The California DMV offers the written test in Korean, but the behind-the-wheel test is only in English

California's Department of Motor Vehicles administers the written knowledge test in Korean through an interpreter or translated test materials. However, the behind-the-wheel driving test — the part where an examiner sits in your car and watches you drive — is conducted only in English. You cannot request a Korean-language examiner for the road test itself.

If you need the written test in Korean, you must request it when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DMV office. The DMV has Korean-language test materials available at most field offices, but availability varies by location. Some offices use an interpreter; others provide a translated written test that you complete on your own.

For the road test, you will need to understand and follow English-language instructions from the examiner. This is a legal requirement, not a preference — the examiner must be able to communicate safety-critical directions clearly, and you must demonstrate that you understand them.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test is available in Korean at most California DMV offices, but you must request it when you schedule your appointment.
  • The behind-the-wheel road test is only administered in English, regardless of your preferred language.
  • You can bring a family member or friend to the DMV for the written test, but not into the vehicle during the road test.
  • If you do not understand English well enough to follow driving instructions, you may want to take additional English lessons or practice with a bilingual instructor before scheduling the road test.

How to request the Korean-language written test

Call your local DMV office or visit the California DMV website to schedule your written test appointment. When you book, tell the staff member that you need the test in Korean. Write it down in your confirmation email or text if possible, so there is a record of your request.

Arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your identification, proof of residency, and any other documents the DMV requested when you scheduled. If the office has a Korean interpreter on staff that day, they will administer the test orally. If not, you will receive a translated written test that you complete on paper or on a computer terminal.

The content of the test is identical to the English version — same questions, same passing score of 38 out of 46 correct answers. The only difference is the language in which the questions appear.

What to expect during the road test in English

The examiner will give you instructions in English throughout the test. These instructions include where to drive, when to turn, how to park, and what safety checks to perform. You must understand and follow each instruction correctly. If you do not understand a direction, you can ask the examiner to repeat it, but you cannot ask for it in Korean.

The examiner is listening for your ability to understand and respond appropriately. If you hesitate, appear confused, or ask for clarification repeatedly, the examiner may note this as a safety concern. The test lasts 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, observation, and judgment.

Common instructions you will hear include: "Turn left at the next light," "Parallel park in that space," "Show me how you would check your blind spot," and "What would you do if a pedestrian stepped into the street?" Practicing these scenarios with an English-speaking instructor beforehand can help you become familiar with the language and the driving tasks at the same time.

Preparing for the road test if English is not your first language

Consider taking at least a few lessons with a bilingual driving instructor who speaks Korean and English. The instructor can teach you both the driving skills and the English vocabulary you will need during the test. This combination is more effective than studying the written test alone, because you will hear the words in context while actually driving.

Listen to recordings of road test instructions online or ask your instructor to record common phrases. Repeat them aloud until they feel natural. Focus on directional words (left, right, straight, turn), safety terms (brake, accelerate, mirror, blind spot), and questions about what you would do in certain situations.

Practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, busier roads, parking lots — so that you are comfortable with the vehicle and can focus on understanding the examiner's English rather than concentrating on how to drive. The more automatic your driving becomes, the more mental energy you have available to listen and respond.

What happens if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts in California, though you do have to pay the test fee again. You can take the test as many times as you need.

When you retake the test, you will have a different examiner and a different route, though the skills being tested are the same. If language was a barrier during your first attempt, use the time between tests to work with an instructor or practice with a fluent English speaker who can give you feedback on your understanding.

Bringing an interpreter to the road test

You cannot bring a Korean interpreter into the vehicle during the road test. The examiner must be able to communicate directly with you, and a third person in the car would be a distraction and a safety issue. This rule applies to all languages and all test-takers.

The only exception is if you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation — for example, if you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may be able to bring an interpreter. You would need to request this accommodation in writing when you schedule your test and provide medical documentation. Contact your local DMV office to ask about the process for disability accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take both the written test and the road test in Korean?

No. The written test is available in Korean, but the road test is only in English. You must be able to understand and follow English instructions from the examiner during the driving portion.

What if I fail the road test because I did not understand the examiner's instructions?

You can retake the test at no additional cost beyond the standard test fee. Before your next attempt, work with a bilingual driving instructor to practice the English vocabulary and phrases you will hear. The examiner is required to speak clearly, but they cannot simplify or translate their instructions.

Do I need to pass the written test in Korean before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written knowledge test first, regardless of what language you take it in. Once you pass, you can schedule your road test appointment. The written test and road test are separate appointments.

Is there a time limit for how long I have to take the road test after passing the written test?

California does not have a strict important date, but your learner's permit is valid for 12 months. You should schedule your road test well before that expiration date. If your permit expires, you will need to retake the written test.

Can I bring a family member in the car during the road test to help me understand the examiner?

No. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. A passenger would be a distraction and would invalidate the test. Use your preparation time to build your English skills with an instructor or practice partner before the test day.