driving a scooter in HK

I was trying to find information tonight on the transport department website about driving a motorcycle in Hong Kong and the law. Unforuntately I left frustrated with little info. So typical of a gov website...

I want to drive a scooter in Hong Kong. I was looking whether I would need to take a course or a test but I have some experience driving a 125cc motorcycle back in the UK and I do have a full UK driving licence.

Would I be entitled to driving a scooter without taking a course or test?

Also, I tried to track down some second hand places that sell scooters. Does anyone know of any decent places?

And anything special I would need to know about buying a scooter? Anything I should look out for? I'm actually not familiar with the trade over here in HK...

There are many questions but from the bottom of my heart I say thanks! :)

5 replies

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Baru · 8 March

you need a motorcycle license (which means passing your motorcycle test) to ride on hong kong roads. there are also a few restrictions for new drivers. some information for you here: http://www.td.gov.hk/road_safety/probationary_driving_licence_for_motorists/index.htm http://www.bikehk.com/main/hk/ http://www.howun.com.hk/items/scooter.asp some of the above is in chinese. just click and see where you get to but some of the contact details will be in english

KaiMan · 8 March

If you are wanting to get the license, you can use the Hong Kong School of Motoring. They have shops around HK where you can find costs and all the info you need - there is one in United Centre (opposite Pacific Place) and there is one opposite Times Square. The cost is around $5-6k from beginning to end, but it is all well structured, and they are very good at teaching you. They have a school in Ap Lei Chau and one in Shatin. To get an idea of what scooters (and other bikes) are available in HK, navigate your way around http://www.ibike.com.hk/ - it's in Chinese, but you can search here http://www2.ibike.com.hk/buysell for adverts put up by other people (this is how I found mine) and dealerships.

Wupper · 13 March

I have a German license according to which I am allowed to ride bikes up to 125 cc. HK does not seem to know such restrictions. When I applied for a HK license they gave me a full motorcycle license - no restriction. I wonder how I can convince the German authorities to acept my HK license? I assume/hope that the German "EU' license is the same as the UK "EU" license. If you are allowed in the UK to ride a bike (even with restriction) I believe youwill get a full license here. Good luck!

Baru · 16 March

a full uk drivers license allows people from 16 years upwards to ride an 50cc motorcycle on public roads. if you are 17 years or older you are allowed to ride motorcycles up to an 125cc. in both cases you are required to carry the 'L' plate on your vehicle. in hong kong you need to pass your motorcycle test (unless of course you have a full motorcycle license from the uk where you can just apply directly for a local one).

Yengski · 16 March

If you have a motorcyle license in the UK then you should not have any problem. Just go to any transport department, fill-out some forms, and they will give you a HK license for a small fee. You will get your license on the same day. There's only one type of motorcycle license in HK. It's up to you though to get what kind of scooter you want to. Just a reminder, scooter/motorcycle 125cc and below are not allowed on highways so I suggest you get at least 150cc. Try www.ibike.com.hk or bikehk.com.