Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bibbitybop]

If you have questions about motorcycles in Korea, scooters, or traffic laws related to motorcycles, please see "The Official Motorcycle/Scooter Thread" in the off-topics discussion forum.

If you have questions that are not covered in that long thread, post them here. I'm doing a podcast soon with BassExpander and can attempt to find answers. If you have any topics you want discussed on the podcast, post them here.

[gojulie]

Thanks for taking questions for the podcast. I would love to hear about license requirements, testing...specifically where/how/if you can take an English test for motorcycle license.

[bassexpander]

Ha, I did make it online.

I've had a few bikes in Korea, including a Daelim 125 Forte, a Yamaha R6, a Judd, and a small 50cc I can't remember the name of.

Whatever you guys want to know... we're going to have a few beers and talk bikes!

[pocariboy73]

Is there some new law for riders to have a 'motorcycle license' for scooters and motorbikes under 125cc - including 50ccc scooters?. I remember there was some proposed legislation pendinng, however it may have become scapped. The bike shop I deal with told me just to forget about it as it won't become law. Who knows?

[cubanlord]

ha! I have always heard information second hand regarding this question:

Do you have to have a license plate on a scooter that is 50cc or less?

also

Do you have to have an international driver's license or a Korean license (or either one or neither one) to drive the 50cc scooter?

[Bibbitybop]

gojulie: The test to get your motorcycle license is not a written test. It is a driving test. You probably won't need any translation. There is a video on youtube, too.

pocariboy: The law has not taken effect. You can read about it somewhere in the motorcycle thread, there is a link to a Korea Times piece about it. Sources at the Driver's License Agency say it will go into effect between June and August. This is really important for people who don't have a motorcycle license and drive anything over a 50cc. The motorcycle test SUCKS because you can't use your own bike and are not used to the clutch, balance and brakes. A word to the wise: Take the test now, not this summer as there will probably be lines.

cubanlord: 50cc bikes don't require a plate, registration or insurance. You do have to have a Korean drivers license OR a home license coupled with an international license.

[Gaber]

What are the office hours for the license office? Are they open after 5? Or weekends?

[pocariboy73]

[Bibbitybop]

pocariboy, right now there is no distinction between scooters and motorcycles and different engine sizes. Right now, since you don't need a MC license for under 125cc, they don't distinguish. Given the uncertainties about the new law changes this summer, it's not prudent to speculate about future changes in the MC test. Right now, you use their Hyosung Mirage 250cc bikes.



Gaber, you'd need to contact your local office. Motorcycle test times are scheduled during the weekdays at the West Seoul office. If there is an influx of people taking the MC test after the summer law change, you'd think they'd open up the offices and tests during the weekend, but knowing Korean logic, they won't.

Here's a link for ya:

http://www.dla.go.kr/english/index.jsp


You can also contact the foreign help line and the Seoul Global Center for further help.

[loggerhead007]

What are the penelties if you're on a 125 with no license or insurance?

[Xuanzang]

Bibbitybop, any recommendations for insurance brokers?

[Bibbitybop]

[Slaps]

Is it true that the national health insurance plan does not cover personal injuries caused by motorcycle accidents?

[Bibbitybop]

[pocariboy73]