Driving Test Questions And Answers Japan
Q1: When approaching a railroad crossing with no barriers or flashing lights, you must:
Japanese law requires a full stop at all railroad crossings regardless of signals.
Q2: On a narrow mountain road with no center line, who has priority?
Downhill traffic must yield to uphill because uphill has limited visibility and may lose momentum.
Q3: What is the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers in Japan?
Driving after any alcohol is illegal — even 0.01 mg/l breath alcohol.
Q4: What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?
Q5: When turning left at an intersection in Japan, you must:
Q6: On an expressway, the minimum speed is:
Q7: A solid yellow line next to a white line on the road means:
Q8: When you see a “止まれ” (Tomare / Stop) sign at a junction with no crossing traffic, you must:
Question 6: "The maximum speed limit on a normal road (outside expressways) with no posted sign is 60 km/h."
Question 7: "You are allowed to exceed the speed limit briefly when overtaking a slow vehicle."
Question 7:
Is it permitted to stop your vehicle on the side of the road in front of a fire hydrant?
Answer: 3.
Explanation: You cannot park or stop within 5 meters of a fire hydrant, fire alarm, or fire station entrance. This is a strict "No Stopping" zone.
Question 8:
(True or False) If you are parking on a slope, you must turn your wheels toward the curb to prevent the car from rolling into the street.
Answer: True.
Explanation: This is a standard safety requirement for parking on inclines, commonly tested in the curriculum.
Q4. You are driving a car and want to pass a streetcar that is stopped to let passengers off. What should you do?
Q5. When driving behind a bicycle, how much distance should you maintain?
To find updated driving test questions and answers in Japan, use these official sources:
Know your specific numbers!
While the written test is about knowledge, the practical test (required for license conversion and new licenses) is about procedure. You can be a "good" driver and still fail.
Common reasons for failure:
1.
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The Japanese driving written exam is known for being highly technical, with a strong focus on precise legal definitions and safety minutiae. As of October 2025, the standard license conversion test ( Gaimen Kirikae
) has become significantly more difficult, increasing from a 10-question format to 50 questions, requiring 45 correct answers (90%) to pass. Core Written Test Formats Learner’s Permit (Karimen): 50 true/false questions; 45 correct required to pass. Final License (Honmen): driving test questions and answers japan
90 true/false questions plus 5 "danger prediction" (hazard perception) diagrams; 90 points out of 100 required to pass. License Conversion (Gaimen Kirikae):
50 true/false questions; 45 correct required to pass (Updated Oct 2025). Sample Questions and Answers Questions in Japan are typically True/False
and often feature "trap" phrasing that tests exact legal requirements. www.driving-japan-online.com 1. Priority and Intersections
At an intersection without signals or signs, the car on the left has the right of way. . In Japan, the vehicle on the has priority when there is no traffic light or sign.
If a pedestrian stops while crossing as a vehicle approaches, the vehicle may continue driving as before.
. A vehicle must not force a pedestrian into a dangerous situation and should stop to give way.
When turning right, you must give priority to oncoming cars driving straight or turning left.
