How to Get a Driver's License in Korea as a Foreigner: My Experience
Getting a driver's license in Korea as a foreigner may seem complicated at first. There are several tests to pass, unfamiliar traffic rules to learn, and, for many foreigners, the additional challenge of taking the tests in a language that is not their first language.
I went through the entire process myself and eventually received my Korean driver's license. Before getting into the details, I should clarify that Korea has several types of driver's licenses. The license I obtained was a Class 2 Ordinary Driver's License (제2종 보통 운전면허), which is commonly used for driving regular passenger cars.
For a Class 2 Ordinary Driver's License, the general process is:
I completed most of the process at the Dobong Driver's License Test Center, which I chose because it was close to where I live. Korea has official driver's license test centers in different regions, including several in Seoul, as well as private driving academies. Here is how each step worked for me.
Step 1. Traffic Safety Education
I started the process at the Dobong Driver's License Test Center. Since the layout may be different at other test centers, the floor information below is based on my experience at Dobong.
First, I went to the Traffic Safety Education (응시 전 교통안전교육) area on the second floor. After registering and completing fingerprint verification, I attended the required traffic safety education. The education was free of charge.
After the education, I filled out the driver's license application form (응시원서). Applicants should bring accepted identification, such as a Residence Card, and the required passport-style photographs. It is helpful to confirm the current photograph requirements before visiting.
Step 2. Physical Check-Up
The next step is normally the Physical Check-Up (신체검사), which was available on the B1 floor at the Dobong Center. However, because I had undergone a National Health Screening (국민건강검진) within the previous two years, I was able to use those results instead of taking a separate physical check-up.
If you have a recent National Health Screening record, you may also be able to use it, provided that your results meet the driver's license requirements, including the eyesight standards. Otherwise, you may need to take a separate physical check-up.
In my case, I went to the information desk, where my health-screening information was checked, and then took a queue number for the test application. Once everything had been confirmed, I was ready to move on to the Written Test (학과시험).
Step 3. Written Test
After completing the application process, the next step was the Written Test. For a Class 2 Ordinary license, a score of 60 or higher is required to pass. The written test is available in several languages, including English.
Even though I have TOPIK Level 6, I found that reading and processing each driving-test question quickly in Korean was more difficult than I had expected. Since the test is timed, I decided to prepare in English.
I practised using the English version of a Korean driver's license written-test question-bank app. This helped me become familiar with the wording and answer the questions more quickly. In the actual test, I chose English and scored 84 points, passing on my first attempt.
Step 4. Driving Course Test
After passing the written test, the next step was the Driving Course Test (장내기능시험). For a Class 2 Ordinary license, a score of 80 or higher is required to pass.
I took my first driving course test at the Dobong Driver's License Test Center, but unfortunately, I did not pass on my first attempt. After that, I decided that professional instruction would probably help, so I started looking for a driving academy.
I chose Dongil Driving Academy (동일자동차운전전문학원) in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, mainly because of its positive reviews. Although it is outside Seoul, I could take the academy's shuttle bus from Seoul, which made the journey convenient.
Most of the students were high-school students or young adults, and I sometimes felt like the only older foreign woman there. Still, all the instructors were kind and patient and treated me just like everyone else.
I enrolled only to prepare for the Driving Course Test. After completing the lessons and practising the course with an instructor, I registered for the test again. This time, I passed.
One unexpected bonus was the journey to Namyangju. It was autumn, the leaves were beautiful, and I enjoyed getting out of Seoul for a while. My trips to driving school sometimes felt like little autumn outings.
Looking back, going to the academy after my first attempt helped me correct my mistakes and feel much better prepared for the test.
Step 5. Learner's Permit
After passing the Driving Course Test, I received a Learner's Permit (연습운전면허). It cost KRW 4,000 and was valid for one year. Rather than being issued as a separate card, it appeared as a small sticker on the upper-right side of my application form, with the permit also registered electronically.
With the learner's permit, I could finally start practising on actual roads before taking the On-Road Driving Test (도로주행시험). When practising, I had to be accompanied by a qualified driver who had held a valid driver's license for at least two years. The car also had to display a “Driving Practice” sign (주행연습) at the front and rear. In my case, I practised with my husband.
I was also given a map of the on-road test routes, which we used to practise the actual routes. Instead of paying for all my road-driving practice at an academy, we practised the test routes ourselves.
During practice, I could drive without major problems and felt reasonably prepared. However, I soon discovered that practising comfortably and driving during an actual test under pressure were two very different things.
Step 6. On-Road Driving Test
The On-Road Driving Test (도로주행시험) was the hardest part of the process for me. A score of 70 or higher was required to pass, and the test fee was KRW 30,000 per attempt. After an unsuccessful attempt, I had to wait three days before taking the test again.
Since my learner's permit was valid for one year, I could choose when to take the test. I began this stage toward the end of 2025, and winter did not feel like the ideal time to take it. I therefore waited until spring and practised from time to time. When choosing test dates, I also checked the weather forecast and tried to avoid rainy days.
Although I could drive reasonably well while practising with my husband, I became much more nervous during the actual test. I failed four times.
My mistakes included not putting the gear in neutral when required, failing to stop properly before a right turn, not waiting until a pedestrian had completely finished crossing, confusing the test route, and exceeding 60 km/h without realising it because I was following the cars ahead of me.
With every attempt, I learned from my mistakes and became more confident. Finally, on my fifth attempt, I passed.
Step 7. Getting My Driver's License
After finally passing the On-Road Driving Test, the last step was getting my driver's license (운전면허증). For issuance, I needed my identification, application form, and one colour photograph taken within the previous six months.
At the time of my application, the standard Korean-and-English driver's license cost KRW 10,000, while the Mobile IC Korean-and-English driver's license cost KRW 15,000.
What surprised me was how quickly everything was completed. I received my driver's license card immediately after the test, and the entire issuance process took only about 25 minutes, including the time spent waiting in line.
It was another moment when I experienced Korea's famous ppalli-ppalli—“quickly, quickly”—culture, but in a very organised and systematic way.
After all the tests, practice, and unsuccessful attempts, holding my Class 2 Ordinary Driver's License in my hand finally made the whole journey feel complete.
Test fees, required documents, eligibility rules, and procedures can change. Before visiting, check the latest information on the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website or contact the driver's license test center you plan to use.
