[Secrets of the Taxi Industry] What are the tips for getting a taxi driver's license? A taxi driver with 10 years of experience tells you
The following is a full guide and tips for taking the Hong Kong Taxi Driver License (i.e. "Public Service Driver License") from the perspective of a "10-year experienced taxi driver". It is suitable for reference by novices preparing for the license test:
🚖 1. Basic application qualifications
- Age : Must be 21 years and above.
- Private car (or light truck) driving license : Hold a valid private car or light truck full driving license for no less than 3 years (i.e. P license/learning license time is not counted).
- Good driving record : If there are serious violations, your application may be rejected.
🚖 2. Application steps
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Register for the exam
- Submit the application form (TD321) online or at the Transport Department counter, together with copies of your ID card and driving license.
- Selected language for the taxi written test (Chinese/English).
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Review and preparation
- Review the written test (see below for tips).
- You can join the taxi written test classes available in the market, or study on your own (there is an online mock test bank).
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Take the written test
- After passing the written test, you will receive a letter of approval and a notification that you can apply for a "Bus Driver's License".
🚖 3. Written test content and review strategy
Written test content (20 questions in total, 15 questions or more must be passed)
- Road laws (traffic signs, give way rules, illegal parking, double white lines, etc.)
- Geography and routes of various districts in Hong Kong (main roads, tunnel entrances and exits, housing estates/hospitals/shopping malls/hotels/attractions locations)
- Taxi-related regulations (fares, surcharges, luggage, smoking bans, refusal to pick up passengers, lost property handling, etc.)
- Emergency response knowledge (accident handling, passenger discomfort, etc.)
Review Suggestions
- Buy an official "Taxi Written Test Question Book" and read every question and answer carefully.
- Do more online mock test questions (such as "Transport Department Question Bank" and "Taxi Written Test App").
- Use map apps/Google Maps to check directions and familiarize yourself with important locations, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, and popular pick-up and drop-off points.
- Memorize the details of traffic signs, penalties, taximeters and surcharges .
- Ask more seniors . There are many WhatsApp/Facebook groups for license exams where you can communicate.
🚖 4. Interview and physical examination
- After passing the written test , a simple interview will be arranged if necessary (mainly to verify identity and driving attitude).
- Go to a designated clinic for a physical examination (vision, hearing, health status) and obtain a certificate of qualification.
🚖 5. Application for a bus driving license
- Bring along your written test pass letter, health certificate, driver's license and ID card to the Transport Department to apply.
- It takes about 2 weeks to get the license.
🚖 6. Tips from a driver with 10 years of experience
1. Tips for reviewing for the written test
- Don't just memorize the answer, but understand "why we drive like this".
- Be familiar with road signs and road situations , as test questions often contain traps.
- Geography questions often ask about "the most direct route" and "are there any restricted areas/diversions", so pay attention.
- After doing the mock test each time, make sure to remember the wrong questions and review them later.
2. Key points of geographical knowledge
- Memorize the three undersea tunnels and their entrances and exits (Red Tunnel, Eastern Tunnel and Western Tunnel), as well as the traffic arrangements nearby.
- Routes to common housing estates, hospitals, airport bus stations, tourist attractions (such as Disneyland, Ocean Park, The Peak, and the airport).
- You need to be able to identify the commonly used routes in the New Territories/Kowloon/Hong Kong Island , such as the multiple options for leaving Hong Kong Island from the New Territories.
3. Laws and service attitude
- Refusing to pick up/picking up passengers will be severely punished and is often asked in exam questions.
- Charges must be fair and arbitrary surcharges are prohibited.
- If a passenger feels uncomfortable or dissatisfied , you must know how to respond and the process of reporting to the police.
4. Practical combat and safety
- After obtaining the license, it is recommended to learn practical skills from the master in the initial stage , and understand skills such as playing cards, queuing, receiving customers, and using apps to find customers.
- Pay attention to **"traffic black spots" and "high-violation areas"** (such as Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, Airport, Hung Hom).
- When driving for long periods of time, you should pay attention to your work and rest schedule and maintain mental safety.
5. Mental preparation
- Be prepared for unexpected situations: drunk passengers, passengers refusing to pay, lost items, etc.
- Patience, politeness and conflict resolution skills are required.
🚖 7. FAQ
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Q: Is the written test difficult?
A: It's not difficult as long as you study hard. I lose most points in geography and legal details. -
Q：Can I take the test in both Chinese and English?
A: You can choose one language to answer. -
Q：How long does it take to get a license after taking the test?
A: Generally 2-4 weeks. -
Q：Are there any internships?
A: None, just practice it directly.
🚖 8. Upgrade Tips
- It is recommended to take the minibus/bus license test after completing the taxi license test , so that you can have an extra skill to change jobs.
- Use navigation apps more often to help you find your way, but you need to be familiar with the basic geography.
- Look for more cash business during the morning and evening rush hours, and consider taking online orders to earn extra money at night.
⭐Summary
The most important factors for getting a taxi driver license are:
- Familiar with laws and geography
- Do more simulation questions
- Be courteous and abide by the rules
- Ask your seniors more after getting the license, safety first
