Korean Job Discussion Forums

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

I'm going to go hand in my American driver's license for a Korean one next week. I understand I have to take a written test, but no driving test.

Anyone taken the written test? Do you need to study? What is significantly different from driving in the USA? (Let the jokes begin...)

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

the test is computer generated, so it's all the luck of the draw. you can get 20 easy questions like my buddy did, or get incredibly obscure questions like, "how long will your license be suspended if you receive a 40 point infraction?" i happened to get 11 questions similar to that, and will be taking the test again this saturday because of it. the good news is, you only need a 60% to pass. I got a 55%! i hesitated about responding because i'm still so embarrassed. however, i couldn't let you go in blind. by the way, there are some questions on there that are only asked because korea does not have certain laws in effect, where as we do at home. one example is, "by how much do you reduce your speed in a school zone?" the answer is, you don't!

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

cazzy3 · Joined: 07 May 2008 Location: kangwon-do

definitely maybe: don't feel bad....i did the exact same thing!!! i got a 55% the first time i took it and couldn't believe how obscure/ambiguous some of the questions were. i even had the english version of the study book and half of the questions were not anywhere to be found!!

i went back the next day and scored a 90% as most of the questions were straight forward and obvious. you need to take an eye test and a basic motor skills test like touching your finger to your nose, etc.

you should be fine as long as you don't get an unlucky draw with the questions!! do read the point system for infractions though because there will likely be a question regarding it.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

I just took my written test (paper, not computer) two weeks ago. It's a full hour to take a test of 20 questions. The first 18 questions are general traffic law questions. Each of the last two questions has an illusrated situation with one question about the situation. The test in Korean is one hour and 50 questions. The test proctor said I needed 70% to pass. Luckily, that's what I got!

The test is about what's supposed to happen on the roads, not what does happen. Don't answer any of the questions with what you've seen people do here. "It is permissible to make a right turn on red without coming to a full stop" is not the correct answer.

If you're worried about the thing, go to the local Driver License Agency office (the one in Sa-sang is quite close to the subway) and pick up a driver's manual in English to study.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

PKang,

Are you American? For some nationalities, all that's required is the physical test and relinquishing the home country's license. For us Americans, a written test is also required.

ABC KID · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

Take a special computer pen. They use those instead of number two
pencils to fill in the bubbles. Fortunately, one of the cops loaned me one.

You can buy an English book to study from for 10,000 won.

When I went home I made a trip to the drivers license place and showed
them my eticket that I printed out. (I could have faked it.) They dug
out the box of licenses. I signed something, and got it back.

If you've driven in a major city in the US then you can handle traffic
in Korea.

Stop signs at cross walks are usually ignored. Maybe it means to only stop when there is someone in the crosswalk.

The right hand turn lights do not have arrows nor a yellow light. I'm assuming they are right hand turn lights.

Sometimes, like on a curve, there will be a set of traffic lights that are
for showing you what the real traffic lights are doing. You do not stop
at these warning lights. Of course you should be ready to stop.

Safety devices like guard rails are not up to US standards.

When making a left turn check to make sure no one is passing you on
the left. I learned that in Kansas City, but it's still good advice.

There is often a yellow light to let you know the light is turning green.

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

Sometimes a white arrow painted in the lane means turn lane only
and sometimes it means there is another lane you can move into.
I find this confusing. In the us when there is an arrow painted on
a lane it meant the lane was ending and you had to turn.

Toon Army · Joined: 12 Mar 2007

ABC KID · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

This page lists those who are exempted from all but the physical exam.

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

i went in and easily passed the driving test this morning. in fact, i'm sure i could've passed last week if i had received this particular selection of questions. live and learn, right? anyway, things still didn't go smoothly. gangnam decided against sending my us license and docments up to the dobong-gu office, so they couldn't issue my license today. this is particularly funny because the woman at the gangnam-gu office insisted that it was easier and safer for her to send it than for me to bring it in myself. when the nice clerk at dobong-gu called and asked why the stuff wasn't sent, the excuse was pretty funny. the gangnam official stated, "we assumed he'd fail a few more times, then return to our office to take the test in june." no one was seeking an apology, just an explanation. nonetheless, the woman refused to admit that a mistake had been made. i could be angry, but i'm just glad i passed!