As privately owned vehicles increase in North Korea, driving practice grounds for people seeking newly issued driver's licenses are also being set up, according to an analysis.
On the 19th (local time), NK Pro, a U.S.-based outlet specializing in North Korea, reported that an analysis of satellite images captured facilities across Pyongyang that appear to be driving practice grounds.
In satellite images taken by Planet Labs in early June, a newly built facility in southeastern Pyongyang appeared to be a driving practice ground. Around buildings constructed in 2024–2025, multiple vehicles, including trucks, were lined up. NK Pro also assessed that driving instruction and vehicle sales could take place together at the site.
A location that appears to be a temporary driving practice ground was also spotted in front of Sosang Stadium in western Pyongyang. Satellite images from February showed more than a dozen vehicles practicing along lines marked in a T shape. However, this scene had disappeared in the June images.
NK Pro said the site may have been used temporarily for driver training and interpreted it as North Korea's transport authorities preparing related facilities to meet rising demand for driver's licenses.
North Korea is believed to have allowed private car ownership starting in 2024. Adults 18 and older must receive 40 days of paid instruction at a government-designated institution to obtain a driver's license.
Recently in Pyongyang, yellow license plates indicating privately owned vehicles have also increased. Based on serial numbers on the plates, a Pyongyang-based reporter for Russia's Tass news agency estimated that the number of private cars in Pyongyang has surpassed 13,500, NK Pro reported. This assumes the numbers on plates for private cars start at 1 and increase by 1.