⏰
IDP Expires in 1 Year
An International Driving Permit is only valid for 12 months after entry. After that, you need a Korean license to drive legally.
Best Driving School for Foreigners & Expats in Korea for Korea Car Driver's License
Driver's License in Korea
School of Driving Anyang
SDA
wHO WE ARE
"Get your Korean driver's license in English — in as little as 10 days. School of Driving Anyang(SDA) is the only driving school near Seoul and Korea offering a complete English theory class, study materials, and exam system for foreigners. With over 1,000 expats licensed in the past decade and an 90%+ pass rate, SDA is South Korea's most trusted English-friendly driving academy for foreigners, military personnel, international students, and expats."
Our Program
1st Class License (Level 1)
2nd Class License (Level 2)
1st Class Large License (Level 1)
Motorcycle License
English Support Available
Korean Driver's License for Foreigners
Get licensed in ~10 days with 80%+ pass rate. The only driving school near Seoul with a complete English theory & exam system. Over 1,000 foreigners licensed in 10 years.
80%+
Pass Rate
1,000+
Foreigners
~10
Days
WHY GET LICENSED
Why Foreigners Need a Korean Driver's License
Your International Driving Permit expires after one year — and life in Korea is much easier with a local license.
🚗
Life Outside Seoul
Suburbs, countryside, industrial zones — public transit doesn't cover everything. A car makes groceries, weekend trips, and commuting far easier.
🪪
Official Korean ID
A Korean driver's license doubles as a widely accepted photo ID for age verification, services, and account registration throughout Korea.
🔄
Not All Licenses Convert
License conversion isn't available for every nationality. For many expats, a Korean driving school (driving hagwon, 운전학원) is the only reliable path.
📋
Only ARC Required
Registration is simple — bring your Alien Registration Card and two photos. No hospital visit; the physical aptitude test is done on-site at SDA.
✅
Valid for 10 Years
Once issued, your Korean license is valid for a full decade. It's a long-term investment for your time in Korea.
WHY SDA
The Only Full English Exam System Near Seoul
Most Korean driving academies operate entirely in Korean. SDA bridges the gap with end-to-end English instruction, testing, and support.
🗣️ Learn & Test in English
SDA's theory classes, study materials, and written exams are all in English at the same location — no studying in one language and testing in another.
🏆 1,000+ Foreigners Licensed
Over 10 years of experience with American military, English teachers, embassy staff, international students, and expats from 50+ countries.
🚇 30 Min from Seoul
Located in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do. Reachable via Metro Line 1(Anyang/Gwanak Station) and major bus routes from central Seoul.
🕐 Flexible Hours
Driving practice 09:00–20:00 weekdays and 09:00–17:50 weekends. Schedule around your work or school commitments.
🌐 English Theory Classes SATURDAYS ONLY
English-language theory is available every Saturday 13:00–16:00 — the only weekly English session. 3 consecutive hours covering all required theory.
1:
13:00–13:50
2:
14:00–14:50
3:
15:00–15:50
HOW IT WORKS
From Registration to License in ~10 Days
A structured, guided process — no guesswork, no Korean fluency required.
1
Register
ARC + 2 photos
→
2
Theory
3 hrs English
→
3
Written
40 questions
→
4
Course
4–10 hrs
→
5
Road
6 hrs
→
✓
Licensed!
~10 days
1
Register
ARC + 2 photos
↓
2
Theory
3 hrs English (Saturday)
↓
3
Written Exam
40 questions in English
↓
4
Course & Test
4–10 hrs + skills exam
↓
5
Road & Test
6 hrs + final exam
↓
✓
Licensed!
~10 days total
STEPS 1–2
Registration & Theory
Bring ARC + 2 photos. On-site physical test. Attend 3 hrs English theory on Saturday.
ARC required
On-site physical
Sat 13–16
STEPS 3–4
Written & Course
Pass 40-question English written test. Complete course practice + skills test.
Written 60–70
Course 80
English exam
STEPS 5–6
Road & License
6 hrs road practice + test (70/100). Receive license — valid 10 years.
Road 70
6 hrs
10-year
DOCUMENTS
What You Need
🪪
Alien Registration Card
Valid ARC mandatory (F, E, D, H visas). Tourist visas without ARC not eligible.
📷
2 Passport Photos
3.5 × 4.5 cm. Photo booth on-site if needed.
PRICING
License Programs & Fees
All prices in Korean Won (KRW).
