Korean Job Discussion Forums

deeluvskitties · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Location: songpa-gu

Hey, i was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with owning and driving a scooter (maybe 50cc) with no license? I know you don't need a seperate motorcycle license, so I mean no license at all. I don't have a Canadian drivers license to drive a car or motorcycle but I would like a scooter. Can anyone tell me what the penelty would be if I get caught doing this? Also, for anyone who drives a scooter, what are the chances of being pulled over by the police? It seems like bad driving on scooters is excepted here, so if I wear a helmet am I safe?
Thanks, and sorry for all the questions.

Andrew

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

I was only pulled over by the cops once...because I had my lights on in the daytime and they thought that was problematic, although I'm not sure why. Nowadays, it seems like more motorcycle and scooter drivers are driving with their headlight on, so you probably won't even get stopped for that. I also had to stop to get the breathalyser maybe ten times, which was no problem. Wearing a helmet is just common sense, but it probably won't help you if a bus plows into you...be careful. If the cops stop you for not wearing a helmet, I'm pretty sure they'll fine/ticket you. Scooters that are 50cc's and under do not have to be licensed for the road. If you buy a new one, the shop owner will not make you get one...the story is different for 90cc and 125cc and whatever. Remember, no license most likely also means no insurance. Again, be careful(I've seen a few people get smoked on those things as well as seeing the aftermath of a few hits...not nice!). If you do happen to get pulled over and your scooter is 50 or less, you will have no trouble...that is, you won't as long as you're not running babies and ah-joo-mahs over on the sidewalks.

deeluvskitties · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Location: songpa-gu

thanks for the reply. So when you were stopped, did they ask you for your license? I just don't want to get a huge fine for driving with no license (for car or motorbike) and then not be able to drive anymore.
Also, how big is your scooter? Do you think a 50cc could handle two people driving on it (me about 75kg and my girlfriend who is less, but she wouldn't like it if I posted her weight on this forum)? We would want to use it together a fair amount of time.
Thanks again,
Andrew

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

Not a problem. No, they didn't ask for a license; not once while I was driving a scooter. They've asked for it once while I was driving a car. I recommend at least a 90cc for your needs. The 50cc might be enough for just you. Remember that those things are much more difficult to handle with two people on board, so make sure you ride it well yourself before you let someone else on. With the 90, you will have to have it licensed for the road(pay a little extra - you can probably get it included in the purchase price if you buy new), but you still don't need a motorcycle license...I think you only need that if you have a bike that's more than 125cc, but I'm not 100% sure about that. I know many people that have had 90's - fairly good pep, still very easy to maneuver though traffic, and no need for a motorcycle license. If you buy a used one, it'll already have a license on it. If you buy a new one, you'll have to pay to have it licensed...maybe 200,000won extra? I'm not sure. Maybe someone else will come along and give some better numbers for you.

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:26 am Post subject:

I had a scooter 3 years ago. I played dumb when the caught me without a helmet, and immediately jumped for it under the seat when I figured out what they were talking about. I showed embarrassment and that I was very, very sorry, and put it on immediately. They let me go with that. It was stupid that I didn't have one, anyway. I was just puttering around close to home, but that's where most accidents happen, anyway.