Updated for the official question bank effective March 9, 2026
Korean Driving Written Test in English
The Korean driving licence written test is available in English. The examination contains 40 multiple-choice questions selected from the official question bank, and you have 40 minutes to complete it. SDA provides a Saturday English theory class to help foreign applicants understand Korean traffic rules and prepare for the official test.
English explanation of the rules behind the test questions
Is the Korean Driving Test Available in English?
Yes. Foreign applicants can select English when taking the official computer-based written examination. The available test languages are Korean, English, Chinese and Vietnamese — you do not need to take the written test in Korean simply because you are applying for a Korean licence.
However, some English translations and traffic-law terms may feel unfamiliar. Studying only general driving knowledge from your home country is not enough, because the examination tests Korean traffic laws and driving practices specifically.
The official examination contains 40 questions selected from the published question bank. You answer on a computer at an official Korean driving examination centre.
40 questions, 40-minute time limit, computer-based, multiple-choice
Questions selected from the official question bank
Score and pass result shown immediately
English language option available
Includes written, illustrated and traffic-situation questions
Some questions may require more than one correct answer, so read every instruction carefully — don't automatically stop reading after finding one answer that appears correct.
Pass mark
Passing Scores by Licence Type
Licence category
Required score
Class 1 Regular
70 or higher
Class 1 Large and Special
70 or higher
Class 2 Regular
60 or higher
Class 2 Small Motorcycle, over 125cc
60 or higher
Motorized Bicycle, up to 125cc
60 or higher
Swipe the table to see all columns.
Class 1 and Class 2 applicants use the same general type of official question bank, but the required passing score differs. Class 1 applicants should aim for at least 80 during practice; Class 2 applicants should aim for at least 70. A practice score just above the minimum leaves little room for unfamiliar wording or careless mistakes.
The Korea Road Traffic Authority provides an official English-language question bank. The current version became effective on March 9, 2026.
The actual examination questions are selected from the officially published bank, which makes the official material the single most important study resource. Use the latest version because traffic laws can change, new questions can be introduced, older applications may contain outdated answers, unofficial translations can be inaccurate, and test wording may differ from general English driving terminology.
The official question-bank file is provided by the Korea Road Traffic Authority (한국도로교통공단, safedriving.or.kr) — SDA does not own or modify the official questions. Check the effective date before downloading, and replace an older saved copy when a newer official version is released.
Study scope
What Topics Are on the Test?
The written test evaluates whether you understand the rules and decisions required for safe driving in Korea.
Korean traffic laws
Driver responsibilities, right-of-way, speed limits, lane rules, parking, seat belts, mobile-phone rules, drinking and driving, emergency vehicles, penalty points.
Signs & road markings
Regulatory, warning and instruction signs; centre lines, lane lines, stop lines, crosswalk markings, bus-only lanes.
Pedestrian protection
Crossings, school zones, children and elderly pedestrians, turning at intersections, unsignalized crosswalks.
Safe driving
Following and braking distance, rain/snow/night driving, blind spots, fatigue, tyre and vehicle safety, hazard recognition.
Accidents & emergencies
What to do in a collision, injury, breakdown, approaching emergency vehicle, road debris or a developing dangerous situation.
Vulnerable road users
Motorcycles, bicycles, personal mobility devices, pedestrians, children and road workers.
SDA class
Understand the Rules Before Memorizing the Answers
SDA's English theory class helps foreign applicants understand the Korean rules behind the official questions. Regular schedule: Saturday, 13:00–16:00.
The class covers
Korean traffic rules in practical English
Important road signs and markings
Commonly misunderstood questions and test vocabulary
Multiple-answer and image/traffic-situation questions
Common mistakes made by foreign applicants
How to use the official question bank effectively
Who should attend
First-time drivers
Applicants unfamiliar with Korean traffic laws
Anyone who finds the English question wording difficult
Theory Education and the Written Test Are Different
The SDA English theory class is an educational programme. The written test is the official computer examination. Attending a class does not automatically mean you have passed the written test.
Your process normally includes: register with SDA → complete the required theory and safety education → complete the physical examination → take the official written test → pass and continue to driving-skills training. SDA will explain the exact sequence that applies to your course.
The two photos are sufficient for the full SDA new-licence process. A passport is not required for SDA registration.
Direct examination-centre applicants
Accepted identification
Completed application form
Physical examination or accepted health-check record
Required recent colour photographs
Test fee
Follow the official examination centre's document checklist — it may differ from the SDA registration process.
Locations
Where Can I Take the Written Test?
The written test is offered at official driving examination centres throughout Korea. Seoul examination centres include Gangnam, Dobong, Gangseo and Seobu. Centres outside Seoul may also be available depending on appointment availability and your registration route.
The general weekday application period is 09:00–17:00, with testing normally suspended 12:00–13:00 for lunch. Operating hours, reservation requirements and holiday schedules can change — check the selected examination centre before travelling. SDA applicants should follow the schedule and location instructions provided for their programme.
Fees
How Much Does the Written Test Cost?
Test category
Official fee
Class 1 Regular
10,000 KRW
Class 2 Regular
10,000 KRW
Class 2 Small Motorcycle
10,000 KRW
Motorized Bicycle
8,000 KRW
Swipe the table to see all columns.
