Q. What are the vision requirements for a Korean driving licence?

Korea’s driving licence system is split mainly into Class 1 (commercial, heavy vehicles, and towing) and Class 2 (ordinary passenger vehicles and motorcycles). Class 2 applicants need binocular visual acuity of at least 0.8, or if one eye is severely impaired, the better eye must reach 0.8 with a sufficient peripheral visual field. Class 1 applicants face a higher bar: both eyes together at 0.8 or better, and each eye individually at least 0.5, since these licences permit driving vehicles that carry passengers or cargo professionally.

Q. Where do expats in Seoul get this vision test done?

There are two common paths. The first is completing the vision test directly at the driving licence test centre on the day of application, which is quick and inexpensive but conducted primarily in Korean. The second is bringing a vision test certificate from a private eye clinic, which many expats in Yeongdeungpo, Guro, and Gasan prefer because the exam and results can be explained fully in English beforehand, reducing confusion at the test centre.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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