# South Korea Driving Test (KOROAD / 도로교통공단) - Complete Reference Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-02-12 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference # Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/south-korea # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (운전면허 / unjeong myeonheo) in South Korea, covering the KOROAD theory test (학과시험 / hakgwa siheom), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. --- ## Quick Facts: South Korean Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | KOROAD - Korea Road Traffic Authority (도로교통공단) | | Written Test Questions | 40 multiple choice | | Time Limit | 50 minutes | | Pass Mark (Class 2) | 60 points out of 100 (60%) | | Pass Mark (Class 1) | 70 points out of 100 (70%) | | Written Test Fee | 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | | Minimum Age | 18 years (16 for mopeds) | | Test Languages | Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others | | Theory Validity | 1 year after passing | | License Validity | 10 years (5 years if 65+, 3 years if 75+) | | First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 60-70% (written test) | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get a South Korean Driving License (운전면허 취득 절차) ### Step 1: Choose Your Path - Driving School (학원) or Self-Study - Register with an authorized driving school (운전면허 학원) - costs around 500,000-700,000 KRW - Or study independently and take exams directly at a KOROAD Driver's License Examination Office (운전면허시험장) - Driving schools (학원) provide structured courses and typically increase first-attempt pass rates ### Step 2: Pass the Aptitude Test (적성검사 / jeokseong geomsa) - Physical fitness assessment (eyesight, hearing, physical ability) - Conducted at KOROAD examination offices or designated hospitals - Fee: approximately 6,000 KRW for medical checkup - Color vision test, hearing test, and basic physical examination ### Step 3: Pass the Written Test (학과시험 / hakgwa siheom) - 40 multiple choice questions - Includes text-based, illustration-type, and video-based questions - 50 minutes time limit - Pass mark: 60 points (Class 2) or 70 points (Class 1) - Available in Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages - Computer-based test at KOROAD Driver's License Examination Offices (26 locations nationwide) ### Step 4: Pass the Driving Course Test (기능시험 / gineung siheom) - Conducted on a designated driving course (not on public roads) - Tests basic vehicle control skills - Pass mark: 80 points out of 100 - Fee: 18,500 KRW ### Step 5: Pass the On-Road Driving Test (도로주행시험 / doro juhaeng siheom) - Approximately 5 km route on public roads - Evaluated by examiner using a scoring system - Pass mark: 70 points out of 100 - Fee: 30,000 KRW - License issuance fee: 10,000 KRW --- ## KOROAD Written Test Topics (학과시험 출제 범위) ### Traffic Laws and Regulations (도로교통법규) 1. **Traffic signs (교통표지)** - Warning signs, regulatory signs, guide signs 2. **Traffic signals (교통신호)** - Signal types, meanings, and compliance 3. **Right of way rules (통행 우선순위)** - Intersection rules, emergency vehicles 4. **Speed regulations (속도 규정)** - Speed limits by road type, school zones 5. **Parking and stopping rules (주정차 규정)** - Where parking is permitted/prohibited ### Safe Driving Practices (안전운전) - Defensive driving techniques - Hazard perception and accident prevention - Night driving and adverse weather conditions - Highway driving rules and merging - School zone driving (어린이 보호구역 / eorini bohoguyeok) - 30 km/h limit ### Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (자동차 구조 및 점검) - Basic vehicle systems (engine, brakes, lights, tires) - Pre-drive inspection procedures - Vehicle inspection requirements ### Question Format Breakdown - Text-based questions (문장형): 21 questions - covering traffic laws and vehicle structures - 17 questions worth 2 points each - 4 questions worth 3 points each - Illustration-type questions (그림형): 6 questions - picture/photo-based scenarios - Video-based questions (영상형): 13 questions - animated driving scenarios --- ## Speed Limits in South Korea (속도 제한) | Road Type | Cars | Trucks/Buses | |-----------|------|--------------| | Urban areas (도시) | 60 km/h | 60 km/h | | School zones (어린이 보호구역) | 30 km/h | 30 km/h | | Rural roads (일반도로) | 80 km/h | 60-80 km/h | | Expressways 2-lane (고속도로) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | | Expressways 4+ lanes (고속도로) | 100-110 km/h | 80-90 km/h | | Designated high-speed sections | Up to 120 km/h | 90 km/h | --- ## Alcohol Limits (음주운전 기준) - Yoon Chang-ho Law (윤창호법) The "Yoon Chang-ho Law" (윤창호법), enacted December 2018 and enforced June 25, 2019, significantly tightened South Korea's drunk driving laws: - **All drivers**: 0.03% BAC (lowered from 0.05%) - one of the strictest in the world - **Penalties for 0.03-0.08% BAC**: License suspension, fine of 5-10 million KRW - **Penalties for 0.08%+ BAC**: License revocation, imprisonment up to 5 years, fine up to 20 million KRW - **Repeat offenders**: Enhanced penalties including longer imprisonment - **Refusal to test**: Treated as drunk driving above 0.08% BAC The law was named after Yoon Chang-ho, a young soldier killed by a drunk driver in Busan on September 25, 2018. --- ## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in South Korea 1. **Warning triangles** (삼각대) - required for highway breakdowns 2. **Fire extinguisher** (소화기) - mandatory in all vehicles 3. **First aid kit** (구급상자) - recommended 4. **Dashcam** (블랙박스) - not legally required but nearly universal; used as evidence in accidents 5. **Seat belts** (안전벨트) - mandatory for all passengers 6. **Child safety seats** (유아 보호용 좌석) - required for children under 6 years old --- ## South Korean License Types (운전면허 종류) | License | Korean Name | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|------------|----------|-------------| | Class 2 Small (2종소형) | 2종 소형면허 | Mopeds/scooters up to 125cc | 16 years | | Class 2 Regular (2종보통) | 2종 보통면허 | Cars up to 12 passengers, motorcycles | 18 years | | Class 1 Regular (1종보통) | 1종 보통면허 | Cars up to 15 passengers, trucks up to 12 tons | 18 years | | Class 1 Large (1종대형) | 1종 대형면허 | Buses (16+ passengers), large trucks (12+ tons) | 19 years (1+ year driving experience) | | Class 1 Special (1종특수) | 1종 특수면허 | Tow trucks, cranes, rescue vehicles | 19 years (1+ year driving experience) | --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Not observing school zone (어린이 보호구역) speed limits of 30 km/h 2. Incorrect understanding of the strict 0.03% BAC drunk driving threshold 3. Failing to yield to emergency vehicles (긴급차량) 4. Confusion about expressway merging and lane-change rules 5. Misunderstanding parking and stopping zone regulations (주정차 금지구역) 6. Incorrect answers on fine amounts and penalty point thresholds 7. Not knowing license classification requirements for vehicle types --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 | Item | Cost (KRW) | Cost (USD approx.) | |------|-----------|-------------------| | Medical aptitude test | 6,000 | ~$4 | | Written test fee | 10,000 | ~$7 | | Driving course test fee | 18,500 | ~$13 | | On-road driving test fee | 30,000 | ~$22 | | License issuance fee | 10,000 | ~$7 | | **Total (self-study path)** | **~74,500** | **~$54** | | Driving school (학원) course | 500,000-700,000 | ~$360-510 | | **Total (driving school path)** | **~600,000-800,000** | **~$435-580** | Note: Retake fees apply if you fail any exam (3-day waiting period between attempts). --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (학과시험 합격 팁) 1. Study the official KOROAD question bank (문제은행) - available online at dl.koroad.or.kr 2. Focus on the Yoon Chang-ho Law and the 0.03% BAC limit - heavily tested 3. Memorize fine amounts and penalty point thresholds for common violations 4. Practice with video-based questions - 13 of 40 questions use video format 5. Pay special attention to school zone (어린이 보호구역) regulations 6. Learn the differences between Class 1 and Class 2 license vehicle categories ### Practical Test Tips (실기시험 합격 팁) 1. Practice the driving course maneuvers repeatedly before the test day 2. Use mirrors consistently and signal all lane changes during the on-road test 3. Maintain appropriate speed - neither too fast nor too slow 4. Keep calm at intersections and follow traffic signals precisely 5. Practice on roads similar to the test route in your examination area 6. Check mirrors before every lane change and turning maneuver --- ## Converting a Foreign License to South Korean (외국 면허 교환) ### Countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements South Korea has mutual recognition agreements with 131 countries, divided into two categories: **Full Mutual Recognition (23 countries)** - exchange without any test: Belgium, Poland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others **Reciprocity Recognition (108 countries)** - aptitude test only: United States, United Kingdom, most EU/EEA countries, and others recognized by police authority directives ### Exchange Process - Foreign licenses can typically be exchanged for a Class 2 Regular (2종 보통) Korean license - **From recognized countries**: Only aptitude test (physical exam) required - no written or driving test - **From non-recognized countries**: Must pass aptitude test + simplified written test (20 questions) - Required documents: Passport, Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증), original foreign license, Korean translation (notarized), medical certificate - Visit any KOROAD Driver's License Examination Office with required documents ### Important Notes - Your foreign license must be valid and issued before your arrival in Korea - International Driving Permits (IDP) are valid for 1 year only - After 1 year of residence, you must obtain a Korean license --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many questions are on the South Korean written driving test? The written test (학과시험) consists of 40 multiple choice questions. You have 50 minutes to complete the test. For a Class 2 license, you need 60 points (60%) to pass. For a Class 1 license, you need 70 points (70%). Questions include text-based (21), illustration-type (6), and video-based (13) formats. ### How much does the South Korean driving license cost in total? If you study independently and take exams directly at KOROAD, the total cost is approximately 74,500 KRW (~$54 USD). If you attend a driving school (학원), expect to pay 500,000-700,000 KRW (~$360-510 USD) for the course plus exam fees, totaling approximately 600,000-800,000 KRW. ### Can I take the Korean driving test in English? Yes, the written test (학과시험) is available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and several other languages at all 26 KOROAD Driver's License Examination Offices nationwide. Practice tests in English are also available at https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/south-korea. ### What is the Yoon Chang-ho Law (윤창호법)? The Yoon Chang-ho Law, named after a young soldier killed by a drunk driver in 2018, lowered South Korea's legal BAC limit from 0.05% to 0.03% (effective June 25, 2019) and significantly increased penalties for drunk driving offenses. This makes South Korea's alcohol limit one of the strictest in the world. ### What are school zone (어린이 보호구역) rules in South Korea? School zones (어린이 보호구역, literally "children protection zones") have a strict 30 km/h speed limit. Penalties for violations in school zones are significantly higher than regular zones, including doubled fines and enhanced criminal liability if injuries occur. Speed cameras and traffic enforcement are prioritized in these areas. ### How long is a South Korean driving license valid? A standard Korean driving license is valid for 10 years. For holders aged 65 and over, the renewal period is reduced to 5 years. For those aged 75 and over, renewal is required every 3 years, and a cognitive ability test may be required. --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - South Korea Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/south-korea Email: contact@autoviatest.com KOROAD Official Website: https://www.koroad.or.kr KOROAD English: https://www.safedriving.or.kr Driver's License Call Center: 1577-1120 Emergency Numbers: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check koroad.or.kr.