🚗
Car Licenses — Full Program
Level 1
1st Class Ordinary
780,000
KRW
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 4 hrs + Road practice 6 hrs
✓
Automatic or Manual transmission
✓
Vans up to 15 seats
✓
Trucks up to 12 tons
✓
Forklifts up to 3 tons
Age 18+
Written 70/100
Road 70/100
View Details →
MOST POPULAR
2nd Class Ordinary
750,000
KRW
Save 30K
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 4 hrs + Road practice 6 hrs
✓
Automatic or Manual transmission
✓
Vans up to 10 seats
✓
Trucks up to 4 tons
✓
Perfect for personal driving
Age 18+
Written 60/100
Road 70/100
View Details →
🏍️
Motorcycle & Professional Licenses
Class 1 Large
Trailer & Bus
822,000
KRW
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 10 hrs
✓
Buses & trucks (all sizes)
✓
Construction machinery
✓
Forklifts (no weight limit)
Age 19+ · Legal minimum education required · Must hold Level 1/2 for 1+ year
View Details → Motorized Bicycle
125cc & Under
390,000
KRW
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 8 hrs
✓
Scooters, mopeds, e-kickboards
✓
All 2-wheelers ≤ 125cc
Age 16+ · Motorized bicycle license is needed to drive 125cc or less
View Details → 2nd Class Small
Motorcycle > 125cc
Unlicensed / Car holder
457,000
Lecture 3h + Course 10h
Moped license holder
247,500
Course practice 6h
✓
All motorcycles (any cc)
✓
Independent license
Age 18+ · 2nd class small license is needed to drive two wheelers of more than 125cc · Choose training based on existing license
View Details → 🛣️
Road Training for License Holders
| Program | Hours | Per Hour | Total (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard vehicle | 10 hours | 58,000 /hr | 580,000 |
| Standard vehicle | 6 hours | 61,000 /hr | 366,000 |
| SUV / Mid-size vehicle | 10 hours | 64,000 /hr | 640,000 |
| SUV / Mid-size vehicle | 6 hours | 64,000 /hr | 384,000 |
🏫
Technical Course Registration Only
If you wish to enroll for only lecture and Technical Course practice.
Level 1
1st Class Ordinary
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 4 hrs · Auto or Manual
342,000 KRW Level 2
2nd Class Ordinary
Lecture 3 hrs + Course practice 4 hrs · Auto or Manual
327,000 KRW 🚦
Application for Road Driving
When you want to apply for the road driving after passing the functional test and the written test.
Level 1
1st Class Ordinary
6 hours of on road training · Auto or Manual
438,000 KRW Level 2
2nd Class Ordinary
6 hours of on road training · Auto or Manual
423,000 KRW 🔄
Changing Class Types
When you want to change from a Type 2 automatic/manual license to a Type 1 automatic/manual license.
| From → To | Training | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class Auto → 1st Class Manual | 6 hrs road training | 438,000 |
| 2nd Class Auto → 1st Class Auto | 6 hrs road training | 438,000 |
| 2nd Class Manual → 1st Class Manual | 6 hrs road training | 438,000 |
| 2nd Class Manual → 1st Class Auto | 6 hrs road training | 438,000 |
⚙️
Changing Conditions (Auto → Manual)
Switch from automatic to manual transmission within the same class.
| Conversion | Training | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class Auto → 1st Class Manual | 4 hrs course training | 298,000 |
| 2nd Class Auto → 2nd Class Manual | 4 hrs course training | 283,000 |
📖
Driver's License Textbook
25,000 KRW
Cash on delivery
WHY CHOOSE US
Anyang Driving School
The trusted choice for foreigners in Korea
🏆
80%+
Pass Rate
Higher than average
👥
1,000+
Foreigners Licensed
Over 10 years
⏱️
~10
Days to License
vs. months alone
🌐
EN
English Support
Full guidance
📍 Easy Access from Seoul
SDA is in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do — just 30–40 minutes from central Seoul via Metro Line 1. Convenient for residents of Seoul, Suwon, Gunpo, Uiwang.
🏗️ Modern Training Facility
Full-sized driving course on-site with designated zones for parking, turns, lane changes, and emergency stops. Road routes simulate actual exam conditions.
~10 Days vs. Months on Your Own
With our structured program and English-speaking support, you'll complete the entire process in about 10 days — compared to several months when navigating the system by yourself.
Ready to Get Your License?
Our English-speaking team is ready to help you every step of the way
Anyang Driving School (Seobu Driving Academy) · Anyang, Gyeonggi-do — Easy access from Seoul via Metro Line 1
FAQs
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 driver's licenses in Korea?
Korea has two main driver's license categories: Class 1 for larger vehicles and Class 2 for standard vehicles.
