driving license conversion

myjasonlee said:

Dear All
Just another question....
What are the commons road sign or rules usually tested during the driving test?
The common one should be STOP (To Ma Ri)
Kindly share with me .
Thank you!
best regards
Jason

Click to expand...

Jason,
The written test that I took was a random sampling of only 10 questions. I don't believe there was more than one question on signs. Does that mean they are insignificant? No, only that given the luck of the draw, I had an insignificant number tested.

I suggest you get a Rules of the Road (1000 yen plus postage) and study it. The signs are mostly international anyway, but the more prepared you are, the better. As Mars Man just wrote, don't skimp. It's not that hard to find such signs.

If you are too frugal to buy the ROTR, do a simple Internet search. Typing in Japanese road signs, I got lots of hits. Here are a couple of the better looking sites. You're welcome in advance.
http://www.cfay.navy.mil/License/New International and Japanese Road Signs.htm
http://japaninfo.esmartweb.com/bikerfaq-signs.html
http://www.japandriverslicense.com/roadsign.htm

reclarifying

Dear Glenski

Thanks a lot for the advice. I have been benefited from your advise before the written test. I have finished the written test and passed without issue.

Now the next challenge is on the driving part. So am wondering if any of the road signs you guys would advise me to take good care of.

I named the first one, TOMARI (STOP).
Just to make myself prepared for some unexpected roadsigns which only appear in Japan road.

Just in case,,,ya know.

Thank you all!

Jason

If memory serves, you will see only 2 or 3 signs on the driving course:

stop
speed limit (get up to 45 kph by a certain distance, I believe)
turn (an arrow)

The only Japanese road signs that have struck me as odd and non-intuitive are the little red arrow signs beneath some larger signs.

They delineate zones. An arrow pointing to the left indicates the beginning of the zone. An arrow pointing to the right indicates the end of the zone. An arrow pointing both ways indicates you're somewhere in the middle of the zone.

Many roads, for example, have some default speed limit if not otherwise posted. You may be driving along and see a 60km speed limit sign and think (naturally) that 60km is the speed limit. BUT......if there was a red arrow pointing to the right just below the sign, it means you have just exited the 60km zone and are now in something slower (probably 40).

The arrows appear on other than speed limit signs as well.

Appreciation

Dear Glenski and Mike

Really appreciate your input.
The challenge comes soon.....


Thank you all


best regards
Jason

Being British, I was spared all this rigmarole. I just asked the JAF to translate my UK licence, then presented that and my passport to the licensing centre. After a quick eye test I had brand new sparkling J-licence in my paws. I was extremely pleased at this unexpected positive discrimination. That same afternoon I chose a motorcycle from 'Bike Town' in Ueno. However, I immediately nearly came a-cropper when I failed to recognize a 'no-right-turn' sign (they're completely different in Britain) so perhaps it would've been better to have taken the test after all...

Anyway, well done myjasonlee!

Thanks Guys

Dear All

I passed my driving license test and successfully gotten the license.

For Kirirao, I think you have to check if your license conversion can be done here because it requires a 3 month stay in home country before you come to Japan. But since you are staying here, I am not sure how they will judge.


My experience is that, the driving test is not difficult if you are a good driver and experienced one. Usually you wont pass for the first time because you cannot expect all drivers to pass at first attempt. Hope you get what I mean. For sure, they are some lucky ones.
I passed on the 2nd attempt. I was told that my speed was fast when going round the corner, tyre was touching the barrier, sped up to 40km/h was not smooth enough.
I was shocked to hear that but anyway it is a good experience for me even though I was very dissapointed after the first attempt.

The 2nd time, I was more alert on things they pointed out in the first attempt. (much more careful than before). Finally I passed and was the first guy in that session. Am so happy....

So now still focusing on job searching...

Another thing is that I think Samezu test site is more lenient if you are really performing as an experienced driver. You dont have to remmeber the course, they will tell you what is next....

Hope my words help.

best rgds
Jason

Congradulations myjasonlee san !! Welcome to the world of crazy road design !! (especially up here in Nagano...) MM

Thank you Mars Man

Dear Mars Man

Thank you so much for the words and encourgament.
Well I will not drive much since I do not have a car but anyway it is somehow great to have a Japanese driving license because it is an international.


Let`s check out more of the so called crazy signs out there.

Thank you

Jason

Congradulations..!!!

I also got my Japanese driving license last months on my 4 attempts.
is a pain to pass the driving test in Japan.
But once you got it... you feel so great..!!!

you bet!

Thanks Yo Yo. I can understand the feeling as almost all those went through more than 1 time test.
I think able to pass at 2nd time is considered lucky enough.

Drive safe and stay cool out there.

best rgds
Jason