You should accelerate past the truck quickly to minimize your time in the danger zone. (FALSE — You must slow down in case a child steps out from behind the truck).
Answer: FALSE
Usually 90-95 true/false and 5-10 illustration-based questions. Passing Score: Usually 90% or higher.
Expect questions that test specific Japanese road laws, which are often stricter than in other countries. Written Test Practice: Test 2 - Lease Japan driving test questions and answers japan
A comprehensive 95-question test (90 regular questions worth 1 point each, and 5 hazard-perception questions worth 2 points each). You must score 90 out of 100 points to pass.
The written test for new drivers consists of 95 questions , while a shortened version is used for foreign license conversions.
With recent changes to the rules, the exam has become more challenging, requiring a solid understanding of both theoretical knowledge and practical application. You should accelerate past the truck quickly to
| Item | Question | Correct? | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 24 | On a rainy day, even when visibility is good, drivers are required to reduce speed and increase following distance. | True | Wet roads increase stopping distance, so extra caution is necessary. | | 25 | When towing another vehicle on public roads, a "towing license" is required in all cases. | False | Exceptions exist, such as towing a broken-down vehicle with a rope, where a special license is not needed. | | 26 | At a railroad crossing, drivers must always stop, look, and listen before proceeding, even if the crossing has no active signals. | True | Japanese law requires a full stop at all level crossings, unless exempted by signage. | | 27 | The hand signal for reversing is as follows: extend your arm diagonally downward with the palm facing backward, and wave. | True | This is the legally defined hand signal for reversing. | | 28 | When passing a school bus while children are boarding or getting off, the driver must stop behind the bus and ensure safety before proceeding. | True | This is crucial for the safety of children. | | 29 | If there are 3 vehicle lanes in the same direction and the road is congested, you can drive in the most right lane. | False | The rightmost lane is generally for passing, not continuous driving in heavy traffic. | | 30 | A blue traffic sign with a white silhouette of a car and a motorcycle means "Only these vehicles permitted beyond this point." | False | This sign indicates the road is reserved for those vehicles, but not exclusively them. | | 31 | The proper riding posture for two-wheeled vehicles involves leaning forward slightly to reduce wind resistance. | False | Leaning too far forward reduces your field of vision and is dangerous. | | 32 | Wave shaped ripples on a vehicle's tires that occur while driving at high speeds with low tire pressure indicate a need to stop and check tire pressure. | True | This is known as "standing waves" and indicates dangerously low tire pressure. | | 33 | If a passenger is entering or exiting a streetcar, the driver must remain stopped until all individuals have crossed the roadway. | True | This applies regardless of whether a safety zone exists. | | 34 | The three classifications of driver's licenses include Class One, Class Two, and a Moped License. | False | The three main classifications are Class One, Class Two, and a Learner's Permit. | | 35 | The written test for a regular driver's license consists of 100 questions, and you need to answer at least 90 correctly to pass. | True | This applies to the final written exam for a regular license. | | 36 | Drivers are required to always turn on their headlights when driving through a tunnel, even during the day. | True | This ensures visibility for all vehicles in the tunnel. | | 37 | When you see a "No Overtaking" sign, you may overtake a bicycle traveling at a slow speed. | False | The sign prohibits overtaking any vehicle, including bicycles. | | 38 | The proper time to signal a right turn is three seconds before beginning the turn. | True | This gives other drivers adequate warning of your intention. | | 39 | A driver has no obligation to ask passengers to wear seat belts. | False | The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers wear seat belts. | | 40 | A "defensive driving" principle primarily emphasizes anticipating potential hazards. | True | Defensive driving is about being prepared for the unexpected actions of others. | | 41 | It is legal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03mg/l of breath as long as you feel fine. | False | Japan has a zero-tolerance policy. Any detectable alcohol is illegal. | | 42 | When making a left turn, you must check for bicycles and mopeds that may be coming up on your left side. | True | This is a common cause of accidents and a frequent failure point on the test. | | 43 | On a road with a 40km/h speed limit, it is acceptable to drive at 45km/h if there is no traffic. | False | Speed limits are absolute maximums; exceeding them is illegal. | | 44 | When your car is equipped with snow tires, you may drive at the same speed as on a dry road when it is snowing. | False | Snow tires provide better traction but do not allow for safe dry-road speeds in snow. | | 45 | You may cross a solid white line if you need to pull over for an emergency. | True | In genuine emergencies, crossing the line to safely pull over is permitted. | | 46 | When driving behind a large truck that is blocking your view, you should increase your following distance. | True | This gives you a better view of the road ahead and more time to react. | | 47 | The hand signal for a right turn when your vehicle's lights fail is to extend your right arm horizontally. | True | This is a universally understood hand signal for a right turn. | | 48 | You must slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing with no traffic light, even if no pedestrians are present. | True | You must always be prepared to stop for pedestrians, even if none are visible. | | 49 | A driver's license issued in Japan is generally valid for 3 years. | False | A standard license is typically valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on your age and driving record. | | 50 | The "dangerous driving" principle primarily emphasizes avoiding collisions through constant awareness. | True | This is a key concept in defensive driving and is often tested. |
| Item | Question | Correct? | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 14 | A driver can make a right turn at a red light if there is no sign prohibiting it. | False | Right turns on red are illegal in Japan unless a specific green arrow signal is shown. | | 15 | At a traffic signal, if the green light turns off and is immediately followed by a yellow arrow pointing left, you must stop unless you are already so close that stopping is impossible. | True | A yellow arrow indicates caution and an impending signal change, requiring you to stop if safely possible. | | 16 | A moped must perform a two-step right turn at all intersections. | False | A two-step right turn is only mandatory at intersections with the designated sign. |
Passing the written driving test in Japan requires a solid understanding of local traffic laws, unique road signs, and the specific trick questions used to test your attention to detail. Whether you are applying for a learner’s permit (Karimen) or a full driver's license (Honmen), the written exam challenges your knowledge of safety rules and specialized Japanese road mechanics. Passing Score: Usually 90% or higher
If a pedestrian is waiting at a pedestrian crossing without a traffic light, you should slow down, but you do not need to stop if they do not actively step into the road. Answer: FALSE
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Raised from 70% to 90% (you must answer at least 45 out of 50 correctly). Format: Primarily True/False. Sample Test Questions & Explanations