What the test checks
The course test confirms that you can move and stop a car safely before going onto public roads. Electronic equipment scores you automatically on a course built inside the testing center, deducting from 100 points; 80 or more passes.
Class 1 Ordinary is usually tested in a small truck and Class 2 Ordinary in a passenger car. Taking Class 2 Ordinary in an automatic car adds an automatic-only condition to the license.
You can take the course test after passing the written test. If it is your first time, look at the course map in advance and memorize what to do in each section so you don't get flustered.
Course sections
- Controls: before starting, operate the devices you are told to, such as headlights, turn signals, wipers and gear lever
- Lane keeping and starting: fasten your seat belt and signal before moving off
- Hill: stop in the uphill stop zone and start again without rolling back
- Right-angle section: pass through a narrow right-angle course without touching the lines
- Signal intersection: stop or proceed according to the signal
- Acceleration section: speed up in the set section, then slow down again
- Sudden situation: when the alarm sounds, stop immediately and turn on the hazard lights
- Finish: stop at the designated spot and signal to finish
Mistakes that easily lead to failure
Deductions can pile up and you still pass as long as you stay above 80, but some mistakes can mean immediate failure regardless of score. Typical examples: not wearing a seat belt when starting, running a signal, rolling back significantly on the hill, not finishing a section within the time limit, and mounting a curb or leaving the course.
Detailed deduction rules follow the testing center's current standards, so the most accurate source is the guidance you receive when applying and the briefing before the test.
Small mistakes, such as passing a point where you should stop or forgetting a turn signal, are often handled as deductions. Several deductions can push you below 80, so don't skip even small actions.
Tips for passing
- Before starting, adjust the seat, backrest, rear-view and side mirrors to fit you.
- On the hill, the car rolls easily the moment you release the brake, so move slowly to the accelerator (half-clutch for manuals).
- In the right-angle section, keep the speed very low and steer while thinking about where the front wheels are.
- After the acceleration section, slow down right away to prepare for the next section.
- When the sudden-situation alarm sounds, brake to a stop, turn on the hazard lights, and restart as instructed.
- Listen to the voice guidance. Instructions for the next section are announced, so don't rush; confirm the instruction before moving.
After passing
Passing the course test gets you a learner's permit, valid for one year. You must pass the road test within that period.
If you fail, you can apply again. Since you must pass the course test within one year of passing the written test, don't put it off too long.
With a learner's permit you can start road practice, but it is not yet a full license, so you must have a supervising passenger and a practice sign.
FAQ
What is the pass mark for the course test?
Points are deducted from 100; 80 or more passes.
Do I fail immediately if I roll back a little on the hill?
A small roll and a large roll may be treated differently. Check the testing center's rules, and practice starting without rolling back at all.
Can I take it in an automatic car?
Class 2 Ordinary can be taken in an automatic car, in which case the license is limited to automatic cars.
Can I drive alone on roads after passing?
No. With a learner's permit, someone who has held a license for more than two years must ride with you during road practice.
Sources
- Road Traffic Act
- Enforcement Rule of the Road Traffic Act
- Korea Road Traffic Authority Safe Driving Civil Service portal
Laws change. This is general information. Check KoROAD or the Korean Law Information Center for the latest rules.
Related
In Korea, the order is: traffic safety education → medical check → written test → course test → learner's permit → road test → license issuance. The test order is the same whether you attend a driving school or prepare on your own.
Road TestIn Korea, the road test is the final test, taken on public roads with an examiner on board. 70 points or more passes, and mistakes directly tied to safety, such as running a signal or endangering pedestrians, can mean instant failure.
Written TestIn Korea, the written test is a 40-question computer test; 70 or more passes for Class 1 and 60 or more for Class 2. Questions come from the question bank published by the Korea Road Traffic Authority, so steady practice by topic is enough to prepare.
Types of Driver's LicensesIn Korea, driver's licenses are divided into Class 1, Class 2 and learner's permits. Most people choose either Class 1 Ordinary or Class 2 Ordinary for passenger cars; buses, large trucks and tow vehicles require separate licenses.