🇯🇵vs🇺🇸
Japan vs United States Driving Test
Complete comparison of driving theory tests. See which test is harder, costs more, and what you need to know.
Quick Summary: Japan vs United States
95 vs 30
Questions
90 vs 24
Pass Mark
50 vs 30
Minutes
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇺🇸 United States |
|---|---|---|
| Test Authority | NPA | DMV |
| Number of Questions | 95 | 30 |
| Pass Mark | 90 | 24 |
| Time Limit | 50 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Question Types | multiple-choice, true-false | multiple-choice |
| Minimum Age | 18 years | 16 years |
| Test Fee | 2,100 JPY (~$15) | $20-$90 (varies by state) |
| Validity Period | 3-5 years depending on age | 4-8 years (varies by state) |
| Driving Side | left | right |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.03% BAC (near-zero tolerance) | 0.08% BAC (0.02% for under 21) |
| Urban Speed Limit | 50 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Highway Speed Limit | 100 km/h | 120 km/h |
Key Differences
🇯🇵 Japan
- • Test authority: NPA (National Police Agency (Prefectural Public Safety Commissions))
- • 95 questions, 50 minutes
- • Pass with 90 correct answers
- • Test fee: 2,100 JPY (~$15)
- • Minimum age: 18 years
- • Valid for: 3-5 years depending on age
Unique rules:
- • Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- • No right turn on red (except where specifically marked)
- • Headlights required in tunnels
🇺🇸 United States
- • Test authority: DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles (varies by state))
- • 30 questions, 30 minutes
- • Pass with 24 correct answers
- • Test fee: $20-$90 (varies by state)
- • Minimum age: 16 years
- • Valid for: 4-8 years (varies by state)
Unique rules:
- • Drive on the RIGHT side of the road
- • Right turn on red permitted (unless posted otherwise)
- • School bus stop laws - must stop when lights flash
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier: Japan or United States driving test?
The Japan test has 95 questions with a pass mark of 90, while United States has 30 questions with a pass mark of 24. Both tests require thorough preparation regardless of the format.
How many questions are on the Japan driving test vs United States?
The Japan driving test has 95 questions, while the United States test has 30 questions.
What is the pass mark for Japan vs United States driving test?
To pass in Japan, you need to answer 90 questions correctly out of 95. In United States, you need 24 correct out of 30.
How much does the driving test cost in Japan vs United States?
The driving theory test costs 2,100 JPY (~$15) in Japan and $20-$90 (varies by state) in United States.
What is the minimum driving age in Japan vs United States?
The minimum age to get a driving license is 18 years in Japan and 16 years in United States.
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