Why driving instructor licences are becoming a hot ticket item for Hongkongers

With more than 20 years of experience as a light goods van driver, Hongkonger Fung Fu only started considering switching to becoming a private driving instructor when he noticed the economic outlook was getting gloomier.

“Many restaurants have closed down, and companies are making fewer orders of goods. Besides, more drivers are joining the logistics industry, resulting in keener competition,” the 48-year-old told the South China Morning Post.

“As I am getting older, my job of carrying heavy goods is becoming harder. The future looks uncertain.”

But Fung said he saw an opportunity when the Transport Department announced in April that applications would open in May for 332 new licences for private driving instructors.

The licences are divided into three categories: private cars and light goods vehicles; public and private light buses, and public and private buses; and medium and heavy goods vehicles, and articulated vehicles.

The city has already issued 1,120 such licences for coach driving instructors, while Fung is now among 55,440 applicants hoping to receive one of the new permits.