Korea Driver's License for Foreigners (2026): Obtaining, Converting & International License
Foreigners residing long-term in Korea can obtain a Korean driver's license from scratch or convert (exchange) their existing foreign license into a Korean one. This guide walks through every step of the process.
Table of Contents
- 1. Types of Korean Driver's License
- 2. Converting a Foreign License to a Korean License
- 3. New License: Test Procedure
- 4. Written Test Guide
- 5. Skills Test Guide
- 6. Road Driving Test Guide
- 7. Test Fees
- 8. International Driver's License
- 9. License Renewal
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Consultation
1. Types of Korean Driver's License {#section-1}
Korean driver's licenses are divided into Class 1 and Class 2.
| Class | Type | Eligible Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Large (1종 대형) | Buses, large trucks, special vehicles |
| Class 1 | Ordinary (1종 보통) | Vehicles up to 15 passengers, trucks up to 12 tons |
| Class 1 | Special (1종 특수) | Crane trucks, low-loaders, tow trucks |
| Class 2 | Ordinary (2종 보통) | Vehicles up to 10 passengers, trucks up to 4 tons |
| Class 2 | Automatic (2종 자동) | Automatic-transmission only |
| Class 2 | Small (2종 소형) | Motorcycles (125cc+) |
Most foreigners apply for Class 2 Ordinary (2종 보통) or Class 1 Ordinary (1종 보통).
2. Converting a Foreign License to a Korean License {#section-2}
If you hold a valid foreign driver's license, you may be able to exchange it for a Korean license with reduced requirements.
Treaty Countries — Full Exemption
Nationals of countries with a reciprocal license agreement are exempt from all tests (written, skills, and road driving). They only need to visit a driver's license office with the required documents.
| Country | Exemption Scope |
|---|---|
| USA | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| Japan | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| UK | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| Germany | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| Canada | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| France | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
| Australia | Written + Skills + Road test all waived |
The treaty country list may change. Verify with the Road Traffic Authority (도로교통공단) before applying.
Non-Treaty Countries (e.g., China)
Nationals of non-treaty countries must pass the written test only; the skills and road tests are waived.
Documents Required for License Exchange
- Valid foreign driver's license (original)
- Official translation (certified by embassy or notary if required)
- Alien registration card (외국인등록증)
- Passport
- One passport-size photo
- Physical examination results (issued within 2 years)
- Application fee
3. New License: Test Procedure {#section-3}
If you do not hold a foreign license, you must complete the full licensing process.
| Step | Content | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Physical Exam | Vision, hearing, color discrimination | Pass/Fail |
| 2. Written Test | 40 questions on traffic laws | 60pt (Class 2) / 70pt (Class 1) |
| 3. Skills Test | Obstacle course on closed track | 80pt |
| 4. Road Driving Practice | Minimum 10 hours at driving school | Completion required |
| 5. Road Driving Test | On public roads | 70pt |
4. Written Test Guide {#section-4}
Test Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 |
| Time limit | 40 minutes |
| Passing score | 60pt (Class 2) / 70pt (Class 1) |
| Available languages | Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese |
| Venue | All driver's license examination offices |
Test Content
- Traffic signs, road markings, and signals
- Safe driving principles and traffic laws
- Accident prevention and first aid
- Vehicle structure basics
Practice questions are available on the Road Traffic Authority website (safedriving.or.kr) — strongly recommended before the test.
5. Skills Test Guide {#section-5}
The skills test is conducted on a closed course at the examination center.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 80 points |
| Test content | Parking, turning, obstacle avoidance, start/stop |
| Deductions | Points deducted for lane violations, excessive braking, etc. |
| Re-test | Possible from the next day after failure |
6. Road Driving Test Guide {#section-6}
The road driving test takes place on public roads near the examination center.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Completion of 10-hour road driving practice |
| Passing score | 70 points |
| Duration | Approx. 15–20 minutes |
| Deductions | Points deducted for speeding, signal violations, unsafe lane changes, etc. |
7. Test Fees {#section-7}
| Item | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Written test | ~KRW 10,000 |
| Skills test | ~KRW 25,000 |
| Road driving test | ~KRW 25,000 |
| License issuance | ~KRW 8,000 |
Fees may vary by examination center. Confirm current rates at the time of application.
8. International Driver's License {#section-8}
With a valid Korean driver's license, you can obtain an International Driver's License (국제운전면허증) for driving abroad.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Driver's license offices, online (safedriving.or.kr) |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Recognized countries | Approximately 100 countries (1968 Vienna Convention signatories) |
| Required documents | Korean driver's license, passport-size photo, application form |
| Fee | ~KRW 8,500 |
An international driver's license must be used together with your Korean driver's license. It is not a standalone document.
9. License Renewal {#section-9}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Class 1: 10 years / Class 2: 10 years |
| Renewal requirement | Vision test (corrected vision of 0.8 or better) |
| Renewal procedure | Visit any driver's license office |
If you have penalty points or outstanding fines, renew early to avoid license suspension.
10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}
Q. Can I drive in Korea with my foreign license? A. You may drive with a foreign license for up to 1 year from your entry date. After that, you must obtain a Korean license. International driver's licenses issued under the Vienna Convention are also valid for 1 year.
Q. Does the Korean written test support English? A. Yes. The written test is available in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Select your language when booking.
Q. How long does the full licensing process take? A. From physical exam to license issuance, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks if done at a driving school, or 1–2 weeks if self-studying and booking tests independently.
Q. What happens if I fail the written test? A. You may retake the written test from the following day. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires a new fee payment.
Q. Is a driving school required? A. Attending a driving school is not mandatory, but the 10-hour road driving practice required before the road test must be completed. Schools provide the most convenient way to fulfill this requirement.
11. Consultation {#section-11}
The driver's license process for foreigners varies by nationality, visa type, and whether you hold a foreign license. For complex cases involving license conversion or status issues, professional guidance is recommended.
Vision Administrative Office provides comprehensive consultation on foreign resident life, visa status, and driving license matters.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251
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