Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dazzed]

I remember there was a sticky about getting a driver's license without having a DL from states but it's not there anymore.

Anybody know exact procedure in getting a DL through Korean route.

I have some time now and I think I should get one in case I'll need one in the future.

Any help would be appreciated

[nathanrutledge]

Go to the DLA.

Watch a movie. Korean with English subtitles.
Take a written test on computer. In English, fairly well translated. A couple of stupid questions (how do you use the AC in the car?) but if you know how to drive (have a license in the states/can/aus/uk/etc) you should be fine. I passed mine with a 78 (75 minimum).
Take a vision test. Tell them you have no diseases/disabilities that affect your driving.

THEN, you have to schedule TWO tests. A course test and a road test. The course test is first. You drive a car on the course. Go straight. Hit the brakes when you hear the siren. Turn the corner and stop. It's easy, BUT the video describing it is totally in Korean.

IF you pass it, then you sign up to take the road test. It's a standard road test. Drive in traffic, some turns, some stops, lane changes, etc. Again, if you know how to drive, it's easy. It will be tough again, the instructor probably will speak zero English. Mine not only spoke no English, but he knew I knew how to drive and asked a ton of questions. Friendly guy, but he had me cut off a bus and accelerate to go through the yellow light. I passed with a 100% on it.

It'll take you a minimum of two days more than likely. IF you get in right away in the morning, take the first seat in the video, and they have openings for the course test and the road test, you MAY be able to get it done in a day.

You have to pay fees. 5000 here, 10000 there. It'll be close to 50,000 won when it's all done. The biggest fee is the road test - 20k if i'm not mistaken.

Anyway, it's not too difficult. I've done two tests - got my standard license, and went back for my heavy motorcycle endorsement.

Also, if you want to drive a stick shift, you have to specify it for the test and test on a stick. No test on a stick, no stick driving legally.

Questions - PM me.

[PatrickGHBusan]

Check this out:

http://www.korea4expats.com/article-driving-licences-korea.html

So you can either do the tests the way nathan described or, if your country is on the list you can simply exchange your license for a Korean one after passing the first few tests and without the road or course test.

[dazzed]

Thanks guys. Very informative. Going to set something up next week or so.

[dazzed]

Is there a booklet so I could study for the written test?

[chickenpie]

[Milwaukiedave]

Yes, there is a book but someone I talked to before the test told me not to bother with it because it was poorly written and to just take the test. I took the test without it and passed. The test questions are also poorly written (surprise) and I giggled through the whole thing. People just looked at me like I was nuts.

As someone else said, if you are the list of countries which you can just exchange your home country license for a Korean license that is the easiest way. Take the test, then the very easy physical (if you can really even call it that) and wait for your license. If you go early enough you should be able to get it in the same day proved you pass the test.

[jmadtownweb]

I heard there's a International Driver's License one can get and its as easy as showing your home drivers license.. Is this correct? Didn't think I'd have to take driving tests and written tests...

[Skippy]

I have the DVD and formated it to PDFs.

Many of the questions are confusing and badly written. Who ever programmed the DVD in my opinion should be shot.

PM me later about trying to get the PDFS to you.

[dazzed]

thanks Skippy.

I just downloaded the file but it didn't have a extension name. What kind of file is it?

[dazzed]

Nm... got it mounted as ISO file.

Much appreciated Skippy.

[giraffe]

can you guys share that file with me? I need to get my drivers license this year sometime as well. If you could PM me the file info on how i can download it.. that would be AWESOME


THANKS...

[Skippy]

At work now. But I have the DISC image. The disc sort of a ebook program. Converted many of the pages to PDF or cbz. Easier to view. Could not change the video portion part to PDF.

I will get it posted up when I get home.

[giraffe]

cool.. much appreciated

[PatrickGHBusan]