English Driving Tests Having Little Impact

[Mulboyne]

[floatr][/floatr]Mie prefecture says that the introduction of English language versions of the written test for a driving licence hasn't improved the pass rate. In the six months since it was brought in, 295 people have taken the English version including 153 Filipinos, 97 Brazilians and 14 Bolivians (Chinese tend to take the Japanese test). The pass rate for Japanese examinees is 68.7% but only 8.5% passed the English version. The thinking is that there are still too few places for foreigners to learn the rules of the road in Japan even if the questions are in English. There are plans to include Portuguese exams but the prefecture thinks more attention needs to be paid to teaching examinees what they actually need to know.

Source (Japanese)

[wuchan]

Does this include the driving test? When I took mine the written was given at 3pm and the driving at 4:45. The booth where they print your license closed at 4:30. 7 out of 10 of us passed the written (in english), not a single one of us seven passes the driving.... hum....

[omae mona]

I'm not so sure about this. The article feels like it may be suffering from a little imprecision or sloppy reporting. The first paragraph clearly is talking about the written exam. But I think the 3rd paragraph (with the 8.5% pass statistic Mulboyne mentioned) begins by talking about how many people actually received their licenses, not how many people passed the written portion. So I believe that although the article insinuates otherwise, the 8.5% may be the total passing rate including the driving exam, not just the written portion.

I couldn't help but notice that at least 90% of the English examinees do not have English as their first language (Philippines, Brazil, Bolivia). But I love the quote from the examiner: "Even for people who understand English, understanding Japanese traffic rules is a different story. For example, even if they took the exam in Portuguese, I don't think the pass rate would increase".

Perhaps unique Japanese traffic rules are up there with Japan's unique four seasons; we foreigners will never quite understand them.

[Mulboyne]

I think it's pretty clear that examiners are inclined not to pass anyone who hasn't gone through a recognized school so any discussion about driving ability or knowledge of the rules is moot.

[dimwit]

I think it's pretty clear that examiners are inclined not to pass anyone who hasn't gone through a recognized school so any discussion about driving ability or knowledge of the rules is moot.

...a recognized school in terms of their bribery payments one would presume. One of the things I've always being interested in finding out is just exactly how much money has gone out in kickbacks from the driver's licencing.

[Yokohammer]

I went through the whole Japanese driving school thing, and took the written exam in Japanese (and passed first try). It was actually kind of fun. I think the real problem for people who haven't been through the prescribed course of study is that there are a lot of "trick" questions. I mean really off-the-wall, WTF trick questions. Not sure how they'd translate into English either. The driving school prepares you for those, and if you pay attention there's almost no way you can fail. Of course the Japanese examinees who fail are the ones who weren't paying attention, and there are quite a few of 'em. The day I took the final written exam out here in the sticks, 14 people took the test (it was a slow day, even for the inaka) and only 4 passed. I was the only non-Japanese, so that's 10 Japanese who failed.

And here's another difference: if you go through driving school your actual driving test is done at the school, in a vehicle and with an instructor you're familiar with. You go to the final exam at the Menkyo Center with a certificate saying that you've passed the driving test (your "graduation certificate" from the school), and only have to take the final written exam there. They do random driving tests at the Menkyo Center, I believe, but my school told me those random tests don't actually affect the outcome. Just the written exam.

I really don't think there's any out-and-out bribery involved, but the system is set up so that it's definitely easier to pass if you've been through driving school, which of course is good for business.

In terms of cost, the whole driving school thing will relieve you of about JPY 280,000 ~ 300,000 if you go straight through and don't require any extra instruction time.