. Oncoming traffic and pedestrians have priority over right-turning vehicles. Lease Japan Written Test Guide and Practice | Lease Japan
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The Japanese driving written exam underwent a major overhaul in October 2025
, significantly increasing in difficulty for those converting foreign licenses ( Gaimen Kirikae
). Passing now requires deep knowledge of specific Japanese traffic laws rather than just general "common sense". Exam Structure & Passing Scores : The test consists of 50 true-or-false questions (increased from 10 before Oct 2025). Passing Criteria : You must score at least , meaning you can only afford 5 incorrect answers (45/50 correct). Language Options
: The test is available in English and many other languages (e.g., Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese) depending on the license center. Content Scope
: Questions cover 22 specific topics, including highway driving, vehicle maintenance, emergency response, and pedestrian protection. Commonly Tested Scenarios & Tricky Questions
Japanese exams are known for "trick" phrasing that tests precise knowledge of the law. Written Test Guide and Practice | Lease Japan
Passing the Japanese driving test is notorious for being a high-stakes challenge, especially after the major traffic law amendment in October 2025
The difficulty has significantly increased for foreign residents converting their licenses ( gaimen kirikae
). Previously, the written test was a simple 10-question quiz, but it has now expanded to a 50-question True/False exam that requires a 90% passing score (at least 45 correct answers). Common "Trick" Questions and Answers
Japanese driving exams often include scenario-based questions with precise wording that can trip up even experienced drivers. Priority at Intersections
: At an intersection with no traffic lights or signs, the car on the left has the right of way. . In Japan, the vehicle on the has priority at such intersections. Signaling for Turns
: You must signal your intention to turn 10 meters before the intersection. . Japanese law requires signaling at least before the turn. Stopping at Railroad Crossings
: You only need to stop at a railroad crossing if the signal is active. . You must always stop, look, and listen at all railroad crossings, regardless of signal activity. Overtaking on Slopes
: Overtaking is prohibited on both steep uphill and downhill slopes. . Overtaking is prohibited on steep slopes but generally permitted on steep Towing Broken Vehicles
: A towing license is always required when towing another vehicle on public roads.
. A towing license is not required if the broken-down vehicle is being towed by rope or crane, even if it exceeds 750kg. Essential Rules for the Written Exam Q1: When approaching a railroad crossing with no
The new test covers a broader scope, including maintenance, highway rules, and emergency responses. Headlights : Must be on inside all tunnels, regardless of visibility. Seat Belts : Legally required for occupants, including rear-seat passengers. Right Turn on Red : Prohibited by default. It is only allowed if a specific green right-arrow signal is displayed. Yellow Centerlines
: Indicate that overtaking by entering the right-hand side of the road is prohibited. Practical Test Expectations Gaimen Kirikae Written Exam Practice Questions and Tips 16 Sept 2025 —
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requires more than just knowing how to drive—it requires understanding a highly standardized and precise procedure. Whether you are taking the (final) or
(learner's) exam, the written and practical tests are notoriously strict. Common Written Test Questions The written exam in Japan consists of True/False
questions. They are often "trick" questions designed to test your attention to detail regarding specific traffic laws.
If there is no "Stop" sign, do you have to stop at a railroad crossing? Answer: YES.
You must stop completely before every railroad crossing in Japan, regardless of signs or signals. Can you enter an intersection when the light is yellow? Answer: NO.
You must stop at a yellow light unless you are so close to the intersection that stopping would be unsafe.
Is it okay to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01%? Answer: NO. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy
for drinking and driving. Even a tiny amount of alcohol is illegal.
When turning left, should you move your vehicle toward the left edge of the road? Answer: YES.
You should move toward the curb to prevent cyclists or scooters from trying to pass you on the left while you turn. 毎日新聞 The Practical Test (The "Point" System)
Most foreigners fail the practical test not because they can't drive, but because they miss specific procedural requirements. You start with 100 points and must finish with at least (for a standard license). The Safety Check:
Before even entering the car, you must walk around it, check underneath for "hidden" children or animals, and check tire pressure by looking. Exaggerated Observations:
When checking mirrors or blind spots, you must clearly move your head so the examiner sees you looking. Just using your eyes is not enough. "S-Curve" and "Crank":
These are narrow, tight courses designed to test your vehicle control. Hitting a curb is often an automatic failure Speed Control:
You must drive exactly at the speed limit—going even 1km/h over can result in point deductions. California Drivers Education Online Pro-Tips for Passing Attend a Driving School: Enrolling in a certified school like Koyama Driving School Fuchu Driving School
drastically increases your pass rate because they teach you the exact "performance" the examiners expect. Memorize the Course:
Many test centers allow you to walk the course before your test. Memorize every turn and stop sign. Translate Your License:
If you are converting a foreign license (Gaimen Kirikae), ensure your translation is from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Are you preparing for the Gaimen Kirikae or the full
exam? Knowing which one helps me give you more specific advice on the trick questions you'll face. How To Get a Driver's License in Japan
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In Japan, the written driving test (specifically the Gaimen Kirikae for license conversion) typically consists of 10 true-or-false questions and requires a score of at least 7 out of 10 to pass. For a full license, the Honmen test is more extensive, featuring 90 true-or-false questions and 5 danger prediction questions.
