Motorcycle is a convenient means of transport, especially in remote areas with undeveloped traffic system, for going to work, school, shopping, etc. If you have a motorcycle license, you can go anywhere without depending on public transports like trains or buses.
This article will explain how Foreign interns and students can obtain a motorcycle license in Japan.
The convenience of motorcycles
In Japan, motorcycles (two-wheelers under 50cc) are widely used as a means of transport for their convenience. Using motorcycles makes it easy to navigate narrow roads and in urban areas of Japan, where parking space is limited. Moreover, compared to cars, the maintenance cost is much lower, which helps reduce the economic burden.
While the cost to obtain a car license usually exceeds 200,000 yen, a motorcycle license only requires about 8,000 yen for application, and in some cases, you can receive the license in just one day. Even for many foreigners busy with work or study, getting a motorcycle license is relatively easy.
Conditions for getting a motorcycle license
To obtain a motorcycle license in Japan, you need to meet several conditions beforehand. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and need to have medium to long-term residency status, therefore, international students or interns need to have the appropriate residency status.
To take the motorcycle license exam, understanding Japanese is an indispensable requirement. The theory test is usually written in Japanese, so candidates need to have basic Japanese reading comprehension. Additionally, specialized vocabulary related to traffic laws will also be presented in the test, so you need to prepare thoroughly before taking the exam.
International students and interns also need to research, collect information, and prepare necessary documents for the exam. Using knowledges provided by the Driver’s License Center along with information on the internet will make the application process smoother.
The process of taking the motorcycle license exam
The process to take the motorcycle license exam in Japan can be divided into the following steps:
1. Register for the theory exam
To get a motorcycle license, first, you need to pass the theory exam. You can register for the exam at the Driver’s License Center or the nearest police station. The necessary documents for registration include an ID with a photo (e.g., residence card), exam fee, and sometimes documentation of your Japanese language ability.
2. Take the theory exam
The theory exam mainly tests knowledge about Japan’s road traffic laws. This exam is multiple-choice and you need to score at least 90 out of 100 points to pass. To prepare for the exam, reading textbooks issued by the Driver’s License Center and practicing online tests is extremely necessary.
Depending on the prefecture, the theory exam may be conducted in multiple languages, including English and your language, helping those who are not confident in Japanese to take the exam in their native language, reducing the difficulty in obtaining the license. Even if taking the exam in Japanese, you can also look for reference books in your language version to prepare for the exam, helping to understand more about the exam format and traffic laws.
For example: Vietnamese guide, aiming to pass the motorcycle exam on the first try!
3. Practical exam or course participation
After passing the theory exam, depending on the area, you might need to take a practical exam. However, in most cases, it’s only necessary to participate in a designated course to receive the license. In this course, you’ll learn not only driving skills but also knowledge about safe driving.
4. Receiving the license
After completing all exams and courses, along with preparing all the necessary documents, you will be issued a motorcycle license. You can receive your license at the Driver’s License Center or the police station where you applied.
Converting the foreign driver’s license
For foreigners who have come to Japan and already have the driving license from their homeland, it’s possible to convert to a Japanese driving license. Through this procedure, you can legally drive in Japan.
Conditions for converting a foreign driver’s license
To convert a foreign driver’s license, you need to meet the following conditions. According to Vietnamese circumstance as a reference:
- The Vietnamese driver’s license is still valid.
- You have been in Japan for a total of 3 months or more.
- After obtaining the driver’s license in Vietnam, you have been in Vietnam for a total of 3 months or more.
Necessary documents and conversion location
To apply for the conversion of a foreign driver’s license, you need the original driver’s license and its translation, passport, residence card, photos, and other documents. You can apply at the nearest Driver’s License Center.
Exemption from theory and practical exams
In the case of converting a foreign driver’s license, you are mostly exempt from the theory exam. However, since basic knowledge of Japanese traffic laws is needed, pre-study before driving is encouraged.
The practical exam is also often exampted through the foreign driver’s license conversion process, but depending on the Driver’s License Center, so you should verify the information beforehand.
Converting a foreign driver’s license allows you to leverage your driving experience in your country to easily obtain a driver’s license in Japan.
Notes on driving in Japan
When driving a motorcycle in Japan, it’s important to be aware of different traffic rules and culture compared to your howntown. Understanding and following these differences are very important for a safe and comfortable driving experience.
Traffic rules in Japan are strict and complex, including obedience traffic rules such as traffic lights, speed limits, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. In terms of traffic etiquette, caution and consideration for other drivers and pedestrians are required.
No driving on sidewalks
In some countries, motorcycles moving on sidewalks is a common sight, but in Japan, this is strictly prohibited. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, so motorcycles must be riden on the road. If you drive a motorcycle on the sidewalk, you could face fines or penalty points.
Limited use of the horn
In Vietnam or India for instance, frequently using the horn is a common driving style, but in Japan, you should limit the use of the horn. Unnecessary use of the horn is considered annoying to other drivers and pedestrians and as a violation of traffic etiquette. Using the horn to anger others is also prohibited by law. The horn should only be used in emergencies or to a signal danger.
The importance of insurance participation
In Japan, participating in liability insurance when driving a motorcycle is mandatory by law. If you want broader coverage, voluntary insurance should also be considered. Participating in appropriate insurance helps minimize financial risk in case of an accident.
Support System for Foreigner
By utilizing the support system for foreigner, you can receive relevant information and support to obtain a motorcycle license and drive safely in Japan. Foreigners working as apprentices or international students can use this support system to smoothly progress from obtaining a license to driving.
Support from Japanese Language Schools
Japanese language schools and the community in Japan provide information and support related to obtaining a motorcycle license. Through these organizations, you can learn about preparing for the theory exam, the registration process, and knowledge about Japanese traffic laws. Additionally, exchanging information among those with the same goal of obtaining a license can help maintain motivation.
Websites
Foreigner in Japan can make use of this online informative source to prepare for the motorcycle license exam. On the official websites of the Driver’s License Centers, you can find detailed information about the exam content, necessary documents, and the application process. On social media platforms like Facebook, experiences and advice from those who have obtained their licenses can be shared, helping you prepare more effectively.
Participating in Practical Courses
Even if a practical exam is not required, practical driving skills are essential for you to drive safely on Japanese streets. There are driving schools for foreigners in Japan, so participating in a driving course will help you learn safe driving skills as well as complying with Japanese regulations.
Summary
Obtaining a motorcycle license in Japan can improve the quality of life for foreign interns and students. Especially if you live in an area with undeveloped transportation, having a motorcycle can make your daily life much more convenient. The traffic environment in Japan and other countries has many significant differences, therefore, learning and understanding Japanese traffic laws is mandatory for safe driving in Japan.
After obtaining your license, always being conscious of safe driving and adhering to traffic laws not only protects your safety but also that of other people. If you are considering obtaining a motorcycle license in Japan, consider the information in this article as a reference.