Japanese Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Japan โ written test (ๅญฆ็ง่ฉฆ้จ, 95 questions, 90/100 point pass mark), driving school (ๆ็ฟๆ) costs, demerit points system, speed limits, traffic fines, and Japan's strict drink-driving laws with third-party liability.
2,547
Road deaths in Japan (2025)
~2.0 per 100K โ among the lowest in Asia โ NPA
~2.0
Deaths per 100,000 population
Lower than USA (12.2), South Korea (~5.0), Germany (~3.4), comparable to UK (2.5)
ยฅ250Kโ350K
Total cost for Ordinary Vehicle licence (ๆฎ้ๅ ่จฑ)
~$1,700โ2,400 USD โ includes driving school, tests, and fees
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Download InfographicKey Findings
95 questions โ 90 true/false (1 point each) and 5 illustration-based (2 points each) โ for a total of 100 points, completed in 50 minutes. You must score at least 90 out of 100 points to pass. Administered by Prefectural Public Safety Commissions (ๅ ฌๅฎๅงๅกไผ) at driver's licence centres. Fee: ยฅ1,900 for the full licence written test. Covers traffic rules, road signs, vehicle operation, safe driving, and emergency procedures.
Approximately ยฅ250,000โ350,000 (~$1,700โ2,400 USD) total via driving school (ๆ็ฟๆ/่ชๅ่ปๅญฆๆ ก): school tuition for AT car ยฅ250,000โ300,000, provisional licence test ยฅ1,800, provisional licence issuance ยฅ1,100 (ยฅ2,900 total), full licence written test ยฅ1,900, full licence issuance ยฅ2,350, and photo ~ยฅ800. Medical/eye test typically included in school fee.
2,547 fatalities in 2025 (~2.0 per 100K). Continued decline from 3,215 in 2019. 2024 data shows 2,663 deaths, maintaining the downward trend. Japan has one of the lowest road fatality rates among major countries.
0.03% BAC (0.15 mg/L breath) โ 'Tipsy driving' (้ ๆฐๅธฏใณ้่ปข). Japan also penalizes 'Intoxicated driving' (้ ้ ใ้่ปข) based on behavioural impairment regardless of BAC. Uniquely, vehicle owners, alcohol providers, and passengers who knew the driver was drinking can ALL be prosecuted under third-party liability laws.
Japan uses a cumulative demerit points system โ points are added for violations (not deducted from a balance). 6โ8 points (no prior record): 30-day suspension. 15+ points: 1-year revocation. 35 points: 3-year revocation (drunk driving). Points stay on record for 3 years and reset after serving any suspension or revocation period.
Death rate ~2.0/100K vs USA 12.2, South Korea ~4.9, Germany ~3.4, UK 2.5. Drives on the left. No turns on red in any direction. Beginner mark (ๅๅฟ่ ใใผใฏ) mandatory for 1 year. Shaken (่ปๆค) biennial vehicle inspection required. One of the most expensive countries for driving school training.
Japan Road Safety: 6-Year Trend (2020โ2025)
According to the National Police Agency (NPA) and ITARDA, road fatalities have been declining steadily โ from 3,215 in 2019 to 2,678 in 2023 and 2,663 in 2024. The 2025 figure of 2,547 deaths continues the downward trend, reflecting the cumulative impact of stricter enforcement, improved vehicle safety technology, and infrastructure upgrades. Japan's road safety record is among the best in Asia.
