Let me do a backtrack on how the Driving Program in the Multicultural Center go. The program is a joint effort of the Multicultural Center, the Police Office and (maybe) some Driving School. I wasn't sure about the last one. They basically prepared us for the written test (I'm sure some people can do that alone) but for me who just keeps procrastinating, it gave me the idea how to work the licensing system and actually sit for the test.
1. Sign up for it. From what I've heard, they offer the program twice a year, during spring and fall. I'm not so sure with the latter though coz I've signed up for the spring one which I missed last year. This is pretty popular one so try to start asking about it sometime around end of February. In my case, I was curious how the program will work even though my Korean language skills still suck.
There were almost 20 people when we started on the first session but it dwindled to about a dozen on the test day.
2. Attend the lectures. It was totally in Korean and I felt like a sinking ship most of the time. Nonetheless, I was able to get some resources like books, website links, and some key points through illustrations. The policewoman who was in-charge was cool and really quite helpful. She would have inputs every now and then and they were all very practical and useful. I didn't miss any session specially the last one which was very beneficial for me. Seeing that I could hardly understand the mock test they had in Korean, the policewoman lent me the latest test book reviewer, and taught me how to find other English resources from the Korean website.
They also had has do the paperwork ahead during those lecture sessions: filling up the all-K forms, submitting copies of other documents like passport and ACR, as well as the 3 pcs. 3x4 cm photos.
3. Show up for the test. Everyone loaded into the medium sized bus around 8:45 AM, and we headed for a 45-minute ride to the nearest licensing office.
I've done a bit of my homework and knew that the place is a bit far-off from places to eat so I had to pick up some food for my tummy, just in case. I wouldn't want to travel on an empty stomach, much less take a test. I spotted a bag of bread and tetra- packed juice which I guessed was gonna be our lunch. Both were too sweet for my throat so it was good that I was able to pick up some deokk earlier. That was enough to keep hunger at bay.
During the ride, the policewoman collected the 12,500 W from everyone which I think should cover the application fee but I found out later that it is only about 7,500. I guess the remaining one was to cover the tour bus ride and snacks which was not so bad coz I wouldn't be able to figure out how to get there in the first place on my own without a lot of stress. At least, with this one, I got the ride, and someone to guide us inside.
So what was the process like? A chart is available on their website. That should give one an overview of the process. But it is slightly different on-site.
1. We filled up a half-A4 sheet form, along with the ACR card. We also needed to some digital fingerprinting to get a temporary card for the process which sucks because of my sweaty hands.
2. Next is the health check area, which also doubles as photo corner if you need one. Give the lady the temp card and the official application form while lining up. The health check is basically a simple eye check. We were made to read numbers only to my relief upon seeing the Snellen chart without any English letters. ;)
3. We were told to head up to the third floor to watch the hour-long video. Each had to swipe the temp card and do the digital fingerprint before and after the video. Before the video started, the staff asked if we would want foreign subtitle. I asked for an English one but she fumbled with the disc and ended up not being able to get it running and had the all-K one instead. The use of temporary card ends here.
4. After the video, it's time to get to the computer testing room. We waited for our names to be called and that is when I started to feel slightly a bit nervous. My name was called, I handed my application form and ACR card for double checking before I was assigned a seat number. I got 42 which was on the last row. The seats were all well spaced and the seat was not really very comfortable but on with test.
There was a preliminary explanation on how to work the screen using the mouse. But first was to input the test taker number, which is your seat number. All one had to do was read, choose and click. The testing time is 50 minutes but 20 to 30 minutes should be enough to breeze through it. I finish the last question with plenty of time still on my clock so I chose to go back to some questions I wasn't sure of. One of the proctors came up to me and told me that I'm already done. But I said that I still have time and want to go over some part still (all in my faulty Korean.) She didn't look quite happy but she backed off. I hit END around after 35 minutes I started. I could have stayed on until 50 minutes but I figured I might just actually be tempted to change a lot of answers and end up getting more mistakes. Plus, there were still a few more people in line and I'm getting hungry.
I hit the END and my test score popped up. Not so bad. I passed anyway. Not everyone did. They stamped "passed" on my application as the lady handed it back to me and off I go. I can now return the reviewer book to the nice policewoman. Everyone wanted to know the result when I got out. Now that I look back to it, I should have pulled a prank at first and pretended to have failed.
Before we got too noisy waiting outside for the rest to finish, we were herded downstairs and given our snacks-cum-lunch. I took my chance to roam the area a bit, checked out the bus stop for my future on-my-own trip.
The next part was the Basic Driving Skills Test. About ten was left behind to take that since most of us are not ready for that. I just tagged along as they line up and pay. I have to know as much as I can as to which window to pay, how much, etc. so I can do it on my own next time if ever.
So what did I learn about this program? This would basically just assist the foreign married immigrant access to learning to get the driver's license. If you are a total newbie like me, with limited Korean language, the lectures itself didn't help much. One has to do his own studying in order to pass the written test. This won't also cover the actual hands-on experience. Either you do it on your own with someone who has been driving legally for at least 2 years or sign up at a private driving schools before you take the test.
It did give me a way to find out what options I have and how I can possibly navigate the Korean system of acquiring a driver's license in case my husband will not be very willing to help me. I have now a better understanding of the next steps I should take when I'm ready. I'll have to find the right academy, learn the hands-on basics and rack up enough hours on the road. In order to prepare for that, I can learn the basic facts and tips online and youtube so I'll be more ready when I actually sit behind the wheel. This time, it's not just studying for the written test anymore. It will need practical know-how and skills.
Driving school seem to be the most obvious way to get the license but I won't guarantee that since I've met some who had already done that but still couldn't get past the written test. I'm taking it one step at time. I will now have to prep for the hands-on part.
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