THE Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) have signed an agreement to enable mutual recognition and exchanges of driving licenses between the Chinese mainland and the Macao SAR.

Under the deal, which will take effect May 16, the mainland and Macao will allow individuals holding valid driving licenses issued by authorities from each side to drive directly or obtain driving permits on the other side without an additional test, the MPS said yesterday.

The agreement will facilitate travel of residents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and enhance the development of the region, the MPS said.

Previously, the mutual recognition and exchanges of driving licenses have been realized between the mainland and the Hong Kong SAR, according to the MPS, saying that it will guide local authorities on such work so as to further facilitate travels between the mainland and the two SARs.

The Macao SAR Government said this much anticipated deal would benefit people traveling and visiting family between the mainland and Macao, further facilitating vehicle travel for residents of both sides, better promoting their exchanges and development. The mutual driving license recognition would only be applicable to cars, excluding other vehicles such as commercial vehicles, scooters and motorcycles.

Lao Sio Hap, a senior officer of Macao’s Traffic Department of the Public Security Police, said that the mutual recognition would make it more convenient for local residents to travel to, and do business, in the GBA.

Statistics show that the number of Macao residents applying for a mainland driving license has been increasing in recent years, from some 3,000 Macao residents applying annually for a mainland license several years ago to about 5,000 Macao residents per year recently. (SD-Xinhua)