Pass the Japanese driving test — karimen and honmen

Exam format

Karimen: 50 true/false questions in 30 minutes, pass at 90%. Honmen: 95 questions including illustrated hazard-scenario items, 50 minutes, pass at 90%. Moped (gentsuki): 48 questions in 30 minutes.

How to prepare

Study chapter by chapter (signals, intersections, pedestrians, expressways, parking…), drill the road signs, review every mistake, and take mock exams until you consistently score above 90%.

Languages

Many prefectures offer the real test in English and other languages — confirm with your licence centre. Practise here in any of the app’s 12 languages: English, Japanese, Arabic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, Korean, Filipino, Nepali and Burmese.

What to say when you book

• 学科試験の予約を取りたいです。

  Gakka shiken no yoyaku o toritai desu.

  I would like to book the knowledge (written) test.

Step by step

• Enroll in a designated driving school (指定教習所), or prepare for the direct test.
• Pass the provisional 仮免: knowledge + driving test.
• Practice on public roads with a qualified licensed driver.
• Pass the full 本免: knowledge (95 questions) + driving test.
• The full license is issued on passing.

The written test

• Learner's permit test (仮免): 50 questions, 30 minutes, pass mark 90%.
• Full licence test (本免): 95 questions, 50 minutes, pass mark 90%.
• True/false questions in the official format. Check with your licence centre which languages the test is offered in.

Document checklist

• ID / residence proof (Residence Card or My Number card)
• Recent 住民票 with your address (no My Number)
• ID photo per the center (often 3×2.4 cm)
• Test fees in cash
• Blue or black pen
• Glasses/contacts if you need them to see
• Designated-school graduation certificate 卒業証明書 (if you took the school route)

Fees

• 普通 / Regular car: application fee ¥2,500, licence issue fee ¥2,350.
• Typical in Tokyo/Ibaraki; may vary by prefecture.

Licence centres and documents by prefecture

• By prefecture