# Japan Driving Test (NPA) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/japan
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving licence (unten menkyo / 運転免許) in Japan, covering the NPA written exams (Karimen and Honmen), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

---

## Quick Facts: Japan Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | NPA - National Police Agency (警察庁) via Prefectural Public Safety Commissions (公安委員会) |
| Questions (Honmen) | 90 true/false + 5 hazard prediction (illustration-based, 2 points each) |
| Time Limit | 50 minutes (Honmen final exam) |
| Pass Mark | 90/100 points (90%) |
| Test Fee | 1,750 JPY (written test) + 2,050 JPY (licence issuance) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (cars), 16 years (motorcycles under 400cc) |
| Test Language | Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese (varies by prefecture) |
| Theory Validity | Karimen valid for 6 months |
| Licence Validity | 3 years (new drivers) to 5 years (Gold licence holders) |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 70% (Japanese residents via driving school) |

---

## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Japanese Driving Licence (運転免許)

### Step 1: Enrol in a Driving School (自動車教習所 - Jidosha Kyoshujo)
- Register with a designated driving school (指定自動車教習所)
- Choose between automatic (AT限定) or manual (MT) transmission
- Two options: regular attendance (2-3 months) or intensive driving camp (合宿免許, about 2 weeks)
- Complete Stage 1 (場内 - in-facility) and Stage 2 (路上 - on-road) training

### Step 2: Pass the Provisional Licence Written Test (仮免許学科試験 - Karimen)
- 50 true/false questions
- Time limit: 30 minutes
- Pass mark: 45/50 (90%)
- Taken at the driving school or licence centre

### Step 3: Pass the Provisional Licence Driving Test (仮免許技能試験)
- Conducted within the driving school grounds
- Tests basic vehicle control and manoeuvres
- Must pass before starting Stage 2 (on-road) training

### Step 4: Complete Stage 2 Training (路上教習)
- On-road driving lessons with an instructor
- Minimum 19 hours (AT) or 19 hours (MT) of on-road instruction
- Includes highway driving practice

### Step 5: Pass the Final Written Exam (本免許学科試験 - Honmen)
- 90 true/false questions (1 point each) + 5 hazard prediction questions (2 points each) = 100 points total
- Time limit: 50 minutes
- Pass mark: 90/100 points (90%)
- Taken at the prefectural licence centre (運転免許センター)
- Includes questions about motorcycles even for car-only applicants

### Step 6: Receive Your Licence
- Green licence (初心者 - beginner) issued, valid for 3 years
- Must display the "Shoshinsha" mark (初心者マーク / 若葉マーク) for 1 year

---

## Theory Test Topics

### Traffic Rules (交通ルール)
1. **Traffic signs (標識)** - Warning, regulatory, informational, supplementary
2. **Road markings (路面標示)** - Centre lines, lane markings, stop lines
3. **Traffic signals (信号機)** - Traffic lights, hand signals, arrow signals
4. **Right-of-way rules (優先順位)** - Priority at intersections, emergency vehicles
5. **Safe driving practices (安全運転)** - Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving

### Speed Limits (制限速度)

| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|-----------|-------------|
| Residential areas / roads without centre line | 30 km/h (from September 2026) |
| General urban roads (一般道路) | 40-50 km/h (as posted; default 60 km/h if no sign) |
| National roads outside cities | 60 km/h (default if no sign posted) |
| Urban expressways (都市高速道路) | 60 km/h |
| Expressways / motorways (高速道路) | 100 km/h (some sections 120 km/h) |

**Note:** The default speed limit on roads without posted signs is 60 km/h for general roads and 100 km/h for expressways. From September 1, 2026, undivided roads without a centre line will have a new 30 km/h default limit.

### Alcohol Limits (飲酒運転)

| Category | Limit |
|----------|-------|
| All drivers | 0.03% BAC / 0.15 mg/L breath |
| Practical enforcement | Near-zero tolerance |

**Penalties:** Driving under the influence (酒気帯び運転 / shuki obi unten): up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to 1,000,000 JPY. Driving while intoxicated (酒酔い運転 / sake yoi unten): even harsher penalties including longer imprisonment. Passengers and anyone who served alcohol to a drunk driver can also be prosecuted.

---

## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

1. **Shaken (車検) inspection certificate** - Mandatory biennial vehicle inspection
2. **JCI sticker (車検ステッカー)** - Must be displayed on windshield
3. **Compulsory automobile liability insurance (自賠責保険)**
4. **Seat belts** - All occupants must wear them
5. **Child safety seats** - Required for children under 6
6. **Beginner mark (初心者マーク)** - Required for new drivers (first year)
7. **Elderly mark (高齢者マーク)** - Recommended for drivers 70+, mandatory for 75+

**Note:** Japan drives on the LEFT side of the road. All vehicles must have right-hand drive configuration for domestic registration.

