Overview
The written test is the first test stage for a driver's licence in South Korea. It is run by the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KOROAD) at its driver's licence test centres. It is followed by a practical test, and for some licences by a learner's permit and an on-road test. This page follows the English guide on KOROAD's official site.
Who can apply
The minimum age for the written test is 19. The large and special first-class licences also require at least one year holding a first-class or second-class ordinary licence.
First-time applicants, including motorised bicycle applicants, must complete one hour of traffic safety education before registering for the written test. It is free, and is held at the test centre's education hall or at an authorised driving school. Take your ID card.
A physical check-up is needed. It can be done at the test centre for KRW 7,000 (first class large and special licences) or KRW 6,000 (other licences), or at a hospital, where the fee varies. Six test centres (Chuncheon, Gangneung, Taebaek, Chungju, Gwangyang and Mungyeong) have no check-up centre, so applicants there use a nearby hospital.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pass mark, first class | 70 points or higher |
| Pass mark, second class | 60 points or higher |
| Test languages | Korean, English, Chinese and Vietnamese |
| Retake after a fail | From the next day |
The English guide does not state the number of questions or the time allowed, so check with the test centre.
Stages after the written test
The English guide describes this order for licences, with fees as listed on the official site in 2026.
| Stage | Pass mark | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Written test registration | See above | KRW 10,000 for first and second class; KRW 8,000 for motorised bicycle |
| Practical test | 80 or higher for first class large, first class ordinary and second class ordinary; 90 or higher for first class special, second class small and motorised bicycle | KRW 25,000 for first class and second class ordinary; KRW 25,000 for first class large and special; KRW 14,000 for second class small; KRW 10,000 for motorised bicycle |
| Learner's permit | Not applicable | KRW 4,000 |
| On-road test | 70 or higher | KRW 30,000 |
| Licence issue | Not applicable | KRW 10,000 for a standard card, KRW 15,000 for a mobile ID licence |
A failed practical or on-road test can be retaken three days after the failed date. For first class large, first class special, second class small and motorised bicycle licences, passing the practical test leads straight to licence issue. For first class ordinary and second class ordinary licences, the next steps are the learner's permit and the on-road test.
Fees and documents
Written test registration needs the application form, an ID card and three colour photographs (3.5 by 4.5 cm) taken within the past six months, and the fee above.
Licence issue needs the application form with the final pass result, an ID card and one recent colour photograph of the same size.
How to apply
Complete the one-hour traffic safety education.
Complete the physical check-up.
Register for the written test at a KOROAD test centre with the documents above.
Take the written test. If you pass, register for the practical test.
Continue through the learner's permit and on-road test if your licence class requires them, then apply for the licence.
Preparation tips
Choose your test language when you register, from the four on offer.
Because the pass marks differ by class, aim for at least the first-class mark of 70 if you might apply for either.
Use the KOROAD site to find your nearest test centre and its check-up arrangements before you go.
What is the pass mark for the Korean driving written test?
KOROAD lists 70 points or higher for first-class licences and 60 points or higher for second-class licences.
Can I take the Korean written test in English?
Yes. KOROAD lists Korean, English, Chinese and Vietnamese as available test languages.
How soon can I retake the written test if I fail?
KOROAD states a retake is available from the next day.