Below are common practice questions and answers derived from Japanese road rules and official test guides: Traffic Signals & Signs Japanese law requires a full stop at all
Q: Is it permissible to turn left at a red light in Japan?A: No. You cannot turn left or right on red unless there is a specific green arrow signal or a sign with a blue arrow on a white background indicating otherwise.
Q: If you see a green left-turn arrow and a red light, can a "light vehicle" (like a bicycle) turn left?A: No. While cars and mopeds may turn, light vehicles must remain stopped.
Q: What do two diamonds painted on the road signify?A: Pre-warning for a pedestrian crosswalk. They indicate you are approaching a crossing and should prepare to slow down. Right of Way & Intersections
Q: At an intersection with no signals or signs, which vehicle has the right of way?A: The vehicle on the right. In Japan, traffic from the right generally has priority at unmarked intersections.
Q: Must you always stop at a railroad crossing, even if no train is visible?A: True. Japanese law requires a complete stop, look, and listen at all level crossings unless specifically exempt by signage.
Q: If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind while you are in an intersection, should you stop immediately?A: False. You must clear the intersection first, then move to the left and stop. Pedestrians & Safety Written Test Practice: Test 1 - Lease Japan
Ready to create a quiz? Use Canvas to test your knowledge with a custom quiz Get started Since October 2025,
has significantly updated its license conversion (gaimen kirikae) written test, increasing it from 10 to 50 true/false questions. To pass, you must score at least 90% (45 out of 50 correct). Essential Traffic Rules & Common Questions
Expect questions that test specific Japanese road laws, which are often stricter than in other countries. Written Test Practice: Test 2 - Lease Japan
As of October 2025, the Japanese driving knowledge exam (Gaimen Kirikae) for license conversion has become significantly more challenging, moving from a 10-question format to a 50-question true/false test. You must now score at least 45 out of 50 (90%) to pass. Essential Practice Questions & Tricky Logic
The Japanese test often uses counter-intuitive "trick" questions. Key examples include:
Speed & Perception: "Close objects are harder to see when driving at 60 km/h than at 30 km/h." True—peripheral vision and clarity of nearby objects diminish as speed increases.
Overtaking Rules: "Overtaking is not allowed on steep downhill slopes, but it is permitted on steep uphill slopes." True. However, overtaking is strictly prohibited at intersections and within 30 meters of a pedestrian crossing.
Pedestrian Priority: "If a pedestrian stops while crossing as a vehicle approaches, the vehicle may continue driving." False—you must always stop and give way to avoid dangerous situations.
Right of Way: In Japan, vehicles on the right have priority at intersections without signals or signs.
Traffic Signs: A yellow diamond with a black "X" means an intersection ahead, not a railway crossing.
Mechanical Faults: "Drivers with faulty brakes should reduce speed and exercise caution." False—vehicles with serious safety defects must not be driven at all. Critical Tips for Passing
Watch for Double Negatives: Questions often use phrasing like "not allowed" or "must not" to trick you.
Study Specific Numbers: You must memorize exact distances (e.g., no passing within 30m of a crosswalk) as these are frequently tested.
Know Your Signals: A police officer with both arms raised vertically means vehicles parallel to them must stop, identical to a red light.
Translation Awareness: English translations can sometimes be awkward. If taking the test in English, use the Japanese version to clarify the intended meaning if possible. Recommended Resources Official Guide: The " Rules of the Road
" book published by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) is the gold standard for study.
Practice Portals: Sites like Lease Japan and Road Ready offer updated 2025 mock exams.
Visual Training: The JAF Quiz Page provides visual training for road signs and common traffic scenarios. Gaimen Kirikae Written Test Practice Questions Part 2
Unlike US tests (which ask "Don't drink and drive"), Japan asks for exact fines and license suspension points.
Q: "What is the penalty for using a smartphone while driving (holding it in your hand), even while stopped at a red light?"
Teen