[BigInJapan]

My version of the driving written and practical tests goes like this.
After driving several years on a yearly renewed intl. driver's permit, I had to switch over when they started enforcing the law about 10 years ago.
- I took the written test in English, but asked for a Japanese copy as well, due to the fact that several questions in English were indecipherable. By reading the Japanese I managed to pass. As this is not an option for many that would take the test, I offered my translation corrections (not sure if they made use of them though).
- I had been driving in Japan for about 8 years so I figured the driving test would be a breeze. I knew that you had to memorize the driving course, so I did that as well as possible in my head. When it came to the test (in a taxi-like Toyota crown), I thought I did pretty well. However, the tester (a gruff looking 50's oyaji who probably last smiled in the 1960's) said that I hadn't decelerated smoothly enough in the straightaway (only have about 80m, so practice is essential), and that I had not announced my intention to turn at one corner.
Definitely a complete scam. So, as my license was expiring in 3 days, I made an appointment to take the test again in 2 days. The next day, I took a 2 hour course at the driving school (conveniently located on the other side of the test course), memorized the course, and was coached by the former cop driving instructor about what to say, and where to do what.
I took the test again the next day (same tester) and he was blown away by much I had "improved". Uh, no buddy, all I did was ham it up by announcing all turns and actions in advance.
Out of the 23 foreigners that took it that morning, 3 of us passed. I was the only one driving a manual transmission so I got to go first (definitely easier when there are no high-school kids weaving around the course). The other two that passed were a 19 year-old Brazilian who had gone through the whole driving course, and been in Japan since childhood. And the other one was an Indonesian married to a Japanese guy that had taken the test 8 times.
- So, if you are competent driver and know the Japanese road signs and rules etc., just do the 2 hour course at the driving school to get experience, and you can indeed pass.

[sublight]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to BigInJapan again.

Thanks for the info! How much did the 2-hour course cost?

[Samurai_Jerk]

My version of the driving written and practical tests goes like this.
After driving several years on a yearly renewed intl. driver's permit, I had to switch over when they started enforcing the law about 10 years ago.
- I took the written test in English, but asked for a Japanese copy as well, due to the fact that several questions in English were indecipherable. By reading the Japanese I managed to pass. As this is not an option for many that would take the test, I offered my translation corrections (not sure if they made use of them though).
- I had been driving in Japan for about 8 years so I figured the driving test would be a breeze. I knew that you had to memorize the driving course, so I did that as well as possible in my head. When it came to the test (in a taxi-like Toyota crown), I thought I did pretty well. However, the tester (a gruff looking 50's oyaji who probably last smiled in the 1960's) said that I hadn't decelerated smoothly enough in the straightaway (only have about 80m, so practice is essential), and that I had not announced my intention to turn at one corner.
Definitely a complete scam. So, as my license was expiring in 3 days, I made an appointment to take the test again in 2 days. The next day, I took a 2 hour course at the driving school (conveniently located on the other side of the test course), memorized the course, and was coached by the former cop driving instructor about what to say, and where to do what.
I took the test again the next day (same tester) and he was blown away by much I had "improved". Uh, no buddy, all I did was ham it up by announcing all turns and actions in advance.
Out of the 23 foreigners that took it that morning, 3 of us passed. I was the only one driving a manual transmission so I got to go first (definitely easier when there are no high-school kids weaving around the course). The other two that passed were a 19 year-old Brazilian who had gone through the whole driving course, and been in Japan since childhood. And the other one was an Indonesian married to a Japanese guy that had taken the test 8 times.
- So, if you are competent driver and know the Japanese road signs and rules etc., just do the 2 hour course at the driving school to get experience, and you can indeed pass.

If you transfer your foreign license to a Japanese one like you did and like I've done, the written test is ridiculously easy now. I took the English version last year and it was only 10 questions. You pass if you answer 8 correctly and none of them were in mangled Engrish so they must have made some improvements.

The driving test is also someone more simple but the only reason I passed on one try with no points deducted is I did three hours of driving instruction at a school. For about 30,000 yen. A lot of schools offer course like that for between 30,000 and 50,000 yen so it's worth looking into if you're worried at all about passing the test.

It's exacly like BIJ says. It's all about hamming it up. You have to exaggerate all your actions so, for example, when you check your blind spot make sure you don't just turn your neck a little, make sure you twist at the torso and your leg moves a bit. That's the kind of advice they gave me at the driving school and it worked. The cop said it was obvious I had practiced at a driving school and he was very impressed at how well I understood the test. I think I also got lucky because he looked about 5 years younger than me, was very friendly, and there was a fairly cute girl taking the test too and that seemed to put him in a good mood.

[Yokohammer]

I took the English version last year and it was only 10 questions.