The same fee applies when retaking the written test. This fee is separate from SDA tuition, the physical examination fee, skills-test fee, learner's-permit fee, road-test fee and licence issuance fee.
Confirm the file is the English version effective March 9, 2026, or a newer version officially released after that date.
Step 2
Learn the Korean rules, don't just memorize
Similar questions may reuse different images or wording — understanding the underlying rule matters more than memorizing one phrasing.
Step 3
Study road signs by group
Prohibition, mandatory, warning, direction/information signs, and road markings — study each category separately.
Step 4
Review your incorrect answers by topic
Keep a mistake list by topic (intersections, pedestrians, speed limits, parking, emergency response, penalty rules, road signs, vehicle safety) instead of repeating only easy questions.
Step 5
Practise under the time limit
Complete 40 questions within 40 minutes, leaving time to review negative-wording questions, multiple-answer questions, long scenarios, similar signs and numerical rules.
Step 6
Attend the English theory class
Use the class to resolve anything that's still unclear after self-study.
Step 7
Take the test while it's fresh
Avoid a long gap between finishing preparation and sitting the official examination.
Avoid these
Common Reasons Foreign Applicants Lose Points
Preparation mistakes
Reading too quickly — "correct," "incorrect," "most appropriate" and "two answers" change everything
Applying rules from another country
Using an outdated question bank
Ignoring pedestrian-protection rules
Memorizing without understanding
Missing multiple-answer instructions
Focusing only on road signs, not laws/safety/emergencies
Test-day strategy
Before starting: confirm English is selected, read the on-screen instructions, check how multiple-answer questions are presented, and keep the 40-minute limit in mind.
During the test: read the complete question, identify correct-vs-incorrect, review every option, don't dwell too long on one question, and watch pictures, lanes, signals and pedestrians closely.
Before submitting: review questions with negative wording, two-or-more required answers, numerical limits, similar signs and complex intersections. Your score and pass status appear immediately after completion.
Practice
Original Practice Examples
The following are SDA-created examples for learning purposes only — they are not copied from the official examination.
1. A driver approaches a pedestrian crossing where a pedestrian is preparing to cross. What is the safest action?
A. Accelerate before the pedestrian enters B. Slow down and prepare to stop C. Use the horn continuously D. Change lanes inside the intersection Answer: B
2. What should a driver check before changing lanes?
A. Mirrors only B. The navigation screen C. Mirrors, indicators and the blind spot D. Whether the vehicle behind is using headlights Answer: C
3. Why should a driver increase following distance in rain?
A. The speed limit automatically increases B. Braking distance can become longer C. Other vehicles must drive faster D. Road signs become optional Answer: B
4. An emergency vehicle approaches with its siren and warning lights activated. What should the driver do?
A. Block the lane to reduce traffic speed B. Race through the next intersection C. Yield safely and allow it to pass D. Follow immediately behind it Answer: C
Keep the application form returned after the exam. Next: complete skills training → pass the skills test → receive a learner's permit → complete road-driving training → pass the road-driving test → receive the Korean driving licence. A written-test pass alone is not a full licence and does not let you drive alone.
You don't need to repeat the entire licence process. Review the questions you found difficult, study those sections again, pay the official fee and retake the test. You must generally pass the written test within one year of your first written-test application, and the skills test within one year after passing. Previously completed traffic-safety education generally does not need to be repeated solely for this reason.
Is the Korean driving written test available in English?
Yes. English is one of the official test-language options.
How many questions are on the Korean driving test?
The test contains 40 questions.
How much time do I have?
You have 40 minutes.
Is the test taken on paper?
No. It is normally a computer-based examination.
What score do I need for Class 1?
You need at least 70 out of 100.
What score do I need for Class 2?
You need at least 60 out of 100.
How much does the test cost?
The standard written-test fee is 10,000 KRW. The motorized bicycle test fee is 8,000 KRW.
Do I need a foreign driving licence?
No. You can apply for a new Korean licence without holding a foreign licence.
Do I need to speak Korean?
No. You can take the written test in English and receive English theory education through SDA.
Are the actual questions published?
The examination uses questions selected from the official published question bank.
Which English question bank should I use?
Use the current official Korea Road Traffic Authority English question bank. The version effective March 9, 2026 was the current version when this page was reviewed.
Can I use a driving-test app?
An app can be useful for practice, but confirm it uses the current official questions. Don't rely on an app that doesn't show its source or update date.
Is the English translation easy to understand?
Some terms and sentence structures may be unfamiliar. SDA's English theory class explains the rules and important vocabulary.
When is SDA's English class?
The regular English theory class is held on Saturday from 13:00 to 16:00.
Will attending the class guarantee that I pass?
No. SDA provides preparation and explanation, but the result depends on your understanding and official test performance.
Can I retake the test if I fail?
Yes. You must register and pay the applicable examination fee again.
Do I get the result on the same day?
Yes. The computer displays your score and pass status immediately after the test.
What comes after the written test?
After passing, you continue to driving-skills training and the skills test.
Get started
Prepare for the English Written Test With SDA
Don't study Korean traffic laws through translation alone. Join SDA's Saturday English theory class and learn the rules behind the questions, important English test vocabulary, Korean road signs, common traps and mistakes, and what to do after passing.
