Driver

Cheatsheet Content

1. Terminology from the Road Traffic Act Motorway: A road designated for high-speed vehicle operation. Car-only Road: A road established exclusively for cars. Carriageway: The part of the road designated for all vehicles, marked by curbs, safety signs, or similar structures. Center Line: A line (solid or broken yellow) or physical barrier (median strip, fence) on the road to clearly separate traffic directions. For reversible lanes, it's the leftmost yellow broken line indicated by signals. Lane: A section of the carriageway divided by lane markings for vehicles to travel in a single line. Places where lanes cannot be established under the Road Traffic Act: Crosswalks, intersections, railroad crossings. Lane Marking: A line indicating the boundary between lanes. Bicycle Road: A road marked by safety signs, fences, or similar structures for bicycle passage. Bicycle Crosswalk: A section of the road marked by safety signs for bicycles to cross general roads. Sidewalk (Footpath): A section of the road marked by curbs, safety signs, or similar structures for pedestrians (including strollers and mobility aids) to walk. Roadside Area: The part of the road's edge marked by safety signs to ensure pedestrian safety where sidewalks and carriageways are not separated. Crosswalk: A section of the road marked by safety signs for pedestrians to cross the road. Intersection: Where two or more roads (carriageways where sidewalks and carriageways are separated) meet, forming a 'cross' or 'T' shape. Safety Zone: A section of the road marked by safety signs or similar structures for the safety of pedestrians or vehicles crossing the road. Traffic Signal: A device operated by human or electric power to display signals using text, symbols, or lights for 'go', 'stop', 'turn', 'caution', etc. Safety Sign: Signboards, symbols, text, or lines marked on the road surface to indicate warnings, regulations, or instructions necessary for traffic safety. Vehicle and Animal (차마): Vehicle (차): Automobiles, construction machinery, motorized bicycles, bicycles, or anything driven on the road by human, animal, or other power (excluding those driven on railways or temporary tracks, strollers, and mobility aids). Animal (우마): Animals used for traffic or transport. Automobile (자동차): A vehicle operated by an engine, not on railways or temporary tracks (towed vehicles are also considered part of an automobile). Passenger cars, passenger vans, cargo trucks, special vehicles, motorcycles. Construction machinery. Passenger Car: A car designed to transport 10 or fewer people. Motorized Bicycle (원동기 장치 자전거): Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less. Vehicles with an engine displacement of less than 50cc (or rated output less than 0.59 kW for electric motors). Vehicles (자동차 등): Automobiles and motorized bicycles. Emergency Vehicle (긴급 자동차): Vehicles used for their inherent emergency purposes: Fire truck. Ambulance. Blood supply vehicle. Other vehicles designated by presidential decree. Note: Fire trucks or ambulances do not receive emergency vehicle privileges if not used for their inherent emergency purposes. School Bus (어린이 통학 버스): A vehicle reported for use in transporting children (under 13 years old) for educational facilities. Parking (주차): Stopping a vehicle continuously for reasons such as waiting for passengers, loading cargo, vehicle breakdown, or other reasons, or leaving the vehicle where the driver cannot immediately operate it. Stopping (정차): Stopping a vehicle for no more than 5 minutes, excluding parking. Novice Driver (초보 운전자): A person who has held a driver's license for less than 2 years from the date of initial license acquisition (if the license was revoked before 2 years, it's from the date of re-acquisition). (Excluding those with only a motorized bicycle license; if a motorized bicycle license holder acquires another type of license, it's considered a new initial license). Slow Driving (서행): Driving at a slow speed such that the driver can stop the vehicle immediately. Overtaking (앞지르기): A driver passing another vehicle from its side and moving ahead of it. No Overtaking Zones: Bridges, intersections, inside tunnels. Temporary Stop (일시 정지): A driver completely stopping the vehicle's wheels temporarily. Pedestrian-only Road (보행자 전용 도로): A road marked by safety signs or similar structures for pedestrians only. 2. Driver's License International Driver's License (국제 운전면허증): Eligibility: Persons with a domestic driver's license (excluding motorized bicycle licenses, learner's permits, and construction machinery operator licenses). Validity: 1 year from the date of issue. International Driver's License obtained abroad: Valid for 1 year from the date of entry into the country. Cases where an international driver's license obtained abroad cannot be used for driving: Commercial vehicles (except rental cars rented for commercial purposes). Even with an international driver's license obtained abroad, if a Korean national is disqualified from holding a domestic