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1. 'Exchanging' Your Home Country License for a Korean License
If you already have a valid driver's license issued in your home country, exchanging it for a Korean license is the fastest and simplest method.
Eligible / Holders of valid foreign licenses (excluding temporary/practice licenses)
Procedure / Document review → Aptitude test (physical exam) → Written exam (theory) → Exchange issuance
Applicants from license-recognizing countries (USA, Germany, Japan, etc., about 130 countries) are exempt from the written exam.
Required documents / Original foreign license, passport, alien registration card, 3 photos, embassy verification (or apostille), proof of entry/exit record, etc.
※ When exchanging, your home country license must be surrendered (stored) to the agency, and you can retrieve it upon departure. If not claimed within 10 years, it will be discarded.
2. Obtaining a 'New' License in Korea
If you don't have a home country license or don't meet exchange conditions, you must take the exam through the same procedure as Koreans.
Exam Procedure (Takes about 1 month)
Traffic Safety Education / 1-hour audiovisual education at the license test center (free)
Physical Exam / Basic health check including vision, etc.
Written Exam (Theory) / Score above a certain points out of 40 questions (available in Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese)
Skills Test / Driving on a designated course at the test center
Road Test / Driving on actual roads with an examiner
Required Documents and Costs
Required documents / Alien registration card (or residence confirmation), passport, 3 photos, exam fees (cash/card)
Minimum age / 18 years old or older
3. Useful Tips
Language support / The written exam (theory) can be taken in English, Chinese, or Vietnamese, so you can challenge it even if your Korean is not fluent.