Getting a license from scratch
Driving Exams
What are the driving exams for a driver's license in Japan?
If you are one of those who are willing to get a license from scratch (i.e. you have never got a driver's license in your country or your driver's license was not be able to be converted to a Japanese one), you need to pass 4 examinations in total to get a driver's license..
These 4 exams consist of
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A written exam for a learner's permit
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A driving exam for a learner's permit
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A written exam for a driver's license
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A driving exam for a driver's license
There are several different paths to get a license from scratch (i.e. Accredited driving school(Shitei), Non-accredited driving school(Todokede), or taking each exam at the driving center in your local area without going to any schools) and where you take each exam will be different.
Whichever path you choose, you are required to take and pass these 4 exams. (The order might be different).
In the next section, we will look further into 2 driving exams (for a learner's permit and for a driver's license).
Driving Exams at the license center
in Detail
In this part, you will learn what the driving exams at the driving license exam center are. The figure below is the flow of obtaining a license from scratch at the license center.
Figure: The flow of obtaining a driver's license though the driving license exam center
You can obtain a driver's license without going through the accredited driving schools and this process is widely known as "一発試験 (いっぱつしけん)" or "飛び込み試験(とびこみしけん)".
You book for the driving exam in prior on the phone or at the license center.
Two driving exams you need to take
If you choose the take all the exams at the license center, you need to pass the Karimen and Honmen driving exams.
Who is your examiner?
The examiner is the police officer and they will sit at the passenger seat during the exam and they will mark your driving.
What is my exam course like?
There are usually 4~6 courses in each driving center and you can obtain a course map prior either by buying the course maps or getting them at the reception of the license center (In some places, there are put on the wall).
The course you drive on the exam day is usually announced in the morning of the each day on the board (In some places, the course for am and pm is different).
The length of the each course is about 2,000m.
How will I be examined during the exam?
The examiner tests your driving based on predetermined marking criteria (this is very strict).
The exam consists of
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Starting a car
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Going through the intersection (+/- poor visibility)
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Turning left/right at the intersection
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Hill Start
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Railway Crossing
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Narrow Roads (Crank and S)
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Stopping a car
And you need to perform safety checks and indicators properly in any tasks.
👮♂️"The driving exam is not just testing your driving skills.
This is a comprehensive test that examines whether he or she can drive safely and smoothly by observing basic rules stipulated by the Road Traffic Act, etc., using accurate driving operations, and whether or he or she can drive according to road and traffic conditions. "
Passing Score = 70 marks
At the start of the driving test, you have 100 marks, and you pass if you have 70 marks or more at the end of the test.
Examples of mark deduction
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The indicator was not continuous
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Turning left too wide 5 points
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The indicator was not continuous
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Turning left too wide
How to Pass the Driving Exam
The driving exam is not just about “being able to drive.”
It is about proving you can drive accurately, safely, and consistently under strict marking criteria.
Many people fail several times because they underestimate how detailed the evaluation is.
To pass, you need both knowledge (rules, scoring points, examiner expectations) and skills (precise maneuvers, timing, safety checks).
Tips for Passing the Driving Exam
Tip 1: Don’t be overconfident
Passing without preparation is impossible — even for experienced drivers.
Each exam takes half a day and costs money, so don’t waste your time and money by going unprepared.
Tip 2: Learn the deduction points
The exam is strict: even small mistakes add up quickly.
You must know exactly what actions cause point losses (signals, safety checks, positioning) to avoid failing for preventable reasons.
Tip 3: Know the course by heart
If you don’t know the course, you will make unnecessary mistakes.
Get a course map in advance and practice with mental rehearsal until every turn and maneuver feels familiar.
The best study materials for driving exams
If you haven't found the good materials to study for driving exams, we offer a good one for you.