driver's license (e.g., license suspended or revoked), they cannot drive a vehicle until the disqualification period ends. Vehicles drivable by license type: Class 1 Large: Passenger cars, passenger vans, cargo trucks, emergency vehicles, construction machinery, special vehicles (excluding trailers and wreckers), motorized bicycles. Class 1 Regular: Passenger cars, passenger vans (up to 15 passengers), emergency vehicles (up to 12 passengers), cargo trucks (under 12 tons), construction machinery (forklifts under 3 tons), special vehicles (under 10 tons, excluding trailers and wreckers), motorized bicycles. Class 2 Regular: Passenger cars, passenger vans (up to 10 passengers), cargo trucks (under 4 tons), special vehicles (under 3.5 tons, excluding trailers and wreckers), motorized bicycles. License Acquisition Conditions: Class 1 Large: 19 years or older, with Class 1 or 2 Regular license for 1 year or more. Class 1 & 2 Regular: 18 years or older. Physical Examination Standards: Vision (Class 1: 0.8 or more with both eyes, 0.5 or more with each eye; Class 2: 0.5 or more with both eyes, or 0.6 or more with one eye if the other has no vision), color perception (able to distinguish red, green, yellow), hearing (Class 1 Large/Special only: able to hear 55 decibels, 40 decibels with hearing aid). License Acquisition Disqualification Period (Examples): 2 years: Driving without a license 3 times, or obtaining a license through fraudulent means. 5 years: A driver without a license causes a traffic accident with injury and fails to provide aid or report to the police. License Issuance Procedure: Driver's License Exam Subjects: Aptitude for driving, knowledge of vehicle and road traffic laws, vehicle maintenance and safety inspection skills, driving skills, eco-friendly economic driving knowledge and skills. Road Driving Test: Disqualification for causing an accident, violating signals/instructions, crossing the center line, or violating special protection duties for school buses, even once. A person who fails the road driving test can re-take it only after 3 days. Special Traffic Safety Education: Required for drivers whose licenses were revoked and wish to re-acquire them, or those involved in accidents, drunk driving, or suspended for violations before the suspension period ends. Learner's Permit (연습 운전면허): Validity: 1 year from the date of issue. Revocation of Learner's Permit: Causing a traffic accident (excluding property damage only). License Issuance and Renewal: Driver's License Issuance: Even if you pass the driver's license test, you must not drive without receiving the license. Applications for re-issuance are made at the regional police agency (police station, driver's license test center). Validity of Driver's License: Begins from the time the driver or their representative receives the license. Driver's License Renewal: For those under 65, the first renewal period is 1 year from the year the license was obtained, 10 years after passing the test. Regular Aptitude Test: Class 1 license: every 10 years; Class 2 license: if 70 years or older during the renewal period. License Return: Upon revocation or suspension of the driver's license. 3. Vehicle Management and Registration Pre-departure Check: Surrounding Check: Tire wear, obstacles front and rear. Engine Compartment Check: Proper engine oil level. Tires: If tires reach the wear limit, they must be replaced before the limit. After a certain mileage, check tire wear and rotate front and rear tires. Note: Hydroplaning is closely related to tire wear. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Check with the engine running. Cooling System: Always replenish coolant if low. Distilled water can be used for temporary replenishment. If the radiator overheats, opening the cap can cause coolant to spray out. Electrical System: Fuses are installed to prevent electrical overload. Engine Temperature Gauge: Normal engine temperature is between C and H. If the gauge is near H, there may be issues with engine oil, coolant, or fan, requiring inspection. Vehicle License Plate Colors: Non-commercial: Pinkish-white background with purple-black text; diplomatic vehicles have a dark blue background with white text. Commercial: Yellow background with black text. Motorcycle License Plate: White background with blue text. Vehicle Registration: Must be registered within 15 days of purchasing the vehicle. Liability Insurance: Penalties apply if not insured. Equipment: Fire Preparedness: Always keep a fire extinguisher in the car and know how to use it. Illegal Attachments: Do not attach flashing lights or sirens to ordinary cars (only for emergency vehicles). Visibility Regulation: Front windshield must have at least 70% light transmittance; side windows (driver/passenger) at least 40%. Inspection: Periodic Inspection Period: Within 31 days before and after the expiration date of the inspection validity period. First Inspection Validity Period for Non-commercial Passenger Cars: 4 years. 