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MissMaggie
Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Location: Jeju
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 Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject: International Driver's licence |
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| Do you have to get one before you leave your home country? I'm leaving tomorrow and just found out that my apartment is outside of the city, and you need an international drivers licence to rent a car. |
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Big Mac
Joined: 17 Sep 2005
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| Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, you do have to get it before you leave your home country. If you are in Canada, you can get it quickly and easily from a CAA office. I think it costs about $20. You have to bring two passport photos or pay extra to have them take one for you.
From what the lady told me when I went last time, you have to get the initial licence in Canada, but if you renew before the expiry date (1 year), you can get a new one by mail. |
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keseki
Joined: 22 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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i just finished filling out an application to get my IDP from CAA.
you dont need to be in the country. just fill the app, with 2 passport photos, copies of your drivers license, and the 15CAD fee in the form of a cashiers cheque. send it in and you should be good to go. |
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Otherside
Joined: 06 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 10:51 pm Post subject: |
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I guess it depends where you are from.
In South Africa, you have to get it in country. |
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Stones1962
Joined: 26 Nov 2008
Location: Europe/Asia
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 1:20 am Post subject: |
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First of all, it isn't a license. It's a permit which supplements your home country's license. You must carry it with your home license at all times. It basically states, in different languages, that your home country's license is valid.
If you are American, you can get it while anywhere in the world. Fill out the app, mail it in with your $, copy of DL, passport and voila...you will have it in a matter of weeks. |
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CentralCali
Joined: 17 May 2007
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 3:53 am Post subject: |
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| If you're here on anything other than a tourist visa, why not do what you're supposed to do? Get a Korean Driver's License. It's easy to get and the test is even in English, but just half the questions that are on the Korean test. |
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MissMaggie
Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Location: Jeju
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:06 am Post subject: |
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I went down to the CAA office with two passport photos and my drivers licence and walked out 10 min later with my permit. Easy as pie!
I'm not planning to get a car or drive regularly while I'm over there, I just wanted the IDP in case I need to rent a car to run some sort of errand or get somewhere that's not easily accessible by public transit. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:47 am Post subject: |
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| CentralCali wrote: |
| If you're here on anything other than a tourist visa, why not do what you're supposed to do? Get a Korean Driver's License. It's easy to get and the test is even in English, but just half the questions that are on the Korean test. |
I think you and I have had this discussion before, maybe not, but it's been on here in the past.
There is conflicting information in Korea about people on non-tourist visas using an Intl. Driver's License.
One website (I don't have a link) said that if you have an ARC, you are not allowed to use an Intl. License. However, that guy's page had no citations or links to credible info.
All other websites say that it's ok.
For example:
http://english.seoul.go.kr/residents/transport/trans_07driv_01.html
| Quote: |
To drive in Korea with your state-issued driver's license, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before coming to Korea. An IDP is not a license itself, merely a piece of paper that translates your information into the local language. If you are stopped by law enforcement officials here, you must present both your IDP and your state-issued license. The IDP is valid just for one year.
If you are planning to stay in Korea for over a year, it is recommended to change your license into a Korean one. Those holding a license issued from a country that recognizes a Korean driver's license are exempt from all tests but the aptitude test. But, those having a license issued from a country that doesn't recognize a Korean driver's license are oligated to take the written test as well as the aptitude test. The written test is available in English, Chinese and Japanese as well as Korean. |
That's a government website.
I've personally been pulled over on my motorcycle with my Intl. license (coupled with my home license) and it's not a problem. One time they had to make some phone calls and determined it was legal, I also showed the cops some links to the gov't info above.
I've also shown it to rent a car from Hertz in Korea as they needed a valid license.
This spring, BassExpander, IlIlNine and I are planning to do a motorcycle/scooter podcast. I'll try to get some concrete answers from the Driver's License Agency before the podcast.
If in doubt, keep website link above in mind because it's plausible that you will know more than the Korean Keystone Kops about Korean driving laws. |
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waseige1
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:18 pm Post subject: aaa |
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| In the US it is a quick stop at an AAA office and about $20. In and out in 20 minuets with permit in hand. |
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michaelambling
Joined: 31 Dec 2008
Location: Paradise
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| Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: aaa |
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| waseige1 wrote: |
| In the US it is a quick stop at an AAA office and about $20. In and out in 20 minuets with permit in hand. |
It's VERY easy. I got mine even though I didn't have my license with me--just a temporary license from DMV with the license number. That was enough for them. |
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