2019โ2020
-11.7%
2020โ2021
-7.2%
2021โ2022
-1.0%
2022โ2023
+2.6%
2023โ2024
-2.9%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety, NPA, ITARDA. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Japanese Theory Test Format#
The written test is administered at Prefectural Public Safety Commission licence centres across Japan
The Japanese driving written test (ๅญฆ็ง่ฉฆ้จ) for the Ordinary Vehicle licence (ๆฎ้ๅ ่จฑ) consists of 95 questions โ 90 true/false questions (1 point each) and 5 illustration-based questions (2 points each), for a total of 100 points. You have 50 minutes to complete the test. To pass, you must score at least 90 out of 100 points. The test is conducted at a Prefectural Public Safety Commission licence centre (้่ปขๅ ่จฑใปใณใฟใผ). Topics include traffic rules and regulations, road signs and signals, vehicle operation and maintenance, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures. The full licence written test fee is ยฅ1,900. The provisional licence written test (ไปฎๅ ๅญฆ็ง่ฉฆ้จ) is a separate 50-question test. Tests are available in 24+ languages at major centres including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
Questions
95
90 true/false + 5 illustration
Duration
50 Min
~32 sec per question
Pass Mark
90/100 pts
90 points out of 100
Test Fee
ยฅ1,900
Full licence written test
What the Written Test Covers
- Traffic signals, road signs (้่ทฏๆจ่ญ), and road markings (่ทฏ้ข่กจ็คบ)
- Right of way rules at intersections and roundabouts
- Speed limits by road type and vehicle category
- Parking and stopping regulations (้ง่ปใปๅ่ป)
- Pedestrian crossing rules and school zone regulations
- Shaken (่ปๆค) vehicle inspection requirements
- Jibaiseki (่ช่ณ ่ฒฌไฟ้บ) compulsory insurance requirements
- Seat belt and child restraint regulations
- Vehicle maintenance and safety equipment
- Beginner mark (ๅๅฟ่ ใใผใฏ) and elderly mark (้ซ้ฝข่ ใใผใฏ) rules
- Drink driving laws โ tipsy driving (้ ๆฐๅธฏใณ้่ปข) and intoxicated driving (้ ้ ใ้่ปข)
- Expressway (้ซ้้่ทฏ) driving rules and minimum speeds
- Emergency response and accident procedures
- Adverse weather driving (rain, snow, fog, typhoons)
- Moped (ๅไป) special rules including two-stage right turns
How to Get Your Japanese Driving Licence#
From enrolment to licence issuance โ the complete 6-step process via driving school (ๆ็ฟๆ)
Enrol at a Driving School (ๆ็ฟๆ/่ชๅ่ปๅญฆๆ ก)
Register at a licensed driving school and submit required documents
Cost: ยฅ250,000โ300,000 for AT car complete package. Bring residence card (ๅจ็ใซใผใ), passport-size photos, and health certificate. Choose between regular (้ๅญฆ) or intensive residential (ๅๅฎฟ) courses. Residential courses take about 2 weeks; regular courses 1โ3 months.
Complete Stage 1 Training (็ฌฌไธๆฎต้)
Classroom instruction and driving practice within the school grounds
Minimum 10 hours of classroom education (ๅญฆ็งๆ็ฟ) and 12 hours of practical training (ๆ่ฝๆ็ฟ) for AT car (15 hours for MT). Covers basic vehicle control, traffic rules, and road signs. Must pass Stage 1 completion test (ไฟฎไบๆคๅฎ) to proceed.
Pass the Provisional Licence Test (ไปฎๅ ่จฑ่ฉฆ้จ)
Take the provisional licence written test at the driving school or licence centre
50 true/false questions, 30 minutes, 90% pass mark (45/50). Fee: ยฅ2,900 total (test ยฅ1,800 + issuance ยฅ1,100). Also includes a practical driving test on the school course (ไฟฎไบๆคๅฎ). Upon passing, you receive a provisional licence (ไปฎๅ ่จฑ) valid for 6 months, allowing supervised on-road practice.
Complete Stage 2 Training (็ฌฌไบๆฎต้)
On-road driving practice on public roads with instructor
Minimum 16 hours of classroom education and 19 hours of on-road practical training (AT car). Covers expressway driving, night driving, hazard perception, and emergency procedures. Must display provisional licence plates (ไปฎๅ ่จฑ็ทด็ฟไธญ).
Pass the Final School Test (ๅๆฅญๆคๅฎ)
Pass the school's final on-road driving test to receive a graduation certificate
On-road driving test conducted by the school on public roads. Evaluates lane keeping, signalling, speed control, hazard awareness, and overall safe driving. Upon passing, you receive a graduation certificate (ๅๆฅญ่จผๆๆธ) valid for 1 year, which exempts you from the practical test at the licence centre.
