Starting from May 16, it will be easier for Macao and mainland residents to drive cars in each other's areas, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Monday.

The ministry and authorities in the Macao Special Administrative Region recently signed an agreement that would allow residents with valid driver's licenses from both the mainland and Macao to drive cars in each other's regions without having to test.

Macao permanent residents holding valid Macao driver's licenses, original identity certificates, physical condition certificates and photos will need to apply for a mainland driver's license, but they will no longer be required to take a separate driving exam.

Holders of valid mainland driver's licenses do not need to apply for a separate license to drive in Macao, but if they intend to drive in the city for more than 14 days, they must register with the traffic department of the Macao Public Security Force.

Easing the restrictions will benefit people who want to travel by car to visit their loved ones on the mainland and in Macao, and it will help promote mutual exchanges and development, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area, the ministry said.

A similar driver's license agreement already exists between the mainland and the Hong Kong SAR.

The ministry will guide local traffic departments to recognize the driver's license agreements and further facilitate the driving of residents on the mainland and in Hong Kong and Macao, a ministry official said.