Tips for Learning to Drive in Japan: Learn Fast, Take the Test Easily, Pass the First Time!

Are you living and working in Japan and want to own a legal driver's license? learn driving license in japan Not only is it an important step to help you be more proactive in your daily life, but it also opens up many opportunities in your career. However, passing the driving test in Japan is not a simple matter. In this article, we will guide you in detail about the process, costs, and tips for taking the driving test in Japan to help you learn quickly, take the test easily, and pass the first time!

Types of driving licenses in Japan

The driver's license system in Japan is clearly divided according to each type of vehicle, in which the car driver's license is the most popular type that international students and foreign workers are interested in. Studying for a driver's license in Japan requires you to clearly understand each type of license to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Automatic car driving license (AT)

The AT (Automatic Transmission) license is the most popular choice when learning to drive in Japan. This license allows you to drive an automatic car, which is suitable for most learners due to its simplicity and ease of use. Automatic cars account for a large proportion of the Japanese market, especially in urban areas.

The advantage of an AT license is that the learning process is relatively easy and the training time is shorter than that of a manual license. However, the limitation of this type of license is that it only allows you to drive automatic cars, not manual cars.

Manual transmission (MT)

The MT (Manual Transmission) license allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. This is a more flexible option but also requires more skill when learning to drive in Japan. The MT license process is more complicated because you have to master the use of the clutch and shifting gears.

Many people choose to get an MT license to be able to drive all types of vehicles, especially those who intend to work in the transportation industry or need to use small trucks. The cost of getting an MT license is usually about 20.000-30.000 yen more than an AT license.

Process of studying and taking driving test in Japan

The process of learning to drive a car in Japan is scientifically and meticulously designed, ensuring that learners have sufficient knowledge and skills before being granted a license. This system includes many stages from basic to advanced, each stage has its own requirements.

Choose your learning method

Before starting to study for a driver's license in Japan, you need to decide on a form of study that suits your time and financial conditions.

• Outpatient: This type of learning allows you to live at home and attend driving school according to your registered schedule. This is a popular choice for people who are already working or studying in Japan.
• Boarding: This is a short intensive study program, usually 2-3 weeks. Students will stay at the school or a hotel near the school during the course.

Studying for a driver's license outside the school allows students to be flexible with their time and arrange their study schedule to fit their work. The cost is relatively lower than that of a boarding school. However, studying for a driver's license outside the school helps you complete the program faster.

Register for driving school

Choosing the right driving school is an important step in learning to drive in Japan. Factors to consider include the school's location, cost, quality of training, and passing rate.

When registering, you need to prepare necessary documents such as residence card (Zairyu card), passport, ID photo, health certificate, registration fee. Some schools may require basic vision and hearing tests.

Stages of learning and taking the driving test in Japan

Once enrolled, you will go through four main stages on your journey to earning your degree.

Elementary theory test (first stage)

The first step in learning to drive in Japan is taking the elementary theory test (仮免学科試験). This test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, signs, and basic handling situations.

To do well, you need to memorize traffic signs and understand Japanese laws. The required score to pass is 45/50 points or more. Here is one of the important tips for taking the driving test in Japan: spend time thoroughly reviewing the theory section because it is the foundation for the following stages.

Practice in the yard and on the road

After passing the elementary theory test, you will enter the practical phase. The practical phase in the yard (教習所内) includes basic skills such as starting the car, reversing, parking, and overcoming obstacles. Students need to complete at least 12 hours of practice for the AT license and 15 hours for the MT license.

Road practice (路上教習) is the next stage, where you will drive on real roads under the guidance of an instructor. This stage requires at least 19 hours of practice and is a great opportunity to apply the tips for taking the Japanese driving test under real-life conditions.

Practical exam

After completing the course, you will take a practical test on the driving course at the school yard. The content includes: starting, turning left/right, turning around, driving through narrow roads, overcoming obstacles, etc. If you take the test at the boarding school, you will be given priority over those who study outside the boarding school.

One of the effective tips for taking the driving test in Japan is to practice basic movements such as checking mirrors, signaling, and observing the surroundings many times. The examiner will pay special attention to the candidate's safety attitude and confidence.

Final theory exam at the testing center

The final exam takes place at the prefectural testing center (運転免許センター). It is an advanced theory exam with 95 questions, including 90 general questions and 5 first aid questions.

The required passing score is 90/100, which requires a high level of accuracy. Tips for taking the Japanese driving test at this stage include thoroughly reviewing complex situations and practicing with sample test questions.

Cost of driving license in Japan

The cost of learning to drive in Japan ranges from 250.000 to 350.000 yen depending on the type of license, the form of study, and the location of the driving school. This is a significant investment, so careful financial planning is necessary.

The cost of an AT degree is usually around 20.000-30.000 yen less than an MT degree. Although the residential program may seem more expensive, it actually saves you money overall because it takes less time to complete and usually includes room and board.

In addition to the main tuition fee, you need to factor in additional costs such as additional registration fees (around 20.000-30.000 yen), driver's license photo fees, and re-examination fees if you fail the exams.

Tips to pass the driving test in Japan

To increase your success rate when studying for a driver's license in Japan, here are some tips for taking the Japanese driver's license test drawn from the practical experiences of many people who have passed.

• Review the theory carefully: Don't be subjective with the theory test. You should study by doing practice tests many times on the app or the test preparation website. Memorize Japanese vocabulary related to traffic to avoid confusion.
• Practice regularly and carefully: Practice is the key to mastering the skill. When practicing, always be careful of small mistakes such as not using turn signals, not checking your mirrors… because these are serious mistakes that will deduct points from the test.
• Keep calm during the exam: Even if you are well prepared, if you are nervous, you may make unnecessary mistakes. Try to stay calm, breathe deeply, and do each step slowly but accurately.
• Ask for experience from predecessors: One of the effective tips for taking the driving test in Japan is to learn from those who have taken the test. You can find groups of Vietnamese people taking the driving test in Japan on Facebook or forums, where they share test questions, study tips, common mistakes, etc.
• Make the most of your time in residence: If you choose to study on campus, take advantage of the concentrated environment to study and prepare for exams to the fullest. Socializing with your classmates is also an effective way to exchange knowledge.

Studying for a driver's license in Japan is not easy, but it is not too difficult if you are well prepared. From choosing the right type of license, the right form of study, to understanding the process and effective study tips, you can completely pass the exam on the first try. Hopefully, this article has given you the most comprehensive and specific view to start the journey to owning a legal driver's license in Japan.

As a trusted telecommunications service provider for the Vietnamese community in Japan, T-connect not only helps you connect with relatives and friends more easily, but also supports payment for many essential services such as electricity, water, phone SIM cards, etc. through convenient platforms. If you are in need of an economical, easy-to-use, easy-to-register telecommunications solution - then T-connect is a reliable companion on your life journey in the land of cherry blossoms.