- Getting a Driver's License in Japan (Passenger Car)
- In order to get a driver's license in Japan, there are several different methods. One method is to go directly to a driving test center and take the written test and driving skills test. Another method is to take a driving school course and, upon completing the course, then take a driving skills test at a driving test center. In the case of Japan, the latter method is the most common and involves learning the basics concerning driving and then taking the actual test at the testing center. In the case of officially approved driving schools, if the course is completed successfully, the driver is excused from taking the driving skills test at a government driving test center (See note below).
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For persons that have completed the driving course at an officially approved driving school
- On day of test must have Certificate of course completion less than one year of official approved driving school and other documents
- Physical qualifications test
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| Vision: |
For a person with one eye only, above 0.3. For persons with two eyes, above 0.7. Must be able to distinguish the colors red, green and yellow.
For persons with one eye with vision below 0.3, or blind in one eye, the other eye must have vision of 150 degrees right/left and be 0.7 or above. |
| Hearing: |
Must be able to carry on a normal conversation. |
- Written test
- The test consists of multiple choice and true/false questions. Passing score is 90% or above. (Persons with motorcycle or truck licenses are excused from taking the written test)
- Driving skills test
- Not necessary
- For persons proceeding directly to the testing center
- After presenting a temporary driver's license, the candidate follows the driving test procedure.
[ Temporary (Beginner's) License Test ]
Required items:
- Alien Registration card or a valid driver's license
- Two pictures
- Fee
* The picture must have been taken within the past 6 months and be 3cm height by 2.4cm in width and of the type normally used for identification purposes.
- Physical qualifications test
-
| Vision: |
For a person with one eye only, above 0.3. For persons with two eyes, above 0.7. Must be able to distinguish the colors red, green and yellow.
For persons with one with vision below 0.3 or blind in one eye, the other eye must have vision of 150 degrees right/left and 0.7 or above. |
| Hearing: |
Must be able to carry on a normal conversation. |
- Written test
- The test consists of multiple choice and true/false questions. Passing score is 90% or above. (Persons with motorcycle or truck licenses are excused from taking the written test)
- Driving skills test
-
- Ability to use the driving features of the vehicle
- Ability to drive following the Traffic Regulations
- Attitudes toward driving and ability to drive safely
Passing score: 70% or above.
[ Regular Driver's License Test ]
Required items:
- Temporary (Beginner's) license
- Alien registration card or valid driver's license
- Request for permission to practice driving on public roads
- One picture
- Fee
- Permission to drive on public roads (based on 2 hours a day for 5 or more days)
- The picture must have been taken within the past 6 months and 3cm height by 2.4cm in width and of the type normally used for identification purposes.
- Physical qualifications test
-
| Vision: |
For a person with one eye only, above 0.3. For persons with two eyes, above 0.7. Must be able to distinguish the colors red, green and yellow.
For persons with one with vision below 0.3 or blind in one eye, the other eye must have vision of 150 degrees right/left and 0.7 or above. |
| Hearing: |
Must be able to carry on a normal conversation. |
- Written test
- The test consists of multiple choice and true/false questions. Passing score is 90% or above. (Persons with motorcycle or truck licenses are excused from taking the written
test)
Note : There are also English and also Japanese versions (with "furigana" phonetic pronunciation characters) available.
- Driving skills test
-
- Ability to use the driving features of the vehicle
- Ability to drive following the Traffic Regulations
- Attitudes toward driving and ability to drive safely
Passing score: 70% or above.
- Note : Officially approved driving schools
- There are officially approved driving schools (graduates do not have to take the driving skills test at the driving test center) and non-approved driving schools (the applicant must take the final driving skills test at a testing center). In Tokyo, there are 61 approved driving schools that have been approved by the Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Committee.
- Link : http://www.tadsa.or.jp/
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government List of Officially Approved Driving Schools/Tokyo Approved Driving School Association
- Link : http://www.driving.co.jp/
- List of Driving Schools and Driving Test Centers in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area./Driving A Go Go!
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