Aptitude Test & Renewal

📅Aptitude test vs. renewal

Class 1 license holders must take a periodic aptitude test, which checks that you still meet the physical requirements for driving (such as vision) and includes a medical check. Class 2 holders renew their license card, with a simpler check of physical condition.

Both must be done within the period shown on your license card, and you then receive a card with a new validity period.

The first period after licensing and later periods depend on age and license type. The cycle has changed with past law revisions, so rely on your own card and official guidance rather than old articles online.

⏳Cycle

• Generally every 10 years
• Age 65 and older: every 5 years
• Age 75 and older: every 3 years
• New drivers have their first aptitude test (renewal) period printed on the card.

👴Drivers 75 and older

Drivers aged 75 and older must complete traffic safety education for older drivers before their aptitude test or renewal. The education includes a self-check of cognitive function.

Vision and reaction time change gradually with age, so regardless of the cycle, if night driving becomes hard or you often lose your way, it is wise to adjust, for example by driving less. Some local governments offer support to older drivers who voluntarily return their license; details vary by region.

If family members are worried about an older driver, a good start is checking the renewal date together and going over the education content.

🧾How to apply

• Apply at a testing center or online through the Korea Road Traffic Authority's Safe Driving Civil Service portal
• Bring: ID (your license), a photo of the required size, and medical check results for Class 1
• A national health checkup result may replace the medical check with your consent
• Pick up the new card in person or at a designated place (as guided)
• Fees can change, so check the latest rules when applying
• If your address or phone number changed, update them too so you don't miss notices.

🔍What the medical check covers

The Class 1 periodic aptitude test mainly checks vision and color recognition, and hearing for Class 1 Large and Special. The standards are the same as when you first got your license, and corrected vision with glasses or lenses counts.

If you passed with corrected vision, you must wear your glasses or lenses when driving. People with conditions that can affect driving, such as dementia or visual field impairment, may be subject to an occasional aptitude test.

⚠️If you miss the period

If you don't complete the aptitude test or renewal in time, a fine is imposed. For Class 1 licenses in particular, the license can be revoked if you still haven't taken the periodic aptitude test one year after the period ends, so be sure to do it.

If you have an unavoidable reason such as being abroad or hospitalized, you can apply for a postponement before the period. Check the reasons and documents needed with a testing center or the Safe Driving Civil Service portal.

💬FAQ