You can take California's written knowledge test in Korean through the DMV's language services
California's Department of Motor Vehicles offers the written knowledge test in Korean, along with several other languages. If Korean is your primary language or you are more comfortable taking the test in Korean than in English, you can request this option when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DMV office.
The test itself is the same 36-question exam that all California applicants take — the questions, passing score, and content do not change based on language. What changes is only the language the questions and answers appear in on your screen or paper test form.
Key Takeaways
- You must request the Korean-language test when you book your DMV appointment online, by phone, or in person; the DMV does not automatically offer it.
- The test covers the same material as the English version: traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and California Vehicle Code rules.
- You need to pass with a score of at least 83 percent (at least 30 out of 36 questions correct) regardless of which language you test in.
- Not all DMV field offices offer every language; you may need to travel to a larger office or schedule an appointment in advance to confirm Korean is available.
- You can study using the official California DMV handbook translated into Korean, available free on the DMV website.
How to request the Korean-language test when scheduling
When you make your DMV appointment through the online system, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at a field office, tell the representative you want to take the written test in Korean. Write it down or say it clearly so there is no confusion in your file.
If you are scheduling online through the DMV website, look for a language preference option during the appointment booking. If you do not see Korean listed or are unsure how to select it, call the DMV phone line and a representative can book the appointment for you with the Korean-language test noted.
Arrive at your appointment with your valid identification documents. Bring the same documents you would bring for an English-language test: your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of residency, proof of legal presence, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
What the Korean-language test covers
The Korean version of the test asks the same 36 questions as the English version. The questions cover California traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and rules from the California Vehicle Code. You will see questions about speed limits, parking, pedestrian safety, alcohol and driving, and how to handle different road situations.
The test is multiple choice. Each question has four answer options, and you select the correct one. On a computer, you click your answer; on paper, you mark it. The questions are presented one at a time, and you can review and change your answers before you submit the test.
You must answer at least 30 out of 36 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 83 percent. There is no partial credit; each question is either right or wrong.
Study materials in Korean
The California DMV publishes the official driver handbook in Korean. This handbook contains all the information covered on the written test. You can read it free from the DMV website or request a printed copy at any DMV field office.
The handbook is organized by topic: vehicle control, traffic signs and markings, right-of-way, safe driving practices, parking, and more. Read through each section and pay special attention to areas where you feel less confident. Many people find it helpful to read the handbook twice — once all the way through, then a second time focusing on the sections they found hardest.
You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website. Some practice tests are available in Korean as well. Taking a practice test under timed conditions helps you get used to the format and pace of the real test.
What to expect on test day
Arrive at your DMV appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and let the staff know you are there for your written test. A DMV employee will call you when it is your turn and take you to a testing station.
The staff member will verify your identity and confirm that you are taking the test in Korean. They will then either seat you at a computer or give you a paper test form. If you are taking the test on a computer, you will use a keyboard and mouse to select your answers. If you are taking it on paper, you will use a pencil to mark your answers on a bubble sheet.
You will have a set amount of time to complete the test — usually 30 to 40 minutes, though the exact time may vary. You can take as long as you need within that window. Once you finish, you submit your test and the DMV scores it right away. You will know your results before you leave the office.
If you do not pass on your first try
If you score below 30 out of 36, you do not pass and will need to retake the test. You can schedule another appointment and take it again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Before you retake the test, spend more time studying the handbook. Focus on the topics where you struggled. Some people find it helpful to take the practice test again and review every question they got wrong, looking back at the handbook to understand why the correct answer is right.
You can retake the test in Korean again, or you can switch to English if you feel more confident in English the second time. The choice is yours.
Finding a DMV office that offers Korean-language testing
Larger DMV field offices in areas with more Korean-speaking residents are more likely to offer the Korean-language test. Offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and other major cities typically have it available. Smaller or rural offices may not.
When you call to schedule your appointment, ask the representative whether the office you want to visit offers Korean-language testing. If it does not, they can direct you to the nearest office that does. You may need to travel farther or schedule your appointment further in advance, but you will be able to take the test in Korean.
You can also check the DMV website to see which offices offer language services, though the easiest way is to call 1-800-777-0133 and ask directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak perfect English to take the test in Korean?
No. If Korean is your preferred language, you can take the entire test in Korean. You do not need to demonstrate English ability to get a California driver license. The test measures your knowledge of driving laws and road safety, not your English skills.
Will taking the test in Korean affect my license or driving privileges?
No. Your license will be identical whether you took the test in Korean or English. There are no restrictions or notations on your license based on which language you tested in. You will have the same driving rights as anyone else with a California driver license.
Can I bring a translator or interpreter to help me during the test?
No. You cannot bring an outside interpreter. The DMV provides the test in Korean, which serves as your language support. If you need additional accommodations beyond a translated test, contact the DMV ahead of time to discuss your specific situation.
What if I fail the Korean-language test but want to retake it in English?
You can switch languages on your retake. straightforward tell the DMV representative when you schedule your next appointment that you want to take the test in English this time. There is no penalty for changing languages between attempts.
How long does it take to get results after I finish the Korean-language test?
The DMV scores the test when ready and tells you your results before you leave the office. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit or license the same day (or within a few days if you need a replacement card mailed to you). If you do not pass, you can schedule your next attempt right then.