Class 1 (age 19+): Large covers buses and trucks over 12 tons. Regular covers vehicles up to 12 tons. Special is for construction and rescue vehicles. Stricter vision standards apply.
Class 2 (age 18+): Regular covers cars, vans, and trucks under 4 tons — this is the most common license for foreigners. Small is for compact vehicles under 1,000cc. Motorized covers motorcycles under 125cc.
Most foreigners get a Class 2 Regular license, which is also the default when exchanging a foreign license. To get Class 1, additional testing at a Korean examination center is required.
How can foreigners obtain a driver's license in Korea?
Foreigners can get a Korean driver's license in two ways: exchanging a foreign license or taking the full Korean driving test.
License Exchange — for foreigners with a valid license from a recognized country. Required documents: ARC (Alien Registration Card), original foreign license, passport, and a translated/notarized copy of the license. You must pass an aptitude test, and some countries require an additional written test. Processing takes about 1–2 weeks.
Full Driving Test — for those without a valid foreign license or from non-recognized countries. The process includes: traffic safety education (1 hour), written test (available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages), closed-course skills test, and road driving test. This typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Requirements for both pathways: age 18+ for Class 2, valid ARC, and corrected vision of 0.5 or above. Tests are conducted at driver's license examination centers in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and other major cities across Korea.
What are the minimum age and driving experience requirements in Korea?
Class 2 (age 18+): Covers regular passenger vehicles, compact cars, and small motorcycles. No prior driving experience required for new applicants.
Class 1 (age 19+): For larger vehicles. Class 1 Large and Special categories also require at least one year of experience holding a Class 1 Regular or Class 2 Regular license.
Motorcycle licenses (age 18+): Under 125cc requires the Class 2 Motorized license. Over 125cc requires the Class 2 Small Motorcycle license with additional testing.
Rental cars (age 21+): Most rental companies require at least one year of driving experience. Some luxury vehicles may require age 26+. International visitors must have held their home license for at least one year.
All requirements apply equally to Korean citizens and foreign residents with ARC.
Is there an automatic-only driver's license in Korea?
Yes, Korea offers an automatic-only license that restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles only.
How it works: When taking the driving test, you choose automatic or manual. Testing with an automatic vehicle results in a license marked with an automatic-only restriction code.
Important: Driving a manual vehicle with an automatic-only license is treated as driving without a proper license, which carries fines and potential legal consequences.
Upgrading: You can remove the restriction by passing an additional skills test on a manual vehicle. No written test is required.
Foreign license exchange: If your home license is automatic-only, your Korean license carries the same restriction. Full foreign licenses convert to unrestricted Korean licenses.
Most driving academies in Korea offer both automatic and manual courses. Automatic courses are typically shorter and less expensive.
Do I need a separate motorcycle license in Korea?
Yes, Korea requires a separate license for motorcycles. The type depends on engine size.
Under 125cc — Class 2 Motorized: Requires a written test and practical skills test. However, if you already hold a Class 1 or Class 2 Regular car license, you automatically receive this privilege without additional testing.
Over 125cc — Class 2 Small Motorcycle: Requires separate written and practical tests regardless of whether you hold a car license.
Electric scooters and mopeds: Most powered two-wheelers on public roads now require at least a Class 2 Motorized license, including those under 50cc.
Foreign license exchange: Motorcycle licenses follow the same exchange process as car licenses — original license, ARC, translation, and embassy verification. The Korean license issued will match your foreign motorcycle class.
Rental scooter companies typically require a valid motorcycle endorsement and a minimum age of 18–21 depending on vehicle size.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Korea?
Most tourists and short-term visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their original license to drive legally in Korea.
Which IDPs are accepted: Korea recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This includes the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, and most European countries. You must carry both the IDP and your original license while driving.
Exceptions: Some countries have bilateral agreements allowing driving with just a home license and official translation, but an IDP is the safest option for most visitors.
Car rental requirements: Valid passport, IDP from your home country, original license, international credit card in the driver's name, and minimum age 21 with at least one year of driving experience.
Important for residents: IDPs are only valid for tourists staying under 90 days. If you hold an ARC (Alien Registration Card), you must either exchange your foreign license or take the full Korean driving test. An IDP is not valid for ARC holders.
Can I exchange my license if I've been in Korea less than 90 days or don't have an ARC?
No, you cannot exchange a foreign license for a Korean license without an Alien Registration Card (ARC). This is a strict requirement in Korea with limited exceptions.
Why ARC is required in Korea: the license exchange system is designed for foreign residents, not tourists. The ARC serves as your identification for the Korean license and links to Korea's driver database. Without ARC, you have no resident status to attach the license to in Korea.
