How can a foreigner take a driver's license test in Korea?

Foreigners with legal resident status can take the Korean driver's license test. If you do not have a foreign license, you take the tests from the beginning. If you have a foreign license, you may be exempt from some tests by exchanging it for a Korean license.

Documents you need (new license)

• Driver's license test application form — fill it out at the test center
• Passport or ID — most people use the Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증)
• Color ID photos taken within the last 6 months (3.5cm × 4.5cm) — 3 for the physical exam, 1 for the license
• Health checkup result or medical certificate — only if it applies to you

You may need more documents depending on the license type.

Test steps and fees

1. Take the traffic safety education.
2. Take the physical exam. It costs 7,000 KRW inside the test center, and 8,000 KRW for Class 1 Large and Special. You cannot apply online or by proxy.
3. Take the written test. It costs 10,000 KRW and you apply on site. For motorized bicycles (원동기), it costs 8,000 KRW.
4. Take the skills test. It costs 25,000 KRW for Class 1 and Class 2 Regular.
5. Take the road driving test. It costs 30,000 KRW.
6. If you pass, you receive your license. A regular license costs 10,000 KRW, and a mobile license costs 15,000 KRW.

You can book the skills test and the road driving test online.

💡 If you have a foreign license

• You can exchange your foreign license for a Korean license. If Korea recognizes licenses from your country, the written test is waived.
• Only a full license is accepted. Temporary or learner's licenses are not accepted.
• You must have a record of staying more than 90 days in the country that issued the license. Immigration checks this with the Certificate of Entry and Exit Records (출입국사실증명서) and your passport.
• You usually need the original foreign license, passport, Alien Registration Card, 3 photos, an embassy confirmation or apostille, and the Certificate of Entry and Exit Records (from your birth year to now). The fee is 10,000 KRW for a regular license and 15,000 KRW for a mobile license.
• You cannot drive with an International Driving Permit alone. You must carry your home-country license and your passport together.

Required documents and test exemptions differ by country. Before you apply, check your country on the Korea Road Traffic Authority (한국도로교통공단) Safe Driving Integrated Services site (safedriving.or.kr).