"Driving License Functional Tests Shifted to Mornings" - Emergency Measures as Heatwave Nears 40 Degrees

Korea Road Traffic Authority Temporarily Reduces Testing
Ensuring Safety at Test Centers Amid Severe Heatwaves

The Korea Road Traffic Authority has decided to reduce the number of afternoon functional driving license tests and increase morning sessions in order to ensure safety at test centers amid ongoing heat waves.

Yonhap News Agency

On August 7, the Korea Road Traffic Authority announced, "Reflecting the current situation where heatwave warnings and severe heatwave emergency alerts continue to be issued, we will temporarily reduce or suspend driving license functional tests."

An official stated, "This is an unavoidable measure taken to protect the safety of test takers and field staff amid the severe heat," and added, "We ask everyone to refrain from outdoor activities as much as possible and to take special care of their health, including staying well hydrated."

Accordingly, the functional tests will be primarily scheduled during the morning hours, when temperatures are relatively lower, and the number of afternoon tests will be adjusted during periods when the perceived temperature is expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Existing reservations may be subject to schedule changes. Additionally, test centers will be equipped with portable air conditioners, sun shades, and parasols, and test operations will be flexibly adjusted according to weather conditions.

Advisory: Risk of Vehicle Fires During Heatwaves

According to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS), the number of vehicle fire incidents increases by 10% to 20% in July and August, when temperatures are high. When a car is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, the interior can become extremely hot, increasing the risk of fire. It is especially advisable not to leave items such as water bottles, carbonated beverage cans, power banks, mobile phones, disposable lighters, portable gas canisters, and sprays inside the car for prolonged periods. Storing objects on dashboards that are directly exposed to sunlight is particularly dangerous.

When parking outdoors, it is best to position the rear of the vehicle toward the sun and use sunshades to help reduce the rise in interior temperature. Before getting in, open the windows and open and close the doors several times to let out hot air before starting to drive.

In addition, during summer, it is essential to check coolant levels and tire pressure. Malfunctions in the cooling system can lead to engine overheating and fires, while underinflated tires are more likely to overheat or burst.

It is also advisable to use both internal and external air circulation modes for the air conditioner, rather than relying only on internal circulation, and to ventilate the interior periodically by opening the windows. If you notice smoke or a burning smell while driving, you should immediately pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and check the condition of the vehicle.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.