Hong Kong’s Transport Department launched online bookings on Saturday for a new initiative allowing residents to apply for international driving permits at self-service kiosks, expecting about 10,000 users a year.
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The two kiosks, which have a daily quota of 32 people each, will serve the public from January 13 onwards as part of a pilot operation and successful applicants will be able to obtain the permit on the same day.
“The purpose of this kiosk is to provide an additional means of submission of the international driving permit applications, to provide more convenience to the public,” said Chow Wai, a CEO with the department’s licensing section.
“We are always encouraging members of the public to use online applications. If they use our kiosk, one of the benefits is that they can get the permit within the same day or within an hour after submitting their applications.”
Applicants for international driving permits currently have several options to submit their application, including an in-person submission at the licensing office, using a drop-in box, through the post or doing so online.
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While the in-person application also allows for the same-day collection of the document, other methods would see drivers receive their permit within 10 working days.
One kiosk each will be placed at the Transport Department’s licensing office in Admiralty and Cheung Sha Wan, and prior booking is required to use the service.