What's the Japanese Driving Test Like?

[thejapanguy]

I'll be changing jobs in the next two months and I realize that there are lots of opportunities for work if you're able to drive. I've talked to some foreigners about their driving test, and I've heard mixed things. The first thing is: you usually don't pass the first time and second: you have to REALLY pay attention to the details. One friend said he actually had to look under the car before getting in! Huh?!? In the US it's not that complicated if you can parallel park (the hardest part of the test), it's pretty much a done deal.

I've also heard it's super expensive for a Japanese person to get a license...like 300,000 yen expensive. Does that same cost apply to foreigners? If so, I may be waiting a while before I even try to get a license in Japan.

And some foreigners don't have to take a road test, right? For example in Australia and Britain, they drive on the same side of the road as Japan does...so I think it's just a paper-based test...right?

Have you taken a driving test in Japan? What was it like for you?

 

[Glenski]

The answers you seek are everywhere on the Internet.

Are you American with a valid license? If so, you will need to take the written test and behind the wheel test. Yes, many people (not just Americans) complain about having to re-take the test because they failed, but I personally feel they are just not paying simple attention to details, nor did they do their homework for the behind the wheel test. I passed the first time.

http://www.japandriverslicense.com/
Driving in Japan and Passing the Driver's Test
http://www.globalcompassion.com/driving.htm

And some foreigners don't have to take a road test, right? For example in Australia and Britain, they drive on the same side of the road as Japan does...so I think it's just a paper-based test...right?

Some countries have an agreement with Japan, and it's not just those that drive on the left. Canada has this agreement. Basically, if your country has the agreement, [uand[/u] you have a valid license on which you have driven for 3 months back home, you don't need to take the behind the wheel test. Read those links.

And, yes, if you have to go through the whole procedure of driving school here, it can be about 300,000 yen and many weeks.

 

[thejapanguy]

GLENSKI!! Thank you! Those are some pretty helpful links. I don't know if getting a license is something that going to be completely necessary for me (I kinda like not having to worry about a car, repairs, or gasoline), but it's nice to have the option. Good stuff.

 

[Glenski]

I kinda like not having to worry about a car, repairs, or gasoline

Don't forget that if you buy a car, you have to prove to the police that you have paid for a parking space within a certain distance of your home, too.

 

[thejapanguy]

Geez. It's so different than home. But I won't complain, I'm not in the U.S., I'm in Japan. So if I'm living in Japan, gotta abide by their rules.

 

[Rube]

It's easy, if you don't pass the first time you pay a small fee and take it again.