4. Driver's Posture Driver's Driving Behavior Process: Identify $\rightarrow$ Predict $\rightarrow$ Decision $\rightarrow$ Execute. Factors Affecting Driver's Behavior: Driver's physical condition. Methods to Reduce Stress and Excitement While Driving: Plan your route to the destination in advance. Strive to maintain composure while driving. Concentration While Driving: Avoid using mobile phones, radios, and other audio devices. Remove any vehicle attachments that obstruct the driver's view. TV/DMB should only be installed where rear-seat passengers can view it. Driver's Mindset: Mindset of a driver acquiring a license: Consideration, patience. Drive defensively with consideration for others. 5. Drunk and Drowsy Driving Drug Use: Driving under the influence of drugs such as narcotics is subject to criminal penalties. Effects of Fatigue on Driving Behavior: Reduced perception and driving manipulation ability. Underestimating the speed of an approaching vehicle from a distance, leading to an accident. Increased stopping distance. Drowsy Driving: Driving in monotonous road conditions or with simple driving operations can induce drowsiness regardless of sleep deprivation. When tired or drowsy, reaction to dangerous situations on the road becomes dull. Drunk Driving: Standard for drunk driving (prohibited): Blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or higher. Construction machinery under the "Construction Machinery Management Act" is also subject to drunk driving prohibition under the "Road Traffic Act." If a person refuses a police officer's alcohol test despite reasonable grounds to suspect drunk driving, their driver's license will be revoked. Effects of Alcohol on Driving Ability: Reduces concentration. Increases stopping distance. Penalties for Drunk Drivers: A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is considered severely intoxicated and faces license revocation and criminal penalties. If a driver refuses an alcohol test or causes a traffic accident with personal injury while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or higher, they face license revocation and criminal penalties. Simple drunk driving with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.03% and 0.08% results in 100 penalty points (100-day license suspension) and criminal penalties. 6. Pedestrian Protection Driver's Obligations: Drivers must always consider pedestrians and drive defensively. When passing a crosswalk without a signal: Even if there are no pedestrians, check carefully and drive slowly. When finding a pedestrian jaywalking: Slow down, prepare to stop, turn on hazard lights to alert vehicles behind, and make a temporary stop. When passing a pedestrian on a narrow road without lanes: Drive slowly. Vehicle Passage on Sidewalks: Where passenger cars can cross sidewalks: When entering/exiting a place off the road. When a vehicle passes over a sidewalk to enter a gas station or shop: Make a temporary stop, check for safety, and then pass. When entering the road from a building or roadside: Stop temporarily, check for safety, and then proceed slowly. Pedestrian Walking Methods: On sidewalks, walking on the right is generally the rule. On roads with separate sidewalks and carriageways, always walk on the sidewalk. If road construction prevents sidewalk use, walk on the carriageway. At crosswalks, walk on the right or in the direction of arrows if present. People or processions who can walk in the middle of the road: Processions for socially important events. Pedestrians must cross the road at the shortest distance if there is no crosswalk. When walking on the road, obey traffic signals and temporary traffic prohibitions by police officers to prevent danger. Physically disabled persons who cannot use road crossing facilities may cross the road without using them. Pedestrian-only Roads: The local police agency can designate pedestrian-only roads to protect pedestrian traffic. Strollers can be pushed on pedestrian-only roads. 7. Vehicle Traffic Methods Vehicle Traffic Method: Vehicles must travel on the right side of the center line. Cases where vehicles can travel on the center or left side of the road: When the road is one-way. When the right side of the road is narrow or obstructed by road construction. When overtaking on a road less than 6 meters wide (must be able to check the left side). Lane Markings: Solid White Line: Lane change prohibited. Broken White Line: Lane change permitted. If a lane has both a solid and broken line: Lane change is prohibited from the solid line side to the broken line side, but permitted from the broken line side to the solid line side. Overtaking when the center line is a double line (yellow broken and solid): Overtaking is permitted from the broken line side, but not from the solid line side. Traffic Signals: Yellow Light: Vehicles must stop before the stop line or crosswalk, or at the intersection. If already in the intersection, proceed quickly. Vehicles may turn right, but must not obstruct pedestrians. Flashing Yellow Light: Vehicles may proceed with