Holy crap! The full-blown Japanese exam is 100 questions!
You're so tired near the end that it's easy to make mistakes.

[Taro Toporific]

Twenty-three years ago when I got my Japanese license, all I had to do is give them my Illinois (USA) license, take an eye test and watch a boring safety movie which they told me to skip since it was all in Japanese.
I don't remember any paper test--a copy of Japan's Rules-of-the-Road in engrish was only a suggested purchase AFTER they issued me my J-license. No driving test. In-and-out in 60 minutes.

I got into a little bit of an argument after receiving my first Japanese license. I discovered that my motorcycle and chauffeurs endorsements from my US license weren't indicated on my new J-license. They finally admitted to me that no 1-kyu handicapped person in Japan had been issued a motorcycle and chauffeurs endorsement and that an FG like me sure wasn't going their first test case.

However, a few years ago, while renewing my license in Yokohama, I bugged them again if I could get my motorcycle endorsement transfered from my US license. They said, "daijobu," and plopped me onto a Honda Cub that was attached to simulator platform and video screens. I failed that simulator test, but the test was fair (and I was crap). We all had a good laugh.

Then for fun---not as an requirement, they asked me to try out their braking test simulator with videos of braking hazards, which made from the front half of a Toyota Crown taxi cab. It was totally impossible for me to fit in the non-adjustable seat---I never thought about it but Japanese taxi seats don't adjust. The cab's headliner was at my chin level, the brake, clutch and accelerator pedals were close to my knees.

[American Oyaji]

Actually in 1995, I basically did the same thing. I never had a U.S. drivers license, but I had the base license translated by the J-Cop that worked with the security police on base and stamped. Took it up to the license center and after a bit, I got my license. I think it took so much time because they were kibitzing on whether to accept it or not.

I also think that your attitude helps when dealing with bureaucratic types. If you expect it to be done and then just ignore them and turn away and look around while they get on with it, I think most times, they'll just ignore their pedantic tendancies and get on with it.

I had a banker tell me the other day that they don't do cashier's checks for non-account holders. I told her, "Sure you do. I give you the money and you give me the check. You've done it before." She walked away to check (for the third time) and processed my request.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Speaking of driving simulators, if you go to the JAF in Tokyo to pick up a copy of the rules of the road in English or have your foreign license officially translated into Japanese you'll notice driving simulator in the waiting area. For some reason you have to have a valid license to try it out. Fucking weird.

[BigInJapan]

Thanks for the info! How much did the 2-hour course cost?

I think it was around 5,000 yen at the time.

Also, this was before Canada had a reciprocal agreement with Japan.
Now Canucks do not have to take the tests, just convert their license to a Japanese one (Americans still have to do both though).
This site has some info (they charge to help foreigners in getting a J license).

[PileOWank]

If you transfer your foreign license to a Japanese one like you did and like I've done, the written test is ridiculously easy now. I took the English version last year and it was only 10 questions. You pass if you answer 8 correctly and none of them were in mangled Engrish so they must have made some improvements.

I call bullshit on this part... at least in Kanagawa. There was one question where they put you in the situation where a policeman is directing traffic through an intersection. You're supposed to be able to say what exactly it means when his arm is down... does it mean that people in all lanes should stop before proceeding, or does it mean that traffic in one direction should act as though they have a flashing red light, while those in the other direction have a flashing red light?

Another one was like "True or false: This auxiliary sign means that the zone indicated in the sign above has come to an end." and the picture they give is a white circle with a blue slash through it. I was like "Really? What the fuck?"

Anyone who says the test is common sense should have their balls crushed in a vice. That said, I passed miraculously on my first try with the bare minimum 70%.

That being said, the advice about the driving test is 100% true and should be required reading for everyone about to take the test. I passed on my second try by craning my neck for EVERY mirror check and saying "MIGI YOSHI" "HIDARI YOSHI" before ANY ACTION whether it be turning, signaling, accelerating, going though an intersection where I have the right away, whatever.

[omae mona]

I call bullshit on this part... at least in Kanagawa.