Pass the Full Licence Written Test (ๆฌๅ ๅญฆ็ง่ฉฆ้จ)
Take and pass the full written test at the Prefectural licence centre
95 questions โ 90 true/false (1 pt each) + 5 illustration (2 pts each) = 100 points total, 50 minutes, 90/100 pts to pass. Fee: ยฅ1,900. Take at the licence centre (้่ปขๅ ่จฑใปใณใฟใผ) with your graduation certificate. Upon passing, licence issued same day after vision test confirmation. Fee for licence issuance: ยฅ2,350.
Japanese Driving Licence Fees#
Total cost typically ยฅ250,000โ350,000 (~$1,700โ2,400 USD) โ driving school tuition is the largest expense
Costs vary significantly by region and driving school. Tokyo and major cities tend to be more expensive. Residential intensive courses (ๅๅฎฟๅ ่จฑ) may be cheaper overall at ยฅ200,000โ280,000 including accommodation but require 2 weeks away. Direct test route (ไธ็บ่ฉฆ้จ) is much cheaper on fees alone (~ยฅ10,000) but pass rates are extremely low (~5%). Government test fees are fixed nationwide. Exchange rate: approximately $1 USD = ยฅ150. Total in USD: approximately $1,700โ2,400.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
Moped (ๅไปๅ ่จฑ) โ 50cc or less
16 years
16
years
Small Motorcycle (ๅฐๅ้ๅฎๆฎ้ไบ่ผช) โ 125cc or less
16 years
16
years
Ordinary Motorcycle (ๆฎ้่ชๅไบ่ผชๅ ่จฑ) โ 400cc or less
16 years
16
years
Large Motorcycle (ๅคงๅ่ชๅไบ่ผชๅ ่จฑ) โ No displacement limit
18 years
18
years
Ordinary Vehicle (ๆฎ้ๅ ่จฑ) โ Cars up to 3.5t, 10 passengers
18 years โ most common licence category
18
years
Medium Vehicle (ไธญๅๅ ่จฑ) โ Trucks/buses 5โ11t, 11โ29 passengers
20 years, 2+ years Ordinary Vehicle experience
20
years
Large Vehicle (ๅคงๅๅ ่จฑ) โ Trucks/buses over 11t, 30+ passengers
21 years, 3+ years Ordinary Vehicle experience
21
years
Licence Validity โ Colour System
First-time licence holders
Standard licence, validity based on driving record
Clean record for 5+ consecutive years โ lower insurance rates
Must complete elderly driver course at renewal
Cognitive function test required at renewal
New Driver Restrictions (ๅๅฟ่ ้่ปขๆ้)
- 1-year beginner period after obtaining first licence
- Must display beginner mark (่ฅ่ใใผใฏ/ๅๅฟ่ ใใผใฏ) โ green and yellow arrow โ on front and rear of vehicle
- Other drivers must not tailgate or cut off vehicles displaying the beginner mark (legal obligation)
- If you accumulate 3+ demerit points during the beginner period, you must retake a driving course
- Failure to display the beginner mark: ยฅ4,000 fine and 1 demerit point
Demerit Points System (้ๅ็นๆฐๅถๅบฆ)
- Japan uses a cumulative demerit points system administered by Prefectural Public Safety Commissions (ๅ ฌๅฎๅงๅกไผ)
- Points accumulate for traffic violations โ they are added, not deducted from a balance
- 6โ8 points with no prior record: 30-day licence suspension
- 9โ11 points (no prior): 60-day suspension
- 15+ points: 1-year licence revocation
- 35 points: 3-year revocation (intoxicated driving)
- Points stay on record for 3 years and reset after serving suspension or revocation
- Points can be reset to zero after 1 year with no violations (gold licence path)
Speed Limits in Japan#
As per Japan's Road Traffic Act (้่ทฏไบค้ๆณ) โ all speeds in km/h
Japan's speed limits are set by the Road Traffic Act and enforced by prefectural police. The default limit on general roads without posted signs is 60 km/h for passenger cars. Expressways (้ซ้้่ทฏ) allow up to 100 km/h for passenger cars, with some sections raised to 120 km/h since 2020. As of April 2024, large trucks (over 8 tonnes) have a maximum expressway speed of 90 km/h, raised from the previous 80 km/h limit. Mopeds (50cc or less/ๅไป) are limited to 30 km/h on all roads. Zone 30 areas in residential and school districts enforce a 30 km/h limit. Expressways have a minimum speed of 50 km/h. Speed cameras (ใชใผใใน) are widespread, and mobile speed enforcement is increasing.