---

## Licence Types (免許の種類)

| Licence | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| 原付 (Gentsuki) | Mopeds up to 50cc | 16 years |
| 小型特殊 (Kogata Tokushu) | Small special vehicles | 16 years |
| 普通二輪 (Futsu Nirin) | Motorcycles up to 400cc | 16 years |
| 大型二輪 (Ogata Nirin) | Motorcycles over 400cc | 18 years |
| 普通 (Futsu) | Standard cars up to 3,500 kg, 10 passengers | 18 years |
| 準中型 (Jun-chugata) | Medium vehicles up to 7,500 kg | 18 years |
| 中型 (Chugata) | Medium vehicles up to 11,000 kg | 20 years (2+ years experience) |
| 大型 (Ogata) | Large vehicles over 11,000 kg | 21 years (3+ years experience) |
| 大型特殊 (Ogata Tokushu) | Large special vehicles (construction) | 18 years |

### Licence Colour System

| Colour | Meaning | Validity |
|--------|---------|----------|
| Green (緑) | First licence (beginner) | 3 years |
| Blue (青) | Standard / renewal | 3 years (first renewal), 3-5 years (subsequent) |
| Gold (ゴールド) | Excellent driver (no violations in 5 years) | 5 years |

---

## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Confusing "true" and "false" in tricky question wording (Japanese phrasing can be deceptive)
2. Not knowing motorcycle-specific rules (tested even for car-only licence)
3. Misunderstanding priority rules at intersections without traffic signals
4. Errors on stopping distance calculations (reaction + braking distance)
5. Confusing speed limits for different road types
6. Not understanding pedestrian crossing rules
7. Rushing through hazard prediction questions

---

## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Driving school (automatic, regular) | 280,000-340,000 JPY |
| Driving school (manual, regular) | 290,000-350,000 JPY |
| Driving camp (合宿, intensive 2 weeks) | 200,000-280,000 JPY |
| Provisional licence written test | 1,700 JPY |
| Provisional licence issuance | 1,150 JPY |
| Final written test (Honmen) | 1,750 JPY |
| Licence issuance fee | 2,050 JPY |
| **Estimated total cost** | **290,000-350,000 JPY** |

---

## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips
1. Study the official textbook provided by your driving school (教本)
2. Practise with mock tests -- many free apps and websites available (e.g., karihonmen.com)
3. Pay close attention to question wording; many questions use double negatives or subtle phrasing
4. Memorise stopping distances at various speeds
5. Learn motorcycle rules thoroughly, even if you only want a car licence
6. Understand the difference between "should" (obligation) and "may" (permission)

### Practical Test Tips
1. Complete all required hours at the driving school
2. Practise smooth and deliberate movements (Japanese examiners value precision)
3. Exaggerate mirror checks and shoulder checks -- make them obvious to the examiner
4. Master the crank course (クランク) and S-curve (S字) manoeuvres
5. Drive cautiously and defensively; being too aggressive is penalised
6. Familiarise yourself with left-hand traffic patterns and narrow Japanese roads

---

## Converting a Foreign Licence (外国免許切り替え - Gaimen Kirikae)

### Important: October 2025 Rule Changes
Japan significantly tightened foreign licence conversion rules from October 1, 2025:
- Written test increased from 10 questions to 50 questions
- Pass mark raised from 70% to 90% (must get 45/50 correct)
- Practical driving test standards now match the provisional licence (karimen) standard
- Residency proof (住民票) now required; tourists and short-term visitors ineligible
- Pass rates have dropped from approximately 90% to around 33%

### Countries Exempt from Tests
Drivers from certain countries can convert their licence with only an eye test and interview (no written or driving test): United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan

### Non-Exempt Countries
- Must pass the 50-question written test (90% to pass) and practical driving test
- Must prove 3+ months residency in the country that issued the original licence
- Must have a valid (non-expired) foreign licence
- JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) translation required: 4,000 JPY, online application only

---

## Unique Japanese Driving Rules

- **Left-hand traffic**: Japan drives on the LEFT side of the road
- **No right turn on red**: Prohibited unless specifically marked with an arrow signal
- **Beginner mark (若葉マーク)**: New drivers must display for their first year; other drivers must not cut in front of or tailgate marked vehicles
- **Headlights in tunnels**: Required when entering any tunnel
- **Horn use**: Restricted to specific situations (near blind intersections, mountain roads)
- **Emergency numbers**: 110 (police / 警察), 119 (fire and ambulance / 消防・救急)

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Japanese driving test?
The final written exam (Honmen / 本免) has 95 questions: 90 true/false questions (1 point each) and 5 hazard prediction questions based on illustrations (2 points each), totalling 100 points. You need 90 points (90%) to pass, within 50 minutes. The provisional test (Karimen / 仮免) has 50 true/false questions with a 90% pass mark.

### How much does it cost to get a Japanese driving licence?
The total cost is typically 290,000-350,000 JPY (approximately $1,900-$2,300 USD), with the vast majority going to driving school fees. The official test and licence fees total approximately 6,650 JPY.

### Can I take the Japanese driving test in English?
Yes, in many prefectures the written test is available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, though availability varies by licence centre. Check with your prefectural licence centre for available languages.

### What is the pass rate for the Japanese driving test?
For Japanese residents going through driving schools, the pass rate is approximately 70%. For foreign licence conversion (gaimen kirikae), the pass rate dropped dramatically to approximately 33% after the October 2025 rule changes.

### How long is a Japanese driving licence valid?
A new (Green) licence is valid for 3 years. After renewal, a Blue licence is valid for 3-5 years. A Gold licence (no violations in 5 years) is valid for 5 years. Drivers aged 70+ have a 4-year validity, and those 71+ have 3 years.

### What is the alcohol limit in Japan?
Japan has a BAC limit of 0.03% (0.15 mg/L breath), which is near-zero tolerance. Penalties are extremely severe: up to 5 years imprisonment and 1,000,000 JPY fine. Even passengers and those who provided alcohol can face prosecution.

---

## Useful Resources

- NPA (National Police Agency): https://www.npa.go.jp/english/
- JAF (Japan Automobile Federation): https://english.jaf.or.jp/
- Practice Tests: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/japan

---

## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Japan Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/japan
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check the National Police Agency website (https://www.npa.go.jp) or your prefectural Public Safety Commission.