How to Get a Korean Driver's License as a Foreigner

You can get a Korean driver's license if you live in Korea and have an Alien Registration Card (ARC). The written test is available in English, Chinese and Vietnamese. This page shows every step, from the first class to your license card.

Do you already have a driver's license from another country? You may not need to take all the tests. See Exchange a foreign license.

The 7 steps (car, Class 1 or Class 2 Ordinary)

1. Traffic safety education – 1 hour class, free.
2. Medical (aptitude) check – mainly an eye test.
3. Written test – 40 questions on a computer.
4. Skills test – drive on the course inside the test center.
5. Practice license – a learner license.
6. Road test – drive on real roads.
7. License issue – get your card the same day.

Who can apply

• Age 18 or older for Class 1 Ordinary, Class 2 Ordinary and Class 2 Small (motorcycle).
• Age 16 or older for a motorized bicycle (125cc or less).
• You need an ARC (or a 거소신고증 for overseas Koreans). See Documents.

Step 1. Traffic safety education

This is a 1-hour video class. It is free. You take it at a test center or a registered driving school. Bring your ID. Your fingerprint is registered. You must finish it before the written test. Ask if English subtitles are available.

Class schedule: safety education schedule

Step 2. Medical (aptitude) check

You can do it at the test center's exam room or at a hospital. It is mainly an eye test and a color test. Bring 3 photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm) and your ID. You cannot book it online, and nobody can do it for you.

These centers have no exam room: Chuncheon, Gangneung, Taebaek, Chungju, Gwangyang, Mungyeong. Go to a hospital first.

Step 3. Written test

• Walk in and register on the same day (weekdays 09:00–17:00, lunch 12:00–13:00). No booking.
• 40 questions, 40 minutes, on a computer.
• Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese.
• Pass mark: 70 for Class 1, 60 for Class 2 (including motorcycles).
• You see your score right away.
• If you fail, you can try again the next day.
• You must pass within 1 year of your first try.

Study first: practice questions and mock test. For motorcycles: motorcycle practice.

Step 4. Skills test

You drive about 300 m on the course inside the test center. Car pass mark: 80. Motorcycle pass mark: 90. You must pass within 1 year after the written test. If you fail, you can retry after 3 days. Details: Skills test guide.

Class 2 Small (motorcycle) and motorized bicycle: after you pass the skills test, you get your license. There is no road test.

Step 5. Practice license

For Class 1 and Class 2 Ordinary only. You get it after you pass the written and skills tests. Fee: 4,000 KRW. It is valid for 1 year. If you practice on public roads, an experienced licensed driver must be with you. Ask the test center for the exact rule.

Step 6. Road test

You drive one of 4 routes (5 km or more) on real roads. Pass mark: 70. English navigation voice is available. You must pass within 1 year of getting the practice license. Details: Road test guide.

Step 7. License issue

You get your card on the same day you pass. Bring your application form, ID and 1 photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm). You can choose an English-Korean license card.

• Standard card: 10,000 KRW
• Mobile IC card: 15,000 KRW

More help

• All fees
• How to book a test
• Test centers
• KOROAD call center: 1577-1120 (weekdays 09:00–18:00)

Sources: KOROAD English guide · License process · Safety education · Written test · Skills test · Road test · Fees and documents