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks >8t | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Road โ no sign (ไธ่ฌ้่ทฏ) | 60 | 60 | Default limit when no sign posted |
| Expressway (้ซ้้่ทฏ) | 100 | 90 | Some sections 120 km/h since 2020 |
| Expressway โ trucks >8t | 120 | 90 | Raised from 80 km/h in April 2024 |
| Zone 30 (residential/school) | 30 | 30 | Residential and school districts |
| Moped (ๅไป 50cc or less) | 30 | โ | 30 km/h on ALL roads including expressways (mopeds banned from expressways) |
| Expressway minimum (ๆไฝ้ๅบฆ) | 50 | 50 | Minimum speed on expressways |
General Road โ no sign (ไธ่ฌ้่ทฏ)
60
Cars
60
Trucks
Default limit when no sign posted
Expressway (้ซ้้่ทฏ)
100
Cars
90
Trucks
Some sections 120 km/h since 2020
Expressway โ trucks >8t
120
Cars
90
Trucks
Raised from 80 km/h in April 2024
Zone 30 (residential/school)
30
Cars
30
Trucks
Residential and school districts
Moped (ๅไป 50cc or less)
30
Cars
โ
Trucks
30 km/h on ALL roads including expressways (mopeds banned from expressways)
Expressway minimum (ๆไฝ้ๅบฆ)
50
Cars
50
Trucks
Minimum speed on expressways
Speed limits are enforced by both fixed speed cameras (ใชใผใใน) and mobile radar units. Speeding 30+ km/h over on general roads or 40+ km/h over on expressways is a criminal offence (6+ demerit points, formal prosecution). Mopeds (50cc or less) are prohibited from expressways entirely. As of September 2026, the default speed limit on narrow residential roads (without posted signs) will be reduced to 30 km/h.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
ๅๅ้ (hansokukin) fines for common violations โ amounts shown for standard passenger vehicles
Japan uses a system of fixed fines (ๅๅ้) for minor traffic violations combined with a demerit points system (้ๅ็นๆฐๅถๅบฆ). Fines vary based on vehicle type. Serious violations such as speeding 30+ km/h over the limit on general roads or drunk driving are treated as criminal offences (่ตคๅ็ฌฆ/red ticket) requiring formal prosecution. Minor violations receive a blue ticket (้ๅ็ฌฆ) with a fixed fine. Demerit points accumulate toward licence suspension and revocation thresholds.
