Hong Kong Accelerates Autonomous Driving Tests: 6 Pilot Licenses Issued, Over 80,000 km Safely Driven

On the 11th, Hong Kong's Transport Department announced that since 2024, it has issued six pilot licenses for autonomous vehicles to promote the localization and deployment of this technology. The first approved smart-driving company, with over a decade of R&D experience, began testing at the end of 2024 in North Lantau, later expanding operations to Cyberport and the Kai Tak Development Area. To date, its test vehicles have safely covered more than 80,000 kilometers. Starting December 2025, testing will extend to Kwun Tong and Kowloon City. Despite the complex urban traffic conditions and high density of pedestrians and vehicles, the test vehicles have operated reliably using advanced algorithms, autonomously performing tasks such as activating warning lights, obstacle avoidance, lane changes, and U-turns. Although backup operators are present during tests, they keep their hands off the steering wheel throughout the journey, ready to take control only when necessary.