Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement for foreigners

I have received a cryptic message from the British Embassy, saying 'an international driving permit is only valid from one year after the date of entry', and then offering to take around $50 to give me a paper which will entitle me to exchange the British license for a Korean one.

Now of course, I will do this if I must BUT as we are all only on one year visas, does this in fact mean so long as your IDP runs from or after the date of your new, one year visa, then all is well? I know many foreigners believe this is the case and it seems to fit what the embassy is saying, but I am not so sure.

I have been here 3 years now - do I need (by law) to get the Korean license, or can I merrily drive on the IDP, so long as it is valid?

Thanks in advance. Want to do the right thing but don't want to pay more taxes and fees unless absolutely necessary.

 

Re: Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement ...

Hi

I had a UK (Northern Ireland) drivers licence with one year left to run. Simply went to the local licensing office.

They simply took my UK licence and gave me a 9 year Korean licence. My UK licence will be returned when I surrender my Korean one.

The regulations vary depending on which country you are from.

However, that is my experience and understanding of the UK agreement.

Simply swap licences and swap back when leaving.

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

Re: Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement ...

Hi

I had a UK (Northern Ireland) drivers licence with one year left to run. Simply went to the local licensing office.

They simply took my UK licence and gave me a 9 year Korean licence. My UK licence will be returned when I surrender my Korean one.

The regulations vary depending on which country you are from.

However, that is my experience and understanding of the UK agreement.

Simply swap licences and swap back when leaving.

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

Re: Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement ...

Thanks Stlavery - does help. The embassy seem to say I must now have their letter with me (a kind of certification the license is genuine) or else I cannot exchange the license.

I know Korea has introduced some hard knee-jerk laws recently regarding apostilles and government stamps, police clearances etc.

Did you exchange recently?

 

Re: Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement ...

You need to get your license notarized from your embassy or consulate and then you're good to go.

Head down to the driver's license building with your license, notarized letter, alien card and a bit of cash. I got my license during the summer, it was real simple.

Re: Please clear the driving/driver's license requirement ...

If you have a yearly E visa then you could be okay without changing, but you definately need to on an F visa. You're meant to have the letter, but some staff at the Drivers Licence office overlook it, I suggest try and then get the letter from the embassy if that doesn't work.