you have confidence and can gradually expand your range.
• Try to avoid being a "road bully", but be patient when faced with a strong opponent and yield when faced with a weak opponent.

---

2. Common mistakes made by beginners

• Sudden braking, blind spot
• Misjudgment at intersections, lack of decisiveness
• Afraid of being disturbed by others for driving too slowly, speeding up or changing lanes randomly
• Unknown berth, long-term blockage

Editor's Tips :

• Newbies are often afraid of being embarrassed, but in fact, "safety is not afraid of slowness"
• Record yourself driving regularly and review your mistakes at home.
• If you have any questions, ask experienced friends/masters

---

6. Additional Suggestions × Editor’s Honest Words

1. Don’t be afraid of failure : it’s normal to fail in one try. The average pass rate for the Hong Kong license test is about 30-50%. Practice more and ask more questions, and you will pass naturally.
2. Choosing a good chef is crucial : a good chef can help you get twice the result with half the effort, so you should definitely change him.
3. Emphasize safety attitude : The test is just the starting point. Developing safe and law-abiding driving habits is far more important than just passing the license.
4. Listen to the experiences of others : Ask friends and online forums for advice, absorb practical insights, and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
5. Record your driving learning/test progress : Use a mobile app or notebook to record each progress. Seeing your progress will motivate you.

---

VII. Summary × Editor's Reminder

Learning to drive and taking the driving test is a big challenge in life, but more importantly, it is about developing yourself into a safe, disciplined and courteous driver.

• Don't just drive for the sake of passing the test. Really learn the driving skills and attitude, and your future driving will be much easier.
• It doesn’t matter if there is pressure or failure, as long as you persist, you will succeed.
• After passing the driving test, you must continue to study and be a responsible Hong Kong driver.

---

If you have any questions about learning to drive, taking your license test, or driving, please leave a message or private message the editor. Let's share experiences and help more newbies get on the road without any difficulties! I wish you all good luck with your driving test and hope you can get your real license and drive freely as soon as possible!