The Transport Department today announced that new short, medium and long-term measures will be launched in phases towards the full implementation of online appointment services for application for direct issue of a Hong Kong full driving licence and quotas will be increased gradually.

To make online appointment arrangements more effective, starting from September, the department will strengthen co-operation with relevant issuing authorities of driving licences, including more checks on "direct issue" applicants' information in relation to Mainland driving licences provided via online appointments.

If any information is found to be untrue, the relevant appointments will be cancelled and such quotas will be reopened for appointment by other applicants.

Regarding the medium-term measure, in the fourth quarter, the department will accept online appointments for "direct issue" counter services only and no on-site queue ticketing will be arranged.

By that time, the counter services for "direct issue" will be expanded to the Kowloon Licensing Office, the Kwun Tong Licensing Office and the Sha Tin Licensing Office.

The number of appointment quotas will also increase.

Applicants must upload proof documents when making online appointments for verification of eligibility.

In the long term, the department is actively studying the use of artificial intelligence technologies in "direct issue" application procedures.

Applicants who uploaded proof documents during online appointments with initial approval only need to bring their original application documents for verification at Licensing Offices during their booked timeslots.

A full driving licence can then be issued within the same day, reducing the need for applicants to submit applications via agents.

The department stressed that applicants must submit sufficient, true and accurate documentary proof, and their applications will only be approved when they fully meet the eligibility criteria stipulated under the law.

It added that new queue ticketing requirements were imposed on agents submitting "direct issue" applications at the Hong Kong Licensing Office at United Centre, Admiralty from today and its operation has largely been smooth.

The department also noted that following more online government services connected to "iAM Smart", applications for most licences and driving test services can now be submitted online.

At present, about 60% of applicants for international driving permit applications and 50% of full driving licence renewal applications are submitted online.