| Violation | Fine (ยฅ) | Demerit Points | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding โ under 15 km/h over | ยฅ9,000 | 1 | โ |
| Speeding โ 15โ20 km/h over | ยฅ12,000 | 1 | โ |
| Speeding โ 20โ25 km/h over | ยฅ15,000 | 2 | โ |
| Speeding โ 25โ30 km/h over | ยฅ18,000 | 3 | โ |
| Speeding โ 30+ km/h over (general road) | ยฅ25,000+ (criminal) | 6 | Criminal |
| Running a red light (ไฟกๅท็ก่ฆ) | ยฅ9,000 | 2 | โ |
| Phone use while driving (ๆบๅธฏ้ป่ฉฑไฝฟ็จ) | ยฅ18,000 | 1 | โ |
| Seatbelt violation (ใทใผใใใซใ) | No fine | 1 | โ |
| Failure to stop at stop sign (ไธๆไธๅๆญข) | ยฅ7,000 | 2 | โ |
| Illegal parking (้ง่ป้ๅ) | ~ยฅ15,000 | 2โ3 | โ |
| Tipsy driving (้ ๆฐๅธฏใณ้่ปข, BAC 0.03%+) | ยฅ300,000โ500,000 | 13โ25 | 90-day suspension |
| Intoxicated driving (้ ้ ใ้่ปข) | Up to ยฅ1,000,000 | 35 | Revocation |
Speeding โ under 15 km/h over
Speeding โ 15โ20 km/h over
Speeding โ 20โ25 km/h over
Speeding โ 25โ30 km/h over
Speeding โ 30+ km/h over (general road)
Running a red light (ไฟกๅท็ก่ฆ)
Phone use while driving (ๆบๅธฏ้ป่ฉฑไฝฟ็จ)
Seatbelt violation (ใทใผใใใซใ)
Failure to stop at stop sign (ไธๆไธๅๆญข)
Illegal parking (้ง่ป้ๅ)
Tipsy driving (้ ๆฐๅธฏใณ้่ปข, BAC 0.03%+)
Intoxicated driving (้ ้ ใ้่ปข)
Tipsy driving (้ ๆฐๅธฏใณ้่ปข, BAC 0.03%+): fine ยฅ300,000โ500,000, 90-day suspension, 13โ25 demerit points. Intoxicated driving (้ ้ ใ้่ปข): up to 5 years imprisonment + ยฅ1,000,000 fine, licence revocation, 35 demerit points. Phone use: 1 demerit point normally, 3 points if it causes an accident. Seatbelt violations carry 1 demerit point but no monetary fine. Speeding 30+ km/h over on general roads or 40+ km/h on expressways: 6+ demerit points, criminal prosecution (red ticket). Third-party DUI liability: vehicle owner, alcohol provider, and knowing passengers can all face prosecution.
Know these rules before your written test
Traffic fines, speed limits, BAC rules, and safe driving regulations are frequently tested in the written exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practising FreeImportant Driving Rules in Japan
Drive on the Left (ๅทฆๅด้่ก)
Japan drives on the left side of the road. Overtake only on the right. At unmarked intersections, yield to vehicles coming from the left. The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.
No Turn on Red (่ตคไฟกๅท)
Unlike many countries, there is absolutely no turning on red in any direction in Japan โ neither left nor right. You may only proceed on a green arrow signal (้่ฒ็ขๅฐไฟกๅท). This applies at all intersections regardless of traffic conditions.
Beginner Mark (ๅๅฟ่ ใใผใฏ/่ฅ่ใใผใฏ)
New drivers must display the beginner mark โ a green and yellow arrow โ on the front and rear of their vehicle for 1 year after obtaining their licence. Other drivers are legally required not to tailgate or cut off vehicles displaying this mark. Failure to display: ยฅ4,000 fine and 1 demerit point.
Elderly Mark (้ซ้ฝข่ ใใผใฏ)
Drivers aged 70 and over are recommended (not mandatory) to display the elderly driver mark โ an orange, yellow, and green teardrop design. As with the beginner mark, other drivers should give consideration to marked vehicles.
BAC 0.03% โ Third-Party Liability
Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (0.15 mg/L breath). Japan uniquely holds third parties liable: the vehicle owner, the person who provided alcohol, and passengers who knew the driver was intoxicated can ALL be criminally prosecuted. Tipsy driving: ยฅ300,000โ500,000 fine + 90-day suspension. Intoxicated driving: up to 5 years prison + ยฅ1,000,000 fine + licence revocation.
Shaken โ Biennial Vehicle Inspection (่ปๆค)
All registered vehicles must pass the Shaken (่ปๆค) inspection. New cars: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years. Cost: ยฅ100,000โ200,000+ depending on vehicle age and type. Driving without valid Shaken: up to 6 months imprisonment or ยฅ300,000 fine.
