Driver's license in Japan...

[cridgit001]

So considering how difficult it is to get a license in Japan, what about Germany? It's extremely difficult to get it from what I heard. I think it's like $4000 to get it not to mention all the other things you have to do.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by kyo_9

For all of these times, I haven't heard for foreigners to pass the driving test in first try.. they all have met with failure several times before actually receive the license.. 失敗学

You just have to know what they are looking at, and what they want you to do for the test. You can`t just go, drive decently, and expect to pass.

It definitely can be done, as I passed on first try with no problems at all.

[Sangetsu]

Okay... After weeks of working on getting my Japan drivers license, I got a little closer yesterday. The last time I went to the test center I was turned away and told that I needed to get additional paperwork from immigration. The paperwork was finally returned to me, so once again I headed back to the license center.

I was the first person in line when the office opened up, and luckily (this time) there were no problems when I submitted my paperwork. After I gave the clerk the paperwork, I was told to take a seat and wait for my name to be called. Luckily, I brought a book with me, it took more than an hour before my name was called.

After coming back to the counter, I was given 2 additional forms to fill out, and I was sent to get 2400 yen worth of payment stamps to stick to my application form. After getting all of this done, I returned the forms to the clerk, and I was told once again to wait.

This time the wait was short. The clerk came out and called a few names, one of which was mine, and then she led us to the testing room. The test was a simple one, only 10 or so questions, in English (poor English). After the group I was in finished the test, we were led to a machine where we took a vision test. The object we were looking at was a letter "c", and we had to speak into a microphone, telling which way the open side of the "c" was pointing. "Hidari, migi, shita, ue, migi, shita..." The test was easy, and only took a minute.

After this was done, we were informed that it was too late for us to take a driving test that afternoon, and we were directed to the appointment window. I made my appointment for next week, hopefully I'll do well, or at least learn enough that I don't fail it more than once. As far as I have been able to learn, it still takes a foreigner an average of three attempts to pass the driving test.

[Tsuwabuki]

I go in for my first test tomorrow or the next day. I just got back to Fukuchiayama after showing the parents around Tokyo. I am bushed.

I'll consider the first time a learning experience.

[Sangetsu]

I finally got my license. I went to the license center this morning to take my driving test, and I passed. I was actually quite surprised, I expected I might have to take it several times.

I was the last one to hand in my paperwork to the clerk, which meant that I was the first person to drive. I got into the car trying to remember all of the tips and tricks I had been able to find on the internet, but still very worried that I would mess it all up. Another person who was to take the test after me sat in the back seat. The tester said to begin, so I started the engine and set off.

The test turned out not to be too difficult. The only problem I had was the strong urge to use my left hand to operate the turn signal (it is on the right side in Japan). I made it through the crank section and the S section without touching the curbs or having to back up. I know that I messed up in a couple of places, such as one time that I failed to look over my left shoulder when making a left turn, and once I signalled late for a right turn.

When I finally got back to the starting lane, I was told by the tester to go inside the waiting room and wait. At that moment I knew I had passed, had I failed, I would have been given and explanation of what I had done wrong, and been sent back to the window to make an appointment for another test.

The man sitting behind me also passed his test, and we celebrated our passing by having a long conversation. He was a young Japanese man who had just returned from America, and we had a lot to talk about.

We had to wait for 9 other drivers to test before we could leave. Out of 11 of us, only 3 passed the test. After getting our licenses, I had lunch with my new friend, and we promised to get together on an upcoming weekend.

The process of paperwork, waiting, driving, waiting, paperwork, waiting, photograph, waiting, and then license issue took a little more than three hours. We were finished by noon exaclty. As we left, we many of those who had failed the test waiting in front of the appointment window to make another appointment. One of them was crying, as she had made a serious mistake. The testor had made her stop the car, get out, and get into the back seat, then he drove the car back in himself. I hope she has better luck next time.

But anyhow, I finally have my Japanese drivers license

[DevilHunter04]

Wow, it almost seems as if just taking the train or riding your bike would be simpler than getting a license in Japan. Congrats on finally getting your license! I'm working on getting my (American) license (I've got anxitey which has gotten in the way of me driving), but here in Illinois, trying to get your license is pretty strict (the driving test I've heard), though everyone in Illinois drives like idiots, haha. People tell me that since I'm 20 I should have my license but it isn't the most important thing to do on my list right now.

[SaintKat]

Japan license sounds similar to NZ license which is a bit of a relief. I'm glad you drive on the left hand side of the road too so don't have to get used to that part.

[nukiuchi]

is getting your license in Japan harder or easier than America? Do they go through the same process with written exams and all?