The new driver’s license will be introduced in the first half of next year, after developing the license test process. (image: dwstucke/flickr)
SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – As camping and water-related leisure activities increase, the South Korean government has decided to introduce a driver’s license category exclusively for vehicles suited to these types of activities.
According to the National Police Agency, a revised bill for the Road Traffic Act, which includes the introduction of a driver’s license for small towing vehicles, was presented to the National Assembly. The revised bill classifies large towing vehicles, small towing vehicles and wreckers as special vehicles under the Class 1 driver’s license category.
Under current laws, the special license is one of the Class 1 driver’s licenses, and its enforcement decree defines trailers and wreckers as the special vehicles, with the driver’s license for trailers targeted to those driving 30-ton container vehicles.
If the weight of the trailer is less than 750kg, drivers with general licenses (Class 2 or Class 1) can pull them, but if its weight is over the limit, one should get the special license that allows for the use of containers up 30 tons.
With the revised bill, the police will introduce the license for small towing vehicles that can carry trailers weighing two or three tons, which should cover motorboats, powered yachts and rubber boats.
The new driver’s license will be introduced in the first half of next year, after developing the license test process.
As of 2014, a total of 3,113 trailers for leisure activities including caravans, and 18,731 water-related trailers for motorboats and other recreational watercraft were registered in Korea.
A police official said, “The newly introduced driver’s license will be easy to obtain compared to the existing license for trailers. With the driver’s license, it will be easier to enjoy camping and water sports activities.”
By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
