More US states accept Korean drivers
By Jane Han
NEW YORK ― First a visa waiver, now a reciprocal driver’s license exchange; traveling to the U.S. is quickly getting easier for Koreans.
The U.S. state of Florida and South Korea recently agreed to recognize the driver’s licenses issued by each other, which means drivers can get on the road without going through the hassle of written or skills tests.
``The agreement streamlines the exchange process for valid South Korean license holders residing in Florida while valid Florida license holders residing in the Republic of Korea enjoy the same benefit,’’ said Kim He-beom, Korean Consul General in Atlanta.
Florida is the latest among a recent string of U.S. states that agreed to simplify what’s usually considered a complicated process for drivers.
Maryland was the first to ink a deal with Seoul a year ago, followed by Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts and Texas.
Under the new agreement, Korean drivers can acquire a U.S. license by presenting a valid Korean license with proper translation to the motor vehicle authority. The deal only applies to non-commercial motorists and some states require drivers to surrender their Korean license in exchange for a U.S. equivalent.
Short-term travelers and exchange students without an International Driving Permit are expected to benefit the most from the changes.
``The complex licensing process usually discourages people from even attempting to drive here,’’ says Kim Ji-won, who is completing a language program in Boston. ``The new rule is definitely going to put more Korean drivers on the road.’’
U.S. authorities aren’t worried about this as they recognize Korea’s driving standards.
``Our comprehensive review of the licensing process in the Republic of Korea clearly demonstrates that the South Korean process is consistent with the standards in place in Florida,’’ said Director of Motorist Services Sandra Lambert.
New York and California, the most popular states among Koreans, haven’t jumped on the license exchange bandwagon yet, but observers say recent deals are likely to encourage more agreements.
``It will be a tremendous benefit for Koreans in California if the state accepts Korean drivers’ licenses,’’ said an official of the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles. ``More efforts will be made once each party understands the mutual benefits the deal will bring.’’