Jibaiseki โ Compulsory Insurance (่ช่ณ ่ฒฌไฟ้บ)
All vehicles must carry Jibaiseki (่ช่ณ ่ฒฌไฟ้บ) compulsory automobile liability insurance. This covers third-party bodily injury only. Most drivers also purchase voluntary insurance (ไปปๆไฟ้บ) for comprehensive coverage. Driving without Jibaiseki: up to 1 year imprisonment or ยฅ500,000 fine + 6 demerit points.
Moped Two-Stage Right Turn (ไบๆฎต้ๅณๆ)
Mopeds (50cc or less) must perform a two-stage right turn at intersections with 3 or more lanes: first cross straight, then turn 90 degrees and wait for the next green. This unique rule prevents slow mopeds from crossing multiple lanes of traffic.
Horn Usage Restricted (่ญฆ็ฌ)
Unlike many countries, using the horn is only permitted where signs are posted (่ญฆ็ฌ้ณดใใ/่ญฆ็ฌๅบ้) or to avoid imminent danger. Unnecessary horn use is a violation with a ยฅ3,000 fine.
Common Road Hazards in Japan
2,547 road fatalities in 2025 โ know these hazards to stay safe on Japanese roads
Narrow Roads (็ญใ้่ทฏ)
Many Japanese roads, especially in older residential areas and rural towns, are extremely narrow โ sometimes only wide enough for one car. Mirror-to-mirror passing is common. Many roads lack sidewalks, so pedestrians walk in the road. Drive slowly and use mirrors at blind corners.
Elderly Drivers and Pedestrians (้ซ้ฝข่ )
Japan has the world's oldest population. Elderly pedestrians and drivers account for a disproportionately high share of road fatalities โ over 50% of all road deaths involve people aged 65+. Exercise extreme caution near residential areas, parks, and hospitals.
Cyclists Sharing Roads (่ช่ปข่ป)
Cycling is extremely common in Japan. Cyclists frequently ride on sidewalks (legally permitted in many areas) and can appear suddenly when entering driveways or intersections. Electric-assist bicycles (้ปๅใขใทในใ่ช่ปข่ป) are increasingly popular and travel faster than expected.
Typhoons and Heavy Rain (ๅฐ้ขจ/ๅคง้จ)
Japan's typhoon season (AugustโOctober) brings intense rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. The rainy season (ๆข ้จ, JuneโJuly) also causes extended periods of wet roads. Flash flooding in underpasses and mountain roads is a serious risk. Check weather advisories before long trips.
Earthquakes (ๅฐ้)
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. If an earthquake occurs while driving: slow down, pull over to the left safely, turn off the engine, and stay in the car until shaking stops. Leave keys in the ignition if you must evacuate. Do not drive during a tsunami warning.
Snow and Ice in Northern Japan (้ช/ๅ็ต)
Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Japan Sea coast regions experience heavy snowfall from November to March. Studded tires are banned in most areas โ use winter/snow tires (ในใฟใใใฌในใฟใคใค) or chains. Black ice is common on bridges and shaded roads. Expressway closures are frequent during heavy snowfall.
Japan's 47 Prefectures (้ฝ้ๅบ็)
Driving licence administration is handled by Prefectural Public Safety Commissions across all 47 prefectures
| Prefecture (้ฝ้ๅบ็) | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Shinjuku | 14.0M |
| Kanagawa | Yokohama | 9.2M |
| Osaka | Osaka | 8.8M |
| Aichi | Nagoya | 7.5M |
| Saitama | Saitama | 7.3M |
| Chiba | Chiba | 6.3M |
| Hyogo | Kobe | 5.4M |
| Hokkaido | Sapporo | 5.1M |
| Fukuoka | Fukuoka | 5.1M |
| Shizuoka | Shizuoka | 3.6M |
| Ibaraki | Mito | 2.8M |
| Hiroshima | Hiroshima | 2.7M |
| Kyoto | Kyoto | 2.5M |
| Niigata | Niigata | 2.1M |
| Miyagi | Sendai | 2.3M |
| Nagano | Nagano | 2.0M |
| Okinawa | Naha | 1.5M |
Tokyo
Shinjuku ยท 14.0M
Kanagawa
Yokohama ยท 9.2M
Osaka
Osaka ยท 8.8M
Aichi
Nagoya ยท 7.5M
Saitama
Saitama ยท 7.3M
Chiba
Chiba ยท 6.3M
Hyogo
Kobe ยท 5.4M
Hokkaido
Sapporo ยท 5.1M
Fukuoka
Fukuoka ยท 5.1M
Shizuoka
Shizuoka ยท 3.6M
Ibaraki
Mito ยท 2.8M
Hiroshima
Hiroshima ยท 2.7M
Kyoto
Kyoto ยท 2.5M
Niigata
Niigata ยท 2.1M
Miyagi
Sendai ยท 2.3M
Nagano
Nagano ยท 2.0M
Okinawa
Naha ยท 1.5M
Traffic laws are national (้่ทฏไบค้ๆณ), applying uniformly across all 47 prefectures. Each prefecture has its own Public Safety Commission (ๅ ฌๅฎๅงๅกไผ) that administers driving tests and licences. Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities have multiple licence centres. Prefectural police enforce traffic laws locally.
