I decided to create this post, to give an update and to help foreigners that want to obtain a driver's license in South Korea, as well as, avoid spending too much money due to being misinformed! There were situations I could have avoided if I was properly informed. Since my Korean is extremely weak, it was a struggle, but I'm here to assist. If you're a visual person, here's a link to the Road Traffic Authority Driver's License Examination Office, which gives a good amount of detail in English.
The Process:
1. Locating the Exam Office
Find the examination office that is in/closest to your city/state. Click here to see contact information.
Things to bring:
- Passport
- ARC (Alien Registration Card)
- 3 color photos
- money/card
2. Application, Health Check, Traffic Safety Education Video, Written Test
When you arrive at the examination office (I suggest you go at 09:00 as it will be an all day plus another process, assuming you pass everything in one-day or have time), you will need to fill out the "new applicant" form that is in English. You'll come across the option of what type of license you want. Select "level 2" which covers that basic vehicles and motorized vehicles. But, if you're planning to drive construction equipment, 3-wheeled vehicles and/or emergency vehicles, the you can opt for "level 1" which covers everything.
The first part is just completing the application and getting a health check. The health check is just them basically checking your eye sight. After you complete that, you will have to sit through an hour Traffic Safety Education video. It's an "entertaining" video that educates you about the do's and don'ts while driving in South Korea. After you complete that, you will have to complete the written test. The "written" test is a computerized-timed test. You will have 40 mins to complete 40 questions. (The best way to study/pass the written test is to download the "Pass! Driver's License" app. on your phone. I used it 30 minutes before taking the test and managed to pass.) It would be best to "review" as you don't know certain driving laws, signs, and information of South Korea. If you fail, you can retake it the next day.
Level 2- 60 points or higher
Level 1- 70 points or higher
- Health Check: 6.000 won
- Written Exam: 7.500 won
3. In-house Course
This is the part where I 1) wish I was fluent in Korean and 2) been better informed.
This part of the process is where you're in a car that is linked to a computerized system that will score you. You need 80 points or higher to pass. Deducted points add up! You will have to drive on a course. It isn't difficult, if you know key information. 1. After you complete the "operation" test and begin driving, turn your left indicator on and turn it off once you cross the starting line or before 10 m. It's a driving rule, and foreigners may or may not be informed about this rule. (I was "told" the 2nd time I took the test, but understood the 3rd time.) 2. When it comes to the "parallel park", you have 2 mins to complete the task in a confine space. IT IS OKAY to drive over THOSE yellow lines. It's the black lines (you probably won't notice) that you have to worry about not crossing. If you drive on it, you have less 5 secs to move off of it, or you'll have points deducted. 3. 돌발! 돌발! 돌발! (dobal- red flashing light in the car) This is the emergency test. You MUST come to a full stop under 2 secs and turn on your hazard lights under 3-5 seconds. I failed this portion because I eased up on the breaks. So slam on the breaks so you don't fail. Proceed once the light turns green. If you make it pass these parts, you're good to pass. If you fail, you have to wait 3 days before you can retake it.
They play a video on-site with English subtitles before hand, giving you a run-down and instructions on how to pass the test. Here's a video I found on YouTube that helped me in some areas that I didn't understand at the testing site. Also, ask the that your "computerized test" be in English.
Once you've passed the test, you officially have your temporary license.
- In-house Course: 18.500 won
- Temporary License: 3.500 won
4. On-Road Driving Exam
This is the final portion of the exam. I HIGHLY suggest that you take this test at least 3 days to a week after passing your in-house course. I'm not sure how other Exam Offices' work, but get a map of their 5k driving course and study it. Familiarize yourself with the roads and areas of the courses. Know where the school zones are located and/or elderly/disabled areas, if any. (I failed my test because I was doing the "speed limit", not knowing I was in a school zone.) It would be helpful to know your directions in Korean, but the instructor may just point and signal where and what you need to do next. If you've driven before, then you should do fine on this portion. Just be attentive if you're going to wing it. If you fail, you have to wait 3 days before you can retake it. You need 70 points or higher to pass.
- On-Road Driving Exam: 25.000 won
- Driver's License: 7.500 won [Valid for 7 years]
I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!
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