More than 11,000 Hong Kong residents have registered to take a newly introduced joint examination required to qualify for either a taxi driving licence or a ride-hailing permit, significantly surpassing government expectations, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Monday.

The examination was launched following recent legislation regulating local ride-hailing services, which includes a cap of 10,000 permits for vehicles operating under these platforms. Under the new framework, set to take effect next year, drivers must pass the joint assessment to apply for a taxi licence or ride-hailing permit, unless they already hold a valid taxi driving licence, in which case they may apply for the permit without retaking the test.

Chan noted that since applications opened on August 3, sign-ups have been robust, with daily registrations only recently stabilizing. The Transport Department has organized four exam sessions so far and plans to accommodate all candidates within two months of their registration.

In addition to driver regulations, the government also outlined requirements for ride-hailing platform operators, who will need to obtain dedicated licences. More than 20 organisations have already attended briefing sessions and collected the necessary application materials.

Separately, Chan provided updates on a new maritime initiative to allow mainland China-registered yachts easier access to Hong Kong waters. Starting next month, these yachts will be permitted to anchor in five designated areas—Tai O, Three Fathoms Cove in Tai Po, Repulse Bay, Tai Tam Bay, and Stanley Bay—without prior berth reservations at private clubs, which had previously been a requirement.

The Marine Department has implemented a dynamic monitoring system to track available anchorage spaces in these locations in real-time. Mainland yacht operators will receive updates on vacancies and may anchor at designated spots as long as capacity allows.

To support safe navigation under the new arrangement, authorities have set up training and examination centres at six locations across the mainland to certify captains operating vessels entering Hong Kong waters. So far, over 60 candidates have successfully passed the certification exam, which Chan described as having a strong pass rate.

Chan expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to stimulate economic activity in Hong Kong. She cited the broader supply chain linked to yacht tourism, including vessel maintenance, repairs, and provisions such as food and water for passengers, as areas likely to benefit from increased yacht traffic.

The new measures to regulate ride-hailing services and facilitate yacht access are part of Hong Kong’s broader effort to modernize transport and tourism sectors while maintaining safety and order.