The Transport Department (TD) today said it is collaborating with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in an investigation into a case involving eight people using false documents to apply for the direct issue of a Hong Kong Full Driving Licence.

The department said it renders full assistance to the ICAC for the probe and has cancelled the Hong Kong driving licences of the people concerned based on the investigation findings.

Reaffirming that every "direct issue" application is rigorously processed and verified to ensure applicants meet the legal requirements, the department noted that it reviews the application process as appropriate to cope with the application demand and operational requirements.

Should there be any doubts about the supporting documents submitted by the applicant during the vetting process, the TD will seriously follow up, including approaching the relevant consulate or transport authority for verification to ensure the authenticity of the documents.

The application will be rejected if the applicant does not fully meet the application eligibility and requirements, it added.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stressed that the “direct issue” arrangements in Hong Kong with the recognised countries and places are operated on the principles of mutual recognition and reciprocity, adding that it has zero tolerance against anyone in or outside Hong Kong obtaining a driving licence through fraudulent activities that will jeopardise road safety and the road users’ confidence.

According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, any person who makes any false statement for the purpose of obtaining any driving licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The TD will strictly monitor the implementation of the "direct issue" arrangements and review the relevant procedures with reference to the corruption prevention advice of the ICAC, and will refer suspected cases to law enforcement agencies for investigation.