caution, paying attention to other traffic or safety signs. Red Light: Vehicles must stop before the stop line, crosswalk, and intersection. However, they may turn right if it does not obstruct traffic from other vehicles proceeding according to the signal. Green Arrow Light: Vehicles may proceed in the direction of the arrow. Places where you must drive slowly: Intersections without traffic control. Around curves in the road. Near the crest of a hill, steep downhill slopes. Places where you must make a temporary stop: Intersections without traffic control where visibility is limited or traffic is heavy. Places designated by the local police agency with safety signs. Overtaking: When overtaking, pass on the left side of the vehicle ahead. No Overtaking Zones: Bridges, intersections, inside tunnels, solid yellow line sections. Cannot overtake if another vehicle is already overtaking or if another vehicle is traveling parallel on the left side. Also, cannot overtake if the vehicle ahead is driving slowly at an intersection. When starting to overtake, ensure sufficient space on the left. When overtaking, do so within the posted speed limit for that road. It is dangerous to overtake a stopped bus; wait and proceed. Bicycles can be overtaken on the right. Lane Change: Sections where lane changes are permitted: Sections with broken white lane markings. Note: Lane changes should be done in broken white line sections, without obstructing traffic. Sudden lane changes, in solid white line sections, or within intersections are dangerous driving behaviors. Prohibited Lane Change Locations: Tunnels, bridges, curves are dangerous locations where lane changes are often restricted. Signal for Lane Change: Signal with turn indicators to alert others and change lanes safely. On general roads, signal at least 30 meters before changing lanes. Continue signaling until the lane change is complete, then turn off the signal. Consideration for Following Vehicles: When there is a sufficient distance from the following vehicle, maintain speed and change lanes. If a following vehicle is approaching, slow down to let it pass first. U-Turn: Permitted U-turn sections: Roads with broken white center lines. When making a U-turn, signal until the maneuver is complete. Turn Signal Operation: Operate the turn signal at least 30 meters before reaching the point where you intend to change direction. Hand Signals: Left Turn, Cross, U-Turn, Left Lane Change: Extend left arm horizontally out of the vehicle. Right Turn: Extend left arm horizontally out of the vehicle, then bend the elbow vertically upwards. When traffic safety facilities or police officer signals conflict: Obey the police officer's signals or instructions. Speed Limit: Prioritize the speed limit designated by safety signs over the statutory speed limit. If variable speed limit signs conflict with other safety signs, obey the variable speed limit signs. Highways and Car-only Roads: Obey both maximum and minimum speed limits. The local police agency sets speed limits for highways, and the National Police Agency for other roads. Following Distance: Safe Distance: The distance needed to avoid a rear-end collision if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly (must be maintained while driving). Reaction Distance: The distance traveled from perceiving a danger and pressing the brake pedal until the brake actually engages. Stopping Distance: The distance traveled from seeing the vehicle ahead brake suddenly until your vehicle actually stops. Stopping distance increases: Due to fatigue, drunk driving, heavy vehicle weight, high speed, or severe tire wear. Joint Dangerous Acts: Two or more vehicles traveling side-by-side or front-to-back without legitimate reason, causing danger to others or traffic (e.g., 3 cars and 1 motorcycle obstructing traffic). When stopping and departing from the roadside: Signal with turn indicators, then slowly re-enter traffic. Yield Sign: Vehicles approaching a yield sign must yield to traffic on other roads. 8. Intersections Left Turn at an Intersection: Left Turn: Reduce speed in advance, then proceed slowly along the center line (or left-turn lane). Signal at least 30 meters before the intersection. Turn left inside the center of the intersection. Guide Line: A white broken line on the road within an intersection to help with accurate left turns. Unprotected Left Turn: Proceed with a left turn on a green light, paying attention to oncoming traffic. Also pay attention to right-turning vehicles and vehicles turning left in the same direction. Intersections with 1st and 2nd lanes for left turns: Passenger cars use the 1st and 2nd lanes. Large passenger vans, cargo trucks exceeding 1.5 tons, special vehicles, and construction machinery use the 2nd lane. Right Turn at an Intersection: Right Turn: Slow down in advance, keeping to the far right. Operate the turn signal at least 30 meters before the turning point. Turn right without obstructing vehicles approaching from the left. Check traffic to the right rear of the