Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ruthdes]

So I know there are other threads on getting a driver licence, but I couldn't find anything dealing specifically dealing with passing the written test.

I went to the licencing authority in Samseong-dong, Gangnam yesterday, went through all the rigmarole, then failed my damn written test. I don't even know which answers were wrong, but there were a lot I had to guess.

For example (and I'm paraphrasing here, the English translations really weren't brilliant, and in some cases, actually made no sense at all):

There is construction on the side of the road. Which is NOT a hazard to be aware of? (This then has a picture of the situation)
a) The cyclist (pictured riding towards me on the other side of the road)
b) The parked car (parked on the other side of the road)
c) The crane (parked in my lane, blocked off with barricades)
d) The pedestrian (crossing the road near the construction).

I was taught to be aware of all these things. They could all be a hazard. But the crane seemed to be the least likely to cause a hazard, so I chose it. I don't even know if that's right or not.

There was another questions asking what the penalty was for driving an unregistered car. Effed if I know!

Anyway, so it's apparent that I will have to study to pass this test. I'm wondering what resources people have used/can recommend to do this. I found the link to this website
http://eng.rota.or.kr/Eng/Main/main.jsp

Is this enough? Does anyone have any other tips, hints or recommendations? Can I buy a book in English somewhere? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[CrikeyKorea]

I got the book and went through it once, and then i was more confused after reading it... Luckily I lost the book after one day, turned up to the written test and got like 95%, mind you I was expecting a fail, because like you said there are some questions that are ridiculous...

I suggest trying to memorise the random ones like the penalties and stuff for those kind of q's and then use common sense and/or guess the rest...

[kiknkorea]

I would have guessed the parked car, but I don't know either!

Yeah just study the website and know the basics. The picture questions are really ambiguous.

I thought I did really good on mine, but I think I got the minimum passing score.

They have about 6 different versions of the test, so you just have to clear your mind and be ready for anything. Keep at it and good luck.

[ticktocktocktick]

You can buy the book in English from the same place you take the test. I spent about 6-8 hours studying it from cover to cover, and got 100%. I'd never driven before I came to Korea though. If you're just starting to learn to drive in Korea, look through my posting history. I posted a guide on how to do it a few months back.

[OiGirl]

You don't want the "correct" answer, you want the answer a Korean would give.

[Ruthdes]

Thanks for the responses. Luckily, I already know how to drive, so I don't have to worry about the driving test.

I'll study that website this evening and give it another try tomorrow. If I fail again I guess I'll buy the book. After I pass, maybe I can volunteer to re-translate the questions so they actually make sense to a native English speaker!

[Brooksmatic]

[Ruthdes]

[wormholes101]

Guide to Safe Driving in Korea.

[wormholes101]

Honestly, the road rules here are garbage, the test is garbage and the road code book is garbage so, don't feel bad about failing the test.

[Ruthdes]

[lorenchristopher]

As a previous poster said, you should "think like a Korean would" while taking the test. Also take your time because the English was confusing sometimes....make sure you can visualize the question and all the multiple choice options.

I didn't study any of the test prep materials at all, just went in, took my time on the test, and passed with an 80% my first time.

[Troglodyte]

If you get your licence here, can you use it in other countries? When you go back home, can you just switch it for a local licence (if you don't already have one)?

[moosehead]

every time I recall the K driver's test it makes me laugh I honestly didn't know if I passed or not but was thrilled I did.

as another poster said, you have to understand the English is written by Koreans, try and interpret the sentences in that manner and you should do ok; all the same buy the book, it will definitely help - at least I found it helpful.

*I've heard in recent years foreigners are asked for their home country's driver's license to be surrendered upon receiving a Korean driver's license and allegedly it will be returned to you when you leave Korea if you want it back. personally, I think that's a crock and would just say I didn't have it with me, or something like that. you might go home on vacation and need it.

I traveled to S. Africa and needed to rent a car there - I definitely needed my American license then - for the poster that asked if a Korean license is good elsewhere - not generally, it's my understanding a license needs to be in English to be accepted - and S. Africa has at least 8 official languages, one of which is English, btw.

[Easter Clark]