Formal agreement has been reached between Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities on the direct issue of Mainland driving licences for small vehicles and motorcycles from January.

Residents holding valid Hong Kong driving licences can apply for Mainland ones at the licensing offices of the Guangdong Public Security Bureau. Mainlanders can apply for direct issue of Hong Kong driving licences at the Transport Department.

Detailed arrangements for the direct issue of Mainland licences to Hong Kong residents are:

* provided they meet the criteria set by Mainland authorities, such as age and physical requirements, a Hong Kong resident who holds a valid Hong Kong driving licence for private cars (Code 1) or above is eligible for the direct issue of a Mainland Class C driving licence for small vehicles;

* a Hong Kong resident with a valid driving licence for motorcycles (Code 3) or motor tricycles (Code 22) - excluding driving licence Code 3A and Code 22A - can be directly issued with the Mainland Class E licence for driving motorcycles; and,

* a Hong Kong resident with a valid Hong Kong driving licence for vehicles with automatic transmission - excluding motorcycles (Code 3A) and motortricycles (Code 22 A) - may only be directly issued with a Mainland Class Z driving licence for vehicles with automatic transmission and a maximum capacity of eight passengers.

Hong Kong residents who wish to apply for the above Mainland driving licences should apply in person at any licensing offices of the Guangdong Public Security Bureau and:

* complete the application form for Direct Issue of Motor Vehicle Driving Licence to HK Residents;

* present for verification the originals and duplicate copies of their HK Identity Card, Home Visit Permit or passport;

* present for verification the original and duplicate copy of a valid Hong Kong driving licence;

* undergo a medical examination; and,

* read and sign on the spot the Terms of Liability set out on the back of the application form.

Applications for changes in personal data and supporting documents must be submitted to the licence-issuing authorities within 30 days of the changes taking place.

If the Mainland driving licence is obtained illegally or cancelled due to traffic offences, the licence holder will be barred for two years from reapplying, and barred for five years from direct issuance of a Mainland driving licence. He can, however, obtain a Mainland driving licence after the two-year debarment period by taking a driving test.

Applicants can find detailed information and download application forms at the websites of the Traffic Police Headquarters of Guangdong Public Security Bureau and the Transport Department.