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Navigating the Japanese driving license process can be daunting, especially after the major reforms in October 2025. Whether you are converting a foreign license (Gaimen Kirikae) or starting from scratch, the written exam has become significantly more rigorous. 1. Updated Test Structure (Post-October 2025)
The difficulty level for converting a foreign license has increased with a transition to a more comprehensive format. Old Format (Pre-Oct 2025) New Format (Current) Number of Questions 50 Passing Score 7/10 (70%) 45/50 (90%) Time Limit 10 Minutes 30 Minutes Format Mostly Illustrations Text-heavy True/False
Honmen (Final) Test: For those taking the full Japanese driving course, the final written exam consists of 100 questions, requiring 90 points to pass.
Languages: Exams are available in English at most Driver's License Centers; some centers support up to 20 languages. 2. Common Written Test Questions and Answers
The test primarily uses True/False questions. Many are designed to be "tricky" by using specific terminology or testing counter-intuitive rules. Pedestrians and Intersections Traffic Rules in Japan | JAF
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Getting your driver’s license in Japan can feel like a daunting task, especially with the reputation of the "ippon-bashi" (balance beam) or the strictness of the proctors. However, the written portion of the exam—the Honmen—is often the first major hurdle.
Whether you are converting a foreign license (Gaimen Kirikae) or taking the full test from scratch, understanding the logic behind Japanese traffic laws is key. Understanding the Format
The standard written test for a full license consists of 95 questions: 90 True/False questions: 1 point each.
5 Illustration-based hazard perception questions: 2 points each (each has three sub-questions). Passing Score: 90 out of 100.
For those converting a foreign license, the "knowledge check" is much shorter—usually 10 simple True/False questions, requiring 7 correct answers to pass. Top Driving Test Questions and Answers 1. Right of Way at Intersections
Question: If you are turning right at an intersection and a vehicle is coming straight from the opposite direction, you have the right of way because you entered the intersection first. Answer: False.
Explanation: In Japan, vehicles going straight or turning left always have the right of way over vehicles turning right. 2. Using the Horn driving test questions and answers japan
Question: You should honk your horn to alert the driver in front of you to move faster if the traffic light has turned green. Answer: False.
Explanation: In Japan, you must only use the horn in designated "Sound Horn" zones or to avoid immediate danger. Using it out of frustration is a violation. 3. Railway Crossings
Question: When approaching a railway crossing with the bars up, you must stop momentarily before proceeding. Answer: True.
Explanation: You must stop completely, look both ways, and listen for a train before crossing, even if there is no signal or gate. 4. Pedestrian Safety
Question: If a pedestrian is waiting at a crosswalk without a traffic light, you should slow down but do not need to stop unless they step onto the road. Answer: False.
Explanation: Japanese law is very strict here. If a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you must come to a complete stop and allow them to pass. 5. Emergency Vehicles
Question: When an emergency vehicle (ambulance or fire truck) is approaching, you must pull over to the left and stop immediately, even if you are in the middle of an intersection. Answer: False.
Explanation: You must pull over to the left, but do not stop inside an intersection. Clear the intersection first, then pull over. Common "Trick" Questions to Watch For
The Japanese driving exam is famous for "catch" questions that rely on specific wording.
"Only" or "Always": Be careful with absolute terms. For example: "You must always drive on the left side of the road." While generally true, there are exceptions (e.g., roadwork or passing a cyclist), making the answer False.
The "Slow Down" vs. "Stop" Distinction: The test will often ask if you should "stop" when the law only requires you to "slow down" (or vice versa).
Example: Near a bus stopped at a station, you must slow down and be prepared for pedestrians—you are not legally required to stop unless people are crossing. Essential Vocabulary for the Test
If you are taking the test in English, the translations can sometimes be clunky. Familiarize yourself with these terms: Ready to create a quiz
徐行 (Joko): Proceeding at a speed where you can stop immediately (usually under 10km/h).
一時停止 (Ichiji Teishi): A full, complete stop where the wheels cease movement. 追い越し (Oikoshi): Changing lanes to pass a vehicle.
追い抜き (Oinuki): Passing a vehicle without changing lanes. Tips for Success
Study the Signs: Many questions are simply identifying road signs. Memorize the difference between "No Entry," "No Parking," and "No Stopping."
Think "Safety First": If a question asks if you should do something that sounds overly cautious (like slowing down near a blind corner), the answer is almost always True.
Practice Mock Exams: Use resources like the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) "Rules of the Road" book, which is the gold standard for prep.
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. Answer: ○ (True) Explanation: Japanese law is extremely
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
If you are converting a license (e.g., US, UK, Australian license to Japanese), the test is 10 True/False questions. Here is the strategy to pass instantly.
Knowing the driving test questions and answers in Japan is half the battle. Here is how to retain them:
Question 8: "At a crosswalk with no traffic light, a pedestrian waiting to cross has priority, so you must stop."
Question 9: "A bicycle is considered a light vehicle, so it may ride on the right side of the road if there is no sidewalk."