What language options California offers for the written test

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 it when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DMV office.

The test itself is identical in content and difficulty to the English version — same 36 questions, same passing score of 30 correct answers, same rules about what you can and cannot bring into the testing room. The only difference is the language the questions and answers appear in.

Not every DMV office has Korean test materials available at all times. Availability depends on the location and how often the office administers tests in that language. Calling ahead or checking the DMV website for your local office is the fastest way to confirm whether Korean testing is offered on the day you plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • California DMV offers the written test in Korean, with identical content and passing requirements as the English version.
  • You must request the Korean test when scheduling your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.
  • Not all DMV locations offer Korean testing every day, so confirm availability with your local office before you go.
  • You will still need to pass the vision screening and provide the same documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number) regardless of which language you test in.
  • The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — study materials in Korean are available through the DMV website and third-party test prep sites.

How to request the Korean test at your DMV appointment

When you book your written test appointment online through the DMV website, you will see a language selection option. Choose Korean from the dropdown menu. If you are scheduling by phone or in person, tell the staff member that you want to take the test in Korean, and they will note it in your appointment record.

If you did not select Korean when you booked but want to change it, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and ask to update your appointment language preference. You can also arrive early on the day of your test and ask the DMV staff to switch you to the Korean version before you are called to the testing station.

Bring your appointment confirmation or your identification to the DMV office. Staff will verify your language request and direct you to the correct testing station. The process is the same as for English-language test takers — you will check in, complete a vision screening, and then sit at a computer terminal to take the test.

What the Korean test covers and how to study

The Korean written test covers the same material as the English version: California traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. All 36 questions come from the California Driver Handbook, which is the official study guide.

The DMV publishes the Driver Handbook in Korean on its official website. You can read it as a PDF or read it online at no cost. The handbook is organized by topic — speed limits, traffic signals, sharing the road, vehicle equipment — so you can study one section at a time.

Several third-party websites and apps also offer Korean-language practice tests. These are not official DMV materials, but they follow the same question format and topics. Taking practice tests in Korean helps you get used to reading test questions in that language and builds confidence before test day.

Documents and requirements that do not change by language

Regardless of whether you take the test in Korean or English, you must bring the same documents to the DMV office. You need proof of identity (a passport, consulate ID, or other government-issued document), proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You will also take a vision screening before the written test. The vision test is not language-dependent — the staff member will show you letters or symbols and ask you to read them aloud. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The testing rules are the same in any language: you cannot bring a phone, notes, or any study materials into the testing room. You will sit at a computer terminal and answer questions on screen. You have a set amount of time to complete the test, and the computer will tell you when ready whether you passed.

What happens if you do not pass the Korean test

If you score below 30 correct answers, you do not pass. You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling your next attempt. You can take the test in Korean again, or you can switch to English or another language if you prefer.

When you retake the test, you will pay the test fee again. The fee is the same regardless of language. You will need to schedule a new appointment through the DMV website or by phone.

Many people find it helpful to study the areas where they missed questions on the first attempt. The DMV does not tell you which specific questions you got wrong, but the Driver Handbook breaks down each topic, so you can review the sections that gave you trouble.

DMV offices in California that offer Korean testing

Korean testing is available at many DMV offices throughout California, but not all locations offer it every day. Offices in areas with larger Korean-speaking populations — such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Francisco Bay Area — are more likely to have Korean materials and staff available regularly.

To find out whether your local DMV office offers Korean testing, visit the DMV website and search for your nearest location. Call the office directly at the phone number listed, or use the online appointment system and check the language options available for your preferred date and time. If Korean is not available on the day you want to test, you can choose a different date or a different DMV office.

Some DMV offices may require advance notice for Korean testing, especially in areas where it is less frequently requested. Calling a few days ahead gives the office time to may support materials and staff are ready for your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a Korean-English dictionary or translation app to the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials, devices, or notes into the testing room, including dictionaries, translation apps, or phones. The test is administered on a computer terminal, and you are not allowed to use outside resources while taking it.

Is the Korean test harder than the English test?

No. The test content, number of questions, and passing score are identical in Korean and English. The only difference is the language. If you are more comfortable reading and understanding Korean than English, taking the test in Korean may actually make it easier for you to understand the questions.

What if I start the test in Korean and want to switch to English halfway through?

You cannot switch languages during the test. You must complete the entire test in the language you selected. If you realize partway through that you want to use a different language, you will need to finish the current test, then schedule a new appointment in your preferred language.

Do I need to prove I am a Korean speaker to take the test in Korean?

No. The DMV does not require proof of language proficiency. You can request the Korean test straightforward by selecting it when you schedule your appointment. The choice is yours based on which language you are most comfortable with.

Where can I find the California Driver Handbook in Korean?

The official California Driver Handbook in Korean is available on the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. You can read it as a PDF or read it online. The handbook is free and covers all the topics tested on the written exam.