Korean Job Discussion Forums

anothernewbie · Joined: 17 May 2006

Can someone help with regards to getting a drivers licence in Korea - yes I know there is a bunch of stuff on FAQ but none of them answer my question.
My one and only drivers license was issued in Dubai (I don't have an International and I don't have a license from NZ or the UK or anywhere that Korea is likely to recognise). Does anyone know if the powers-that-be are likely to swap that for a local license or will I have to go through the whole process of passing the test?
If I do have to do the test can anyone tell me just what that involves -do I need to go through a driving school? Do I have to do the test in Korean? Who do I contact and I how do I negotiate my way through the language barrier (so far all I can say hello and turn left!).
If anyone can I help I would welcome the info/advice. I have asked at my school but they are so busy they never get back to me and I hate to keep asking

Thanks Smile

rednblack · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Location: In a quiet place

Four years ago I got a full Korean license. All I had to do was email Transport New Zealand and get them to fax me a letter of license confirmation. I got it stamped at the NZ embassy in Seoul and took it to the license issuing authorities here (down in Cheong-ju). They took the form, my original license, and gave me an eye test. I paid about 40,000
won and had my 10 year Korean license 20 minutes later. I'm pretty sure this would be the same process no matter where your license was issued. Good luck.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Do you have your driving licence from Dubai?

If Koreans can automatically get a Dubai driving licence then you can get a Korean driving licence with no more than showing the licence, filling in a form, paying about 10,000won, and doing an eye test.

It depends on where you got your licence and how that country treats Koreans who want a licence there.

If Koreans in Dubai need to go through a driving test then you will have to do the same here.

Original · Joined: 21 Mar 2006

I can't give you any definite answer on the Dubai licence issue. Sorry.

If you need advice on the whole driving licence test, should you do have to take it, I can help you there for sure. Let me know. BTW, driving school is not necessary if you have to take the test.

Good luck, either way.

discostar23 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: getting the hell out of dodge

How about if you have a canadian licence which is about to expire. Can you simply go in and get a korean licence like the new zealand?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I can second that. I got my Korean driversl license 1 month before my Canadian Driver's License expired.

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

This may help.

http://www.dla.go.kr/eng/Html_index.jsp?content=/eng/foreign/foreign.jsp&left=/eng/menu/left_foreign.jsp

discostar23 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: getting the hell out of dodge

visviva · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Location: Daegu

If it's in English, you shouldn't need a translation... Is it in French?

MikeJ123 · Joined: 31 Jan 2006

Has anybody gone through the whole procedure other than just getting the license from English spoken country? Mine expired long time ago and never got it renewed. I'm just thinking of taking the driver's test since it's only 15k won per test.

Any suggestions?