Options for short-term visitors in Korea: if staying under 90 days, use your International Driving Permit (IDP) with your original foreign license. This legally permits driving in Korea without needing to exchange your license.
Timeline considerations in Korea: ARC issuance typically takes 2-3 weeks after applying at Immigration. License exchange then takes an additional 1-2 weeks. Plan accordingly if you need a Korean license for long-term driving in Korea.
Exceptions in Korea are extremely rare. Diplomatic personnel may have alternative arrangements through their embassies. Some special visa categories might have different procedures, but standard visitors and short-term workers must obtain ARC before license exchange in Korea.
If you're transitioning from tourist to resident status in Korea, your IDP remains valid until you receive your ARC. Once ARC is issued, begin the exchange process promptly, as continuing to drive solely on IDP after receiving ARC may not be legally valid in Korea.
What is the process to get a driver's license in Korea?
Obtaining a new driver's license in Korea involves four sequential stages that must be completed in order.
Stage 1 - Traffic Safety Education in Korea: mandatory 1-hour classroom session covering traffic laws, road signs, and accident prevention. Available at examination centers or driving academies throughout Korea. Must be completed before taking any tests.
Stage 2 - Written Test in Korea: computerized exam testing traffic regulations and road signs. 40 questions with 60% passing score required. Available in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and other languages. Can be taken at any examination center in Korea.
Stage 3 - Skills Test (기능시험) in Korea: practical test on a closed course within the examination center. Tests basic vehicle operation including starting, stopping, turning, parking, and signal usage. Must pass within 1 year of written test. Scored on 100 points with 80 points required to pass in Korea.
Stage 4 - Road Driving Test (도로주행시험) in Korea: on-road test lasting approximately 15-20 minutes on designated routes. Tests real traffic navigation, lane changes, intersection handling, and general driving competency. 70 points out of 100 required to pass in Korea.
After passing all stages in Korea: license is issued same day or within 1-3 days. Total time from start to finish typically ranges from 2 weeks (intensive) to several months depending on preparation and test scheduling in Korea.
What is the difference between driving academies and examination centers in Korea?
Korea offers two pathways to obtain a driver's license: private driving academies (학원) and public examination centers (면허시험장), each with distinct advantages.
Driving Academies in Korea: - Cost: 500,000-1,000,000 KRW for complete packages - Include professional driving instruction (10-15 hours) - Provide dedicated practice vehicles - Often include unlimited test retakes - More flexible scheduling - English-speaking instructors available at select academies - Higher pass rates due to structured training - Convenient for those with no driving experience in Korea
Examination Centers in Korea: - Cost: approximately 60,000-70,000 KRW total (all tests) - No instruction provided—self-study only - Limited or no practice vehicle access - Pay per test attempt - Fixed test schedules with limited slots - Primarily Korean-language service - Better for experienced drivers who just need certification - Located in Seoul (Gangnam, Seobinggo), Incheon, Busan, and other cities
Recommendations for foreigners in Korea: driving academies are generally better for those without Korean driving experience, those who need English support, or anyone unfamiliar with Korean traffic patterns. Examination centers are more economical for experienced drivers who can self-study and need minimal practice in Korea.
Some academies in Korea specialize in foreign clients, offering full English service, flexible scheduling, and familiarity with document requirements for non-Korean residents.
Do driving license procedures differ by visa type in Korea?
Driving license procedures in Korea are generally consistent across visa types, with the main distinction being whether you have an Alien Registration Card (ARC) rather than your specific visa category.
Standard procedures for all ARC holders in Korea: regardless of whether you have an E-2 (teaching), E-7 (professional), D-8 (investment), F-4 (overseas Korean), or other long-term visa, the license exchange and new license application processes are identical in Korea.
Visa types eligible for ARC in Korea: employment visas (E series), student visas (D-2), family visas (F series), and other long-term status categories qualify for ARC, enabling full access to driving license services in Korea.
Short-term visa limitations in Korea: tourist visas (B-1, B-2), transit visas (C-3), and other short-term categories don't qualify for ARC. Without ARC, you can only drive using an IDP and cannot exchange or apply for a Korean license.
Special cases in Korea: - Diplomatic visas (A-1, A-2): may have separate procedures through embassies - Military personnel (A-3): often covered under SOFA agreements with different requirements - Working holiday visas (H-1): eligible for ARC and standard procedures
Visa transition considerations in Korea: if changing visa status while in the middle of license procedures, your ARC remains valid and processes continue. However, if your visa expires before completing all tests, you may face complications. Plan your license timeline around your visa validity in Korea.
