Learning to drive in Japan

[akatsuka]

This is one thing I wanted to avoid. But I've failed my driving test in England and won't have time to retake before I move to Japan. I have done some research online but have found nothing that states I can pick up my learning in Japan from my current level. As far as I can see, there's no level tests etc, if you haven't taken lessons in Japan then as far as they are concerned, you are a complete beginner. I can see where they are coming from but..

Another gaijin friend is currently taking lessons in Hiroshima and she states that after 10 hours of lectures (where you never actually touch a car), she gets 10 hours of lessons then a test. This seems very little practical experience... Is this the reality of learning to drive in Japan?

Any tips of where to learn? I don't mind if the lessons are in Japanese or English. I'm figuring I'm closing down my options significantly if I choose to take my lessons in English only. I can speak Japanese to JLPT N1 standards and have done interpreting and translation work in the past so I think I'll be ok ;p

[Coligny]

if you speak the language. register to an accredited school and follow the flow.
you won't know how to drive.
but you'll have your licence.

I did all the basic auto gearbox at the police center. took ages until you get rules and skills absolutely perfect.

did manual trany upgrade at a private school. the manual gearbox is still for me a mathematical equation with 5 unknowns a reverse and a clutch. but got it at the first try...

[Doctor Stop]

did manual trany upgrade at a private school.

In Thailand, I presume.

[kurogane]

I can speak Japanese to JLPT N1 standards and have done interpreting and translation work in the past so I think I'll be ok ;p

Then do that. It will be a cultural lesson beyond all imagination. With tears and cries of anguish provided as aprt of the cost. Do they even offer lessons in English? I would be surprised if they did.

BTW, a shame you failed your UK test, but unless you had 3 full months between getting your licence in the UK and arriving in Japan you would not have been eligible for the automatic transfer thing anyways. Which would have been incredibly frustrating, as I can attest. So, yeah, buckle down, pay up, pay attention and study hard. Oh, and drive safe. Japan has enough domestic Ronnie Pickerings as it is

[Coligny]

did manual trany upgrade at a private school.

In Thailand, I presume.

Fuck yeah...

I'm the Fatal Bazooka of the Big T...

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(video from McTojo's previous field trip)

ask any Taxi to take you to the FatBaz' Dungeon. They have me in dere GPS...