Korean Driver's License Types Explained
Class 1 vs Class 2, automatic vs manual — which license type do you actually need? Here's the practical breakdown for foreigners.
✅ Quick Answer
Most drivers need Class 2 Ordinary for normal passenger cars (up to 9 seats). Class 1 is only needed for larger vehicles (up to 15 seats) or commercial use.
License Types Overview
Korea's driver's license system is organized into two main classes (Class 1 and Class 2), with sub-types depending on what you want to drive. KOROAD's official English pages list the common types.
| Type | Covers | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 Ordinary | Up to 9 seats, motorcycles ≤125cc | 18+ |
| Class 2 Small | Small vehicles, ATV | 18+ |
| Class 1 Ordinary | Up to 15 seats | 18+ |
| Class 1 Large | Large buses, trucks | 19+ (or 1yr exp) |
| Class 1 Special | Towing, recovery, trailers | 19+ (or 1yr exp) |
Class 2 (Most Common for Foreigners)
If you're driving a normal passenger car, SUV, or typical rental vehicle in Korea, Class 2 Ordinary is what you need.
Class 2 Ordinary
Standard passenger vehicles
What You Can Drive
Class 2 Small
Small vehicles and ATV
KOROAD's English pages also list Class 2 Small and motorized bicycle categories for smaller vehicles.
Class 1 Ordinary
Class 1 Ordinary is for "bigger" regular vehicles — still within ordinary categories, but larger than what Class 2 covers.
Class 1 Ordinary
Up to 15-seat vehicles
What You Can Drive
📌 Do You Really Need Class 1?
Most foreigners don't need Class 1 Ordinary. Unless you specifically plan to drive 10-15 seat vehicles, Class 2 Ordinary is sufficient for typical driving needs.
Class 1 Large / Class 1 Special
These are commercial and special-purpose categories — usually not needed for typical expat driving.
Class 1 Large
Large buses and trucks
For commercial driving of large buses and trucks. Requires age 19+ or at least 1 year of driving experience (excluding motorcycles).
Class 1 Special
Towing, recovery, trailers
KOROAD lists Class 1 Special categories including towing/recovery vehicles and trailers. Same age/experience requirements as Class 1 Large.
Automatic vs Manual
KOROAD's "Driver's License Test" page explicitly notes Class 1/2 General with (automatic, manual). This means your license conditions may depend on the transmission used for testing.
⚠️ Important: Confirm Before You Book
If you test with an automatic transmission, your license may be restricted to automatic-only vehicles. Confirm details with your test center before booking if you need to drive manual vehicles.
Minimum Age Requirements
EasyLaw's English summary and KOROAD's official guidance list these age requirements:
| License Type | Minimum Age | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 Ordinary | 18 years | — |
| Class 2 Small | 18 years | — |
| Class 1 Ordinary | 18 years | — |
| Class 1 Large | 19 years | Or 1+ year driving experience |
| Class 1 Special | 19 years | Or 1+ year driving experience |
How to Choose the Right License Type
What will you actually drive?
Normal car / small SUV / typical rental → Class 2 Ordinary. Larger passenger vehicle (up to ~15 seats) → Class 1 Ordinary. Large truck/bus/towing → Class 1 Large/Special.
Decide: automatic vs manual
KOROAD notes Class 1/2 General includes automatic/manual handling. Decide what you need and confirm test-center rules before booking.
Confirm you meet minimum age
Ordinary/small: 18+. Large/special: 19+ and possible additional conditions (1 year driving experience).
Pick your route: New vs Exchange
If you already have a foreign license, you may qualify for exchange instead of full testing. Note: exchange can be limited to "Level 2 – Regular" in some cases.
Common Mistakes
❌ Choosing Class 1 when you only need a normal car
Class 2 Ordinary is usually enough. Don't overcomplicate things unless you specifically need to drive larger vehicles.
❌ Not checking automatic vs manual conditions
If you test with automatic, your license may be restricted. Confirm before taking the test if you need manual capability.
❌ Attempting Class 1 Large/Special without meeting conditions
You need to be 19+ or have 1+ year of driving experience. Verify before applying.
❌ Assuming exchange gives you the same category
Rules vary by country. One guide notes exchange can be limited to "Level 2 – Regular" in some cases. Always confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually Class 2 Ordinary is sufficient for typical passenger cars (often summarized as up to 9 seats).
If you need to drive larger ordinary vehicles (often described as up to 15 seats in public guidance).
KOROAD notes Class 1/2 General includes automatic/manual. Confirm your test-center rules and what your license will permit.
EasyLaw lists ordinary/small categories as 18+.
Not always. One public-service guide notes exchange can be limited to "Level 2 – Regular" in some cases. Always confirm with official guidance for your country.
KOROAD lists Class 1 Special categories such as towing/recovery vehicle types. Usually not needed for typical expat driving.
