What is the test like ?

Nationalities including American, Chinese, Brazilian and others are required to take a written test in order to convert their home country's Driver's license into a Japanese Driver's License.

The written test is typically not very difficult for most people and consists of 10 True or False questions. To pass, a minimum score of 7 out of 10 is required. The written test is available in English, however the test instruction session just prior to the test is only in Japanese depending on the city of your test center. The main point to understand is that in Japan X (batsu) means No or False and O means Yes or True (maru) and that when you have completed the test you may leave the room.

Depending on the city of your test center your written test will either be paper based and written in a classroom environment, or touch screen computer based. After you write the test you will be provided your results anywhere from 1 to 2 hours later. You will not be told which questions you answered wrong and will only be told your score. If you fail you will need to return on another day to take the test again. If you are easily frightened or get nervous by taking tests and would really like to ensure that you pass, then we suggest that you read a copy of the Japan Automobile Federation's, English Rules of the Road book, however we do not feel that this is absolutely necessary for most people. The team who designed this site did not study for the test and passed on their first attempt.

The questions in our practice test are examples of actual questions which have appeared on past written tests. These may or may not be the same questions that you will receive as the test versions are different depending on the day. However, if you can pass this sample test it is a good indicator that you understand the basic and important Japanese driving laws and as you will see from some of the questions, have some common sense.