vehicle and turn right. If there is a yield marking on the road, do not obstruct other vehicles. If the pedestrian signal for the right-side road is green, you may proceed if there are no pedestrians on the crosswalk. If the vehicle auxiliary signal for the crosswalk is red, you may proceed if there are no pedestrians. Physical phenomenon that may occur when turning right at an intersection: Inner wheel path difference. Inner Wheel Path Difference: The difference in the turning radius between the front right and rear right wheels of a right-turning vehicle. Dilemma Zone: The area where a vehicle approaching an intersection must decide whether to stop at the stop line or proceed when its signal changes. Prohibited Acts at Intersections: When traffic is congested at an intersection, even on a green light, stop before the stop line. Entering a congested intersection and "blocking the box" is a violation of intersection traffic rules. Do not park, stop, or overtake. Intersections without Traffic Control (Signals): Right-of-Way: First to enter $\rightarrow$ vehicle on wider road $\rightarrow$ vehicle on right $\rightarrow$ straight-ahead or right-turn vehicle. Note: If a left-turning vehicle enters first, all straight-ahead and right-turning vehicles must yield to the left-turning vehicle. Intersections without signals: Are no-overtaking zones and slow-driving zones. When entering an intersection without traffic control where visibility is limited: Always make a temporary stop, check for safety, then proceed according to the right-of-way. If the road you are traveling on is wider than the intersecting road at an uncontrolled intersection: You must drive slowly. Pedestrian Protection at Intersections: When turning right at an intersection with traffic control, do not obstruct pedestrians proceeding according to the signal. If a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk when you are turning right at an intersection: Even if the pedestrian signal changes from green to red, you must stop until the pedestrian finishes crossing. Roundabout: Where roundabouts are needed: Sections where signal synchronization is needed, but signalized intersections reduce synchronization effectiveness. When entering a roundabout: Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Wait at the yield line until there is enough space in the roundabout. Railroad Crossing: Make a temporary stop before the railroad crossing, check for safety, and then proceed. If signals are displayed, do not proceed without stopping. Do not enter the crossing if the gates are down or about to go down, or if the warning bell is ringing. 9. Highways Safe Driving on Highways: Drivers should not make sudden stops or decelerations unless unavoidable. All occupants must wear seatbelts on highways. Always carry a breakdown warning sign on highways. When you can use the shoulder on a highway: In case of emergency stop. Vehicles with highest priority on a highway: Vehicles already traveling on the main highway lanes. Entering a Highway: Entry Method: Check for safety, observe traffic flow, and slowly accelerate to enter. Use the acceleration lane to gain sufficient speed and merge when there is enough space. Acceleration Lane: A lane designed for vehicles entering a highway to gain sufficient speed. If you realize you entered the highway incorrectly after merging: Proceed to the next exit. If there are slow-moving vehicles in the rightmost lane of the main highway: Slowly increase speed and merge after those vehicles have passed. Exiting a Highway to a General Road: Avoid sudden lane changes near the exit and proceed slowly. Change one lane at a time to move towards the exit lane. Signal with turn indicators in advance and decelerate to exit. If you miss an exit: Never stop or reverse; exit at the next one. 10. Emergency Vehicles Application of Emergency Vehicle Privileges: Emergency vehicles must have the structure required for safe operation under the "Automobile Management Act," and must sound sirens or flash lights to receive privileges (excluding police vehicles for speed enforcement). When transporting a critically ill patient in a regular car, you must turn on headlights or hazard lights to receive emergency vehicle privileges. What an emergency vehicle driver operating for its inherent purpose can do: Use a mobile phone. Drive on general road and highway bus-only lanes. Not wear a seatbelt. Drive on the left side of the road in urgent and unavoidable cases. When an emergency vehicle approaches: All vehicles must pull over to the right shoulder and yield. When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind while entering a highway: Temporarily stop on the shoulder and merge after the emergency vehicle enters. While it is generally required to pull over to the right, in a one-way street, it is permissible to pull over to the left in unavoidable circumstances. When an emergency vehicle approaches at an intersection: Proceed through the intersection and then make a temporary stop on the right shoulder.