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Licenses from certain countries, South Africa included, require both a written and a driving test in order to get a Japanese driver's license. If your license is from one of these countries you will be able to obtain your license only after filing paperwork, taking a short written test, and passing a driving test on an enclosed course at a testing center. The written test for Japanese driver's license is available in English, however, the instruction session just prior to the test is in Japanese. The main point of the Japanese explanation to understand is that in Japan X means false and O means true, and that when you have completed the test you may leave the room, I am told.
DRIVING TEST GUIDE. The driving test itself is not difficult, but there are many simple sequences and processes that the test proctors are looking for, and if you are not aware of them, you will not pass. It is not uncommon for foreigners to take the driving test 6 times or more, simply for the lack of a little knowledge, rather than a lack of actual driving skills. Passing the first time, un-assisted, is the exception, rather than the rule. Considering that each attempt requires nearly a full day at the testing center, fees and lost wages can make converting your license on your own a time consuming, expensive, and frustrating experience. The average pass rate for Tokyo (unassisted) is 35%, and for Nagoya is 20%. Usually, you are allowed to walk the course beginning one hour before the testing begins. When your turn comes, you will be required to get in the car and drive the prescribed course with an examiner, who will speak only in Japanese. Their commands are very simple or non-existent; many test centers do not give any instructions, other than to start. They expect you to have the course memorized. With some basic knowledge of Japanese (left, right, stop, go, etc...), you should be OK if the examiner does give you instructions. Whether or not you passed, you will be instructed to go inside and wait for the results with the other test takers. This may take some time. If you are successful, you should receive your new license that day. If not successful, you will know because you don't receive anything in which case, you can go book a repeat test, as many as need until you pass!
- comments
Gill How many tests did you take Tam? Be honest now.... ;-)
Tamz Gillybean, I passed first time :-) Promise. The instructor the day before brought me to tears, so i think he put such fear in me, I did it! There were only 3 or so who passed out of a good 40 or so - forget exact number now. Hectic
roberto erich I have passed the Exam and got 100%, i been issued a drivers lic. and my japanese friend from the co. i worked was so happy.