Emergency Numbers
All available 24/7. 110 is the police emergency number.
110
Police (่ญฆๅฏ)
119
Fire & Ambulance (ๆถ้ฒ/ๆๆฅ)
118
Coast Guard (ๆตทไธไฟๅฎๅบ)
0570-00-8139
JAF Roadside Assistance (24/7, multilingual)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Japan#
Myth: Japan has zero tolerance for alcohol โ any amount means arrest
Fact: The BAC limit is 0.03% (0.15 mg/L breath), not absolute zero. However, Japan's third-party liability is unique โ vehicle owners, alcohol providers, and passengers who knew the driver was drinking can ALL be criminally prosecuted. This makes Japan's DUI enforcement among the world's strictest in practice.
Myth: You can turn left on red in Japan (equivalent to right on red in right-hand countries)
Fact: There is absolutely no turning on red in any direction in Japan. You may only proceed through an intersection on a green light or a green arrow signal. This catches many foreign drivers off guard, especially those from countries where turning on red is permitted.
Myth: International Driving Permits work indefinitely in Japan
Fact: IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid for 1 year only. Holders of Swiss, German, French, and certain other licences can drive directly in Japan with an official Japanese translation. Residents staying longer than 1 year must obtain a Japanese licence by conversion or examination.
Myth: The written test is impossible for foreigners to pass
Fact: The full licence written test is available in 24+ languages at major licence centres, including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Thai. The difficulty lies in the 90/100 point pass mark (90 true/false questions worth 1 point each + 5 illustration questions worth 2 points each = 100 total points), not the language barrier. Thorough preparation is key.
Myth: You must attend a Japanese driving school โ there is no other way
Fact: You can take the test directly at a licence centre (ไธ็บ่ฉฆ้จ) without attending a driving school. However, pass rates for the direct practical test are extremely low โ approximately 5%. The driving school route is strongly recommended as graduates are exempt from the practical test at the licence centre.
Myth: Mopeds can follow the same speed limits as cars
Fact: Mopeds (50cc or less/ๅไป) are strictly limited to 30 km/h on ALL roads โ regardless of posted speed limits. They are also banned from expressways and must perform a two-stage right turn at intersections with 3 or more lanes. These restrictions surprise many new riders.
30 km/h default on narrow residential roads (upcoming)
The default speed limit on narrow residential roads without posted signs will be reduced to 30 km/h, down from the current 60 km/h default. This targets narrow streets in residential areas where pedestrians and vehicles share the road.
Foreign licence conversion tightened
Residence certificate (ไฝๆฐ็ฅจ) now required for foreign licence conversion. Stricter verification of driving experience in the home country. Aimed at preventing licence tourism and ensuring road safety standards.
Stricter cycling laws โ phone use and DUI for cyclists
New legislation prohibits phone use while cycling and introduces drunk-cycling penalties. Reflects the growing concern over cyclist-pedestrian accidents in urban areas, particularly with the rise of electric-assist bicycles.
