A candidate who fails the road driving test can apply for an end-of-list driving test appointment or a repeater early test appointment to repeat the failed test.

The availability of repeater early test appointments is subject to the vacant test slots released by candidates after they apply for test postponement or temporary cancellation, which is very limited in number.

Under the new balloting mechanism issued by the Transport Department, eligible repeaters applying for an early test appointment must register via the online booking system - Repeater Early Test Appointment Booking Services - or the Interactive Voice Response System Telephone Hotline 2866 8148 to participate in the balloting.

Repeaters who have won a ballot will receive a notification via SMS or email, and they are required to complete the selection of a test slot and settle the payment of the test form fee by a specified deadline to confirm the test slot.

Repeaters unsuccessful in balloting within the balloting period may register again as necessary.

"The new balloting mechanism is issued to combat profiteering activities by intermediaries or agents making use of the repeater early test slots," said a spokesperson of the Transport Department.

"The first round of the registration period of balloting will be from March 28 to 30, and the first balloting will be held on March 31," the spokesperson added.

The Transport Department also noted additional test slots for repeaters will be arranged on Saturdays, which last for about six months, to cope with the significant demand for road tests.