Daegu

๐Ÿชช

Driver's License

Necessary documentation and processes for obtaining or converting a driving license in Daegu.

Sections

1. Types of Driverโ€™s Licenses in South Korea

  • Class 1 (General License): For larger vehicles, including buses and trucks.
  • Class 2 (Regular License): For standard passenger vehicles.
  • Motorcycle License: For motorcycles and scooters.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Temporary driving privileges for foreigners visiting South Korea.

For most foreigners, the Class 2 Regular License is the most relevant.

2. Required Documents

The documents you need depend on whether you are applying for a new license or converting a foreign license.

For a New Driverโ€™s License:

  1. Alien Registration Card (ARC): Proof of residency in South Korea.
  2. Passport: For identification purposes.
  3. 3 Passport-Sized Photos: Typically 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.
  4. Health Check Certificate: Conducted at the Driverโ€™s License Examination Office or a designated hospital.
  5. Application Form: Provided at the Driverโ€™s License Examination Office.
  6. Test Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the written and driving tests.

For Converting a Foreign Driverโ€™s License:

  1. Alien Registration Card (ARC).
  2. Passport.
  3. 3 Passport-Sized Photos.
  4. Original Foreign Driverโ€™s License: Must be valid and issued in your home country.
  5. Notarized Translation of Your Foreign License: This must be in Korean and can be obtained at your embassy or a certified translation service.
  6. Apostille or Embassy Certification of Your License: Depending on your country, you may need to get your license authenticated.
  7. Health Check Certificate.
  8. Application Form.
  9. Test Fee Payment Receipt.

3. Associated Costs

The costs may vary slightly, but here is a general breakdown:

  • Health Check: KRW 6,000โ€“7,000 (at the Driverโ€™s License Examination Office).
  • Written Test Fee: KRW 7,500.
  • Driving Test Fee: KRW 22,000โ€“25,000.
  • License Issuance Fee: KRW 7,500.
  • Translation and Notarization Fees (for foreign license conversion): KRW 20,000โ€“50,000, depending on the service provider.

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

A. For a New Driverโ€™s License:

  1. Visit the Daegu Driverโ€™s License Examination Office:

    • Address: 276, Palgong-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu.
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“6:00 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).
    • Phone: +82-53-980-1400.

  2. Complete a Health Check:

    • Conducted on-site at the examination office or at a designated hospital.
    • Bring your ARC and passport.

  3. Take the Written Test:

    • The test is available in multiple languages, including English.
    • Study the Korean Road Traffic Act and driving rules. You can find study materials online or at the examination office.
    • Pass the test with a score of at least 60%.

  4. Enroll in a Driving School (Optional):

    • While not mandatory, attending a driving school can help you prepare for the practical driving test.
    • Costs vary but typically range from KRW 500,000โ€“700,000.

  5. Take the Driving Test:

    • The test includes a basic skills test (e.g., parking, turning) and an on-road driving test.
    • Practice thoroughly before attempting the test.

  6. Pay the License Issuance Fee:

    • Once you pass all tests, pay the issuance fee and receive your license.

B. For Converting a Foreign Driverโ€™s License:

  1. Prepare Your Documents:

    • Ensure your foreign license is valid and properly translated/notarized.
    • Obtain an apostille or embassy certification if required.

  2. Visit the Daegu Driverโ€™s License Examination Office:

    • Submit your documents and application form.

  3. Complete a Health Check:

    • Conducted on-site or at a designated hospital.

  4. Take the Written Test:

    • Even for license conversion, you must pass the written test unless you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement (e.g., the USA, Canada, UK, etc.).

  5. Pay the License Issuance Fee:

    • Once approved, pay the fee and receive your Korean driverโ€™s license.

5. Important Local Considerations

  1. Language Barrier:

    • While the written test is available in English, most staff at the examination office may not speak fluent English. Consider bringing a Korean-speaking friend or translator if needed.

  2. Reciprocal Agreements:

    • Some countries have agreements with South Korea that allow for easier license conversion without a written test. Check with your embassy or the Korean Road Traffic Authority to confirm.

  3. Driving Culture in South Korea:

    • South Korea has strict traffic laws, including speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and zero-tolerance policies for drunk driving.
    • Dashcams are common in vehicles, and traffic violations are often monitored by cameras.

  4. International Driving Permit (IDP):

    • If you plan to drive in South Korea temporarily, an IDP may suffice. However, it is only valid for one year, after which you must obtain a Korean license.

  5. Renewal and Validity:

    • Korean driverโ€™s licenses are typically valid for 10 years. Ensure you renew it before it expires.

6. Additional Resources

  • Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoRoad): www.koroad.or.kr
  • Daegu Driverโ€™s License Examination Office: Contact them directly for the latest updates on fees and procedures.

By following these steps and preparing the necessary documents, you can successfully obtain a driverโ€™s license in Daegu, South Korea. Safe driving!