Truck expressway speed limit raised 80 to 90 km/h
The maximum expressway speed limit for large trucks (over 8 tonnes) was raised from 80 km/h to 90 km/h. This change addresses logistics efficiency concerns while maintaining safety through mandatory speed limiters on trucks.
E-scooter regulations introduced (็นๅฎๅฐๅๅๅๆฉไป่ช่ปข่ป)
New category for electric kick scooters: age 16+, no licence required, maximum speed 20 km/h, allowed on roads and some bicycle lanes. Helmets recommended but not mandatory. Registration and insurance required.
How Japan Compares Globally#
Japan's driving regulations compared to other major countries โ data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Japan | Germany | USA | UK | South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Left | Right | Right | Left | Right |
| Highway Speed | 100 km/h | No limit* | 105โ137 | 112 km/h | 100โ110 |
| Test Questions | 95 | 30 MCQ | 20โ50 | 50 | 40 MCQ |
| Licence Cost | ยฅ250โ350K | โฌ2,000โ3,500 | $30โ90 | ยฃ200โ1,500 | โฉ500Kโ1M |
| Road Deaths/yr | 2,678 | 2,839 | 40,901 | 1,695 | 2,551 |
| Deaths/100K | ~2.1 | ~3.4 | 12.2 | 2.5 | ~5.0 |
Same as South Korea โ among the strictest globally. Germany 0.05%, USA/UK 0.08%. Japan uniquely prosecutes third parties (vehicle owner, alcohol provider, knowing passengers).
Same as Germany and South Korea. USA allows from 16, UK from 17. Mopeds from 16 in Japan.
Some expressway sections allow 120 km/h since 2020. Germany has no general limit. Trucks limited to 90 km/h since April 2024.
~$1,700โ2,400 USD. Among the most expensive globally. Germany similar at โฌ2,000โ3,500. Far more than USA ($30โ90) or South Korea (โฉ500Kโ1M / ~$370โ740).
~2.1 per 100K โ among the world's lowest. USA: 12.2, South Korea: ~5.0, Germany: ~3.4, UK: 2.5. Steadily declining.
Road deaths: Japan 2,547 (NPA 2025), Germany 2,814 (Destatis 2025), USA 40,901 (NHTSA 2023), UK 1,695 (DfT 2023), South Korea 2,521 (TAAS 2024). Per-100K rates calculated from national population data. UK BAC is 0.08% for England/Wales; Scotland is 0.05%. Japan and South Korea share the strictest BAC limit at 0.03%. *Germany has no general speed limit on certain Autobahn sections.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- JAF โ Driving information and roadside assistance โ Japan Automobile Federation (ๆฅๆฌ่ชๅ่ป้ฃ็)
- NPA โ Traffic enforcement, accident statistics, and licence regulations โ National Police Agency (่ญฆๅฏๅบ)
- MLIT โ Road infrastructure, vehicle regulations, and transport policy โ Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (ๅฝๅไบค้็)
- Japan Living Guide โ Practical driving information for residents โ japanlivingguide.com
- ITARDA โ Traffic accident research and data analysis โ Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis (ไบค้ไบๆ ็ทๅๅๆใปใณใฟใผ)
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety โ World Health Organization
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from official Japanese legislation, NPA publications, and government portals
- Cross-verified against JAF resources, ITARDA publications, and MLIT data
- National regulations apply uniformly across all 47 prefectures โ no regional variations noted
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on March 25, 2026
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Japanese driving licence cost?
What is the Japanese written test format?
What are the speed limits in Japan?
What is the BAC limit in Japan?
How does the demerit points system work in Japan?
Can I use an International Driving Permit in Japan?
What is the Shaken vehicle inspection (่ปๆค)?
What is the beginner mark (ๅๅฟ่ ใใผใฏ)?
What are the special rules for mopeds (ๅไป)?
What do the licence colours (green, blue, gold) mean?
What are the emergency numbers in Japan?
How do I convert a foreign licence to a Japanese licence?
Do I need to attend a driving school?
What are the expressway driving rules?
What is the minimum age for driving in Japan?
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from JAF, NPA, MLIT, ITARDA, and official Japanese government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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