Hong Kong driving schools criticized for hidden fees and insufficient training.

3 hours ago7 min read

Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has launched a blistering critique against the city’s driving schools, exposing a systemic pattern of opaque fees and insufficient training that leaves aspiring drivers financially stranded and dangerously underprepared. The Consumer Council’s Monday announcement revealed a startling city-wide failure: all 32 basic courses offered by 11 driving schools fell short of the Transport Department’s mandatory 30 hours of practical training.This isn't just a minor regulatory slip; it's a fundamental breach of trust that forces students into a predatory cycle of purchasing extra lessons, with one school charging nearly double the initial quoted rate to meet the bare minimum standard. Imagine budgeting for a license, only to discover the advertised price was a phantom—a lure into a maze of hidden costs that can inflate the final bill by thousands of Hong Kong dollars.This crisis transcends mere consumer rights; it’s a vivid symptom of a deeper regulatory lacuna where profit is prioritized over public safety. The consequences are tangible and terrifying.Inadequately trained drivers are unleashed onto Hong Kong’s notoriously congested and complex roadways, from the tight turns of Central to the high-speed lanes of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, creating a palpable public safety hazard. The council’s investigation suggests this is not an anomaly but a calculated business model, exploiting the necessity of a driver's license for many professions.We’ve seen similar patterns in other global metropolises—London’s own driving lesson scandals come to mind—where market saturation leads to corner-cutting, but Hong Kong’s situation is exacerbated by its high cost of living and intense pressure on personal mobility. Experts in educational policy and transport safety are now sounding the alarm, warning that without immediate and stringent government intervention, including potential licensing reforms and transparent, all-inclusive pricing mandates, this practice will continue to erode consumer confidence and, more critically, endanger lives on the road. The very social contract between a citizen and a essential service provider is fraying, demanding not just a refund for overcharged students, but a complete overhaul of an industry failing in its most basic duty.

#Consumer rights

#driving schools

#opaque fees

#training hours

#Transport Department

#Hong Kong

#featured

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