In today’s article, we will talk about the driver’s license in Japan, what processes are necessary to obtain it, how it works, the cost, time, traffic lessons, and the fine system in Japan.
The Japanese driver’s license is called unten menkyosho [運転免許証]. To obtain your driver’s license in Japan, you need to go through some procedures. To maintain this license, it is essential to respect traffic laws; if you commit infractions that reach 15 points, you may lose your license.
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Getting a Driver’s License in Japan
A resident of Japan who wants to obtain their license for the first time needs to take lessons (obviously) and complete 4 exams. The first exam consists of a written test with 50 questions. The second exam is a practical test, conducted at the Traffic Center.
After passing the first 2 exams, they receive a provisional license called karimenkyo (仮免許). Then, another practical test is conducted, followed by a theoretical test of 100 questions, and finally, one last practical test. In addition, applicants must undergo vision and hearing tests, knowledge of the Japanese traffic system, and driving skills assessments.
In total, there are 2 processes: the Karimen, the process to obtain the provisional license, and the Honmen, the final process. Once you pass these two exams, you will receive your definitive driver’s license. With this license, you can drive vehicles and transport up to 10 people, ride motorcycles up to 50cc, and drive small trucks weighing up to 3000 kg.
If a person wants to transfer their license from another country to Japan, they just need to take a small test with a few questions and a practical test.
How Much Does a Driver’s License Cost in Japan?
Obtaining a Japanese license may seem expensive for Brazilians. Driving schools usually charge between 30,000 to 200,000 yen (1,000 to 8,000 reais) for lessons. Additionally, it is necessary to pay for the exams.
A driver’s license in Japan can cost between 4,000 to 10,000 reais; it all depends on the location and speed of the process. Be careful, as you need to get more than 90% of the questions correct to pass the exams.
There is a very popular method among Japanese people called “Gasshuku,” where a person stays until the end of the procedure to obtain the license with the aim of mentally improving themselves by isolating from daily life. This procedure tends to be more expensive, but it is truly worth it and avoids a lot of stress (the video at the end of the article will explain this).
Gold Driver’s License in Japan
In Japan, there is a special driver’s license that offers discounts of approximately 12% on renewal, and it only needs to be renewed every 5 years (the normal is 3).
This gold license is awarded to drivers who have not had any infractions in the last five years. Its distinguishing feature is a gold stripe instead of the blue stripe found on regular licenses.
Be careful! If you commit minor infractions, you can easily have your license suspended or even lose your license. I hope this short article has helped you clarify your doubts about the Japanese driver’s license.
Below, we will leave an interview with our friend Caipira in Japan with Manoel Santos, who works at a driving school in Japan focused on helping foreigners obtain their licenses.
Manoel is the executive director of Strada Driving School and provides valuable tips on the best procedures for someone to obtain the long-desired Japanese license.
Course to Obtain a Driver’s License in Japan
If you already have a driver’s license in Brazil, you may just want to retake the tests and obtain your license without the need to go through long and tedious lessons or processes. Perhaps this article has not been sufficient to guide you; for that, there are online courses with this objective.
The Course Carta Japão has all the information you need to obtain your driver’s license in Japan. Find out if you can hire an interpreter, service provider, friend, or if you can complete the entire process on your own.
What documents are necessary and how to obtain them. Interview: what it is like, how to proceed, what information you need to know, and other tips. Theoretical test: simulated texts, signs, general signaling, and other tips.
Practical test: video lessons explaining all the maneuvers on the circuit, giving tips on how to execute each one. Psychological support: assistance for psychological preparation before the tests to increase the chance of success.
These are the topics covered in the online course to obtain a driver’s license in Japan taught by Kirizawa. If you want to know more details about this online course, just click the button below:
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