Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nobbyken]

Has anyone changed their driving license to a Korean one recently?

I have found some info on the web about the procedures that are required,
but I would be very grateful if someone who has done already this could give me a brief run-down (pardon the korean-driving pun ).

Many thanks,
Ken

ps- I would also be interested to hear any info about (international?) motorcycle tests, for >125cc .

[PimpofKorea]

3 months in country...I had my license switched over....brought a Korean girl with me...hooked it up pretty simply. When you go to the driver's license office, you'll have a physical/eye exam and they schedule for a written test. I would recommend studying a little before you take it. I passed on the first try but there was this white ding-dong there who had failed the thing 3 frikken times before...and then failed once again.....so be prepared son....be prepared

[coulter]

It depends on your nationality due to the arrangements Korea has with your country. I'm Canadian and i went in with my American friend. He had to take a written test. All I had to do was show my driver's licence and passport, look at an eye chart, and pay 10,000 won. I heard that New Zealanders have to actually take a driving test, but I'm not sure.

[thelaststraw]

yeah, if your canadian no big deal at all, and as for the 125cc theres no test its included in the regular drivers licence. Anything bigger and you have to do the motor bike test but not for that size.

[Cheonmunka]

Yeah, Kiwis and Ozzies take a written test. It's pretty easy and standard. It's on a computer and there are 20 questions, multi-choice.
Some questions may trip you up. Like:
Where is it okay to stop on an intersection?
a. Where there is a guy patrolling traffic.
b. To let people on an off.
c. When the light changes red.
d. some other strange thing.

Definately you must:

-read about the prison term or fine for drunk driving and injury (death?)
I put 5 yrs and 20 million won. Maybe it was right.
-The green arrow for turning left with care.
-There was something about old-age drivers and eyesight.
-Use common sense for other questions.

I got 90%.
I only need 60% (12 correct answers out of 20) to pass.

Then have to hand over NZ licence and they give you a Korean one after a few hours wait.
As usual, have to bring many thumbly passport sized photos with you.

[eamo]

Brits only need to show their Euro licence, do the eye-test, and pay 10,000. Takes 30 minutes to get a 10 year Korean licence.

[Yikes!]

I'm an American and I THOUGHT I was supposed to take the written test, but all they had me do was fill out a form, show my passport, and take the physical exam. I was in and out in less than an hour -- except waiting for the license to be prepared.

[ysl]

[nobbyken]

Thnaks for that.

I am a UK citizen, so I will get to a test centre with my Korean wife.

YSL, thanks-if you still have the book, I would like to buy it off you?

I currently live in Sungbukdong, Seoul, and hope to get a new job in January.
If you still have it, we could make arrangements to meet?

Thanks,
Ken

[spliff]

I have a Korean license and a Thai one, my US one ran out
15 years ago!

[eamo]