Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MaestroCantus]

Hello everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone has done a FULL driver's license test (not just trading in other foreign license).

I need a drivers license primarily for identification, but also a Korean license would be recognized back in Canada (I tried to pass the final test for my full G-license before coming to Korea 2 years ago, but the tester wasn't in a good mood, and I had no clue to expect to parallel park in between 2 sticks -- that I couldn't see -- rather than behind an actual car, as I had been practicing).

I already passed the first Ontario driving test (I have a G2 in Ontario until August 10th), but I didn't get the full license . . .

I'm thinking it'd be easier to get a Korean driver's license. (I don't have access to a car, which might make it difficult --- I won't be driving in Korea, the drivers here are too crazy).

Any advice?

Would they exchange my expiring drivers license for a Korean one with a later date? (It's a long shot, but I thought I'd ask).

[ttompatz]

2 comments:

1) they do not have graduated licensing in Korea so you should be able to exchange your Canadian one for a Korean one (as long it is of the laminated variety).

Your Korean license will be good for 9 years before you have to worry.

2) When you return to Canada you can exchange your Korean license for an unrestricted Canadian one (assuming you are over 18 by then ) .
Reciprocal privileges - you can exchange a Canadian license for a Korean one so Canada lets you exchange your Korean one for a Canadian one when you return - same with Koreans going to Canada.
*does NOT include motorcycle endorsement or professional license categories.)

If you did need to take it from scratch, a Korea Drivers training hagwon would take care of it all for you (for a fee of course).

.

[MaestroCantus]

OK, cool. I thought they'd have an issue with my expiry date.

I guess I should head over there before mine expires. If I can exchange it for a full Korean that's good for 9 years, I won't have to worry about starting from scratch in Ontario's graduated system again (with hundreds of dollars, and many months of waiting in between tests).

Yeah, I'm over 18 . . . I'm running to the end of the total 10 years I had to get my full license after getting learner's at 16. (I leave everything to the last minute).

Guess I can go to Incheon soon . . . saw a video on the process, and that they have a "foreigner" counter.

[MaestroCantus]

Hmmm . . . the Mongdak station is REALLY far from where I live [Olympic Park area, on the east side of Seoul].

I hope the place at Seoul Global Center will be able to help me -- or some other drivers license center nearer.

[rowdie3]

Go to the Seoul Global Help center near City Hall.

Super easy.

Bring your license, passport, arc, proof of address, photos from the photo booth.

The lady there does everything for you, then you walk down the street, take an eye test, back to the Help center, get your new license and you're done.

They are really helpful there.

I did the same thing. Expiring learner's license traded for full Korean one. Nice-uh!

[sunnyvale]

On a related note, you now have to get a certificate from the Canadian Embassy declaring that your Ontario licence is authentic.... The certificate costs about 57 000 won!

http://www.dla.go.kr/english/02_news/news01.jsp

[Wildbore]

[MaestroCantus]

[cert43]

Get an International one

[kjane]

Are there any special rules about licensing if you want to purchase a car in korea? Would you need to have Korean licence or does International Driver's Permit suffice?

[sunnyvale]

[cert43]

According to the AAA website, an Interanational one is fine for Korea .you would have to check with your Canadian Auto Association ( if thereis such a thing). not sure about the visa thing


Anyways, it is not hard to get the Korean one. You will get a designted English Section..it's pretty much common sense, but you do have to forfiet your State One for Your Korean one ( so this would also limit all that mess of having to reexchange later).

[headache]

I believe the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) can only deliver you an international driver's license, which is essentially just an official translation in many languages of your provincial driver's license, before leaving the country.

[pk_00]

We can exchange our G2s for a full korean license here? nice

[simonandmartina]

Things have changed a bit. E2 Visa holders have to do a written test as well, and not just swap licenses.

http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/how-to-get-your-korean-drivers-license#IDComment96300457