Knowledge and Practical Driving Tests

BEFORE THE TEST

• (IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TEST)Go to window#2 and get a pile of papers from the window.
• Go to window #6, pay the vehicle usage fee(1,450JPY) and the test registration fee(2,550JPY) in cash and get revenue stamps (If it's your first test, you need to pay only for the vehicle usage fee)
• Take all the paper back to window #2.
• You will be directed to the waiting room on the upper floor. Wait until the proctor comes.

^{Photo: Waiting room on the upper floor}

• The proctor will hand out an information sheet which contains basic information on what to be aware of during the test. The same information is available here.
• The proctor will then give an explanation about the practical test. The explanation is only given in Japanese. (click here to see the summary of the explanation)
• After the explanation, the proctor will assign you a number and you will be taking the test in the order of the number.
• If you are not the first one to take the test, you will get to sit in the backseat of the testing vehicle to watch the person ahead of you take the test. This will allow you to view the course and see what the person ahead is doing.
• After the end of the person's test, you will be asked to leave the vehicle while the proctor explains whether or not the person has passed and what they were marked down for.
• Once that person ahead exits the car, wait for the signal from the proctor before entering the vehicle.

DURING THE TEST

• Remember that the test starts as you approach the vehicle.
• Check under the vehicle from behind the vehicle for small animals and children.
• Check under the vehicle from the front of the vehice for small animals and children.
• Check the traffic around you before you approach the door.
• Open the door slightly, check again for the traffic, and then open the door to enter the vehicle.
• As you get in the vehicle, tell the proctor "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu(Nice to meet you / Thank you for your time)".
• Adjust the seat, rearview, fasten the seatbelt and make sure everyone on the vehicle fastens the seatbelt.
• The proctor will indicate what direction you will have to take.
• Before you start moving the car, make sure you check around the vehicle with your own eyes and then start the car.
• Put your foot on the brake, put the gear-shift lever into drive, signal your departure with the indicator, then start the car.
• Before the actual test is started, you will get to test-drive the vehicle within the course to get the feel of the brake, steering wheel, and so forth. It's not that you are allowed to drive freely during this test-drive, make sure you follow the proctor's guidance for the directions during this test-drive.
• After the test-drive, the proctor will tell you that the test is started.
• Follow the proctor's guidance during the test.

TIPS

1. If you drive over a curb during the test, the test will be terminated immediately. However, you are allowed to back up the car up to 3 times (each time will be deduction though). If you feel the wheel hit a curb, come to a complete stop immediately, shift to reverse gear, then make sure to check around the vehicle before backing up the car, and then put the car in reverse.

AFTER THE TEST

• After the test, the proctor will tell you whether or not you have passed the exam and explain what you were marked down for. Before this explanation, if the proctor asks you to leave the vehicle and come back in, it's a positive sign that you've passed the test. But do not get too excited. Make sure you carefully check the traffic around the car before/after getting off the car.

If you pass;

1. Report to window #1 ot #2, there you will be asked whether or not you want to set a pin code to protect your personal information in the IC chip which will be embedded in your license
2. Proceed to window #6 to pay the license processing fee (2,050JPY)
3. Visit window#3, then you will be directed to proceed to window #13 to get your license information registered
4. After your information has been registered, they will ask you to go to a photo booth to have a photo taken for your license
5. After having your photo taken, you will receive a receipt-like slip
6. Wait in front of window #3 with the receipt-like slip you received until your name is called
7. Receive the license once your name is called

If you fail;

1. Make a new appointment at window #1 or #2