driving a scooter in Japan

[addicted2pocky]

Does anyone own a scooter in Japan??
What are the requirements, like liscense, driving school and such?
Is a scooter convenient?

 

[Mike Cash]

The Japan Biker F.A.Q.: Motorcycle Classes and Vehicle Licensing
The Japan Biker F.A.Q.: Driver's License Info

Yes, of course they're convenient.

 

[ET_Fukuoka]

I rode one for 6 months. 50cc and lower all you need is your DL. There is only one strange rule to be aware of, which is you cant make normal tuns at some intersections. They have this funky way that you ride to the side of the road that you want to turn on that has the red light. Then you wait for the green light and go. It's kinda strange but you get used to it. Half the time I ignored it. I actually didn't know about it for like 3 months then my friends girlfriend told me about it. No big deal.

I had a Honda Dio ZX or something like that. Super fast and fun to drive.

 

[Mike Cash]

Gotta watch out in Tokyo, though. I'm forever seeing motorcycle cops pulling over scooters there. It's their favorite sport.

Also have to watch out on certain overpasses and bridges where there are restrictions on scooters. The one just north of Naka-Meguro station they love to sit on the far side of and snag scooters as they come down off of it. I see them out there several times a month doing that.