Actually my recollection is pretty similar to Samurai_Jerk's. This was early 2000s, at Samezu in Tokyo. And it was the "gaimen kirikae" process, to convert from a foreign license to a Japanese license. The written exam (actually on a computer terminal, I think) was something close to 10 questions. I was quite surprised.

[PileOWank]

Actually my recollection is pretty similar to Samurai_Jerk's. This was early 2000s, at Samezu in Tokyo. And it was the "gaimen kirikae" process, to convert from a foreign license to a Japanese license. The written exam (actually on a computer terminal, I think) was something close to 10 questions. I was quite surprised.

Someone who took the test in Tokyo said the questions were like "Is this a stop sign?" so maybe Kanagawa is full of prick cops, or they've recently upped the level of difficulty. I just did the gaimen kirikae thing this year, so I consider the info to be quite up to date.

[AML]

I got a license here, did it in English. Cost me 30man...

But passed it first try. (written test and driving test)

My wife failed the written first time, passed it second time.

Also did my chugata and ogata bike licenses. Passed them first time round. (In JP)

Did it all at Koyama.

I guess since its a "Proper" school the pass rate is higher.

[BigInJapan]

[FG Lurker]

The theory is that hugging the curb in this way blocks bicycle riders -- surely suicidal -- from sneaking up from the left and dangerously rounding the curve with you.

Much of the test is BS I am sure, but after this guy drives here a bit he'll realize that bikes and especially scooters really are suicidal. If you leave them enough space they'll ignore your blinking turn signal and whip past between you and the curb. I sometimes wonder why there are any scooters on the road, they should all have died long, long ago.

[wuchan]

[FG Lurker]

[Coligny]

Much of the test is BS I am sure, but after this guy drives here a bit he'll realize that bikes and especially scooters really are suicidal. If you leave them enough space they'll ignore your blinking turn signal and whip past between you and the curb. I sometimes wonder why there are any scooters on the road, they should all have died long, long ago.

I putted a special look down mirror on my left rearview mirror... as soon as I see a 2 wheeler behind I can safely drive 5 cm from the curb...

How's my driving... 1-800-sucks

My other daily hell is the jushi-kosei riding side by side... the hospital is near the harbour, and that's also where they put a highschool for ungifted and other future social rejects. A good part of the road is unlimited speed (for local roads that mean 60km/h for my crapmobil that means... trying not to be run over by the dump truck behind while painfully reaching said speed...) and quite often you got these dumbarses double riding on both side of the road with cars swerving instead of slowing down... Seriously considering to file a complaint with the school headmaster... But fear a bit of revenge since it's been going on for so long that I can recognize most of the girls and have given them nicknames (horseface, spunkdumpster...) and conversely I'm sure there is no other blue with 2 white stripes car honking/slowing down/stopping on this road at these times in the morning...

Ain't mah life fascinating...

[FG Lurker]

My other daily hell is the jushi-kosei riding side by side...

Juicy HS students eh? "Why don't you take a seat over there..."

[Yokohammer]

My story:

1. Got my first license in High School in the U.S. 40 years ago.*
2. Came back to Japan and got a Japanese license based on that with nothing more than an eye test (things were quite different back then).
3. Let my U.S. license expire while in Japan (didn't think I'd need it anyway).
4. Ended up returning to the U.S. for college and let my Japanese license expire while there (dumb).
5. Lived in Tokyo and Yokohama, didn't need or want a car, so never bothered, until ...
6. Moved to Miyagi in 2009 and decided it was time to drive again.
7. Did the whole Japanese driving school thing from scratch and had a great time (total cost about JPY 280,000). The staff and instructors were great and I often went back to visit and have tea/coffee with the kocho-sensei and reception oba-san (great people).
8. A tsunami comes along and kills almost all the staff and a bunch of students (more than 30 dead just at my driving alma-mater).

The moral: if you want to get the most out of the Japanese driving school experience 1) learn Japanese, 2) then move to the inaka. Just watch out for natural disasters while you're there.

[SIZE="1"]* I'm an Aussie, the U.S. just seemed like a nice place to go to school at the time.[/SIZE]

[osopolar]

mine was pretty simple.

- a few months before my international drivers license was to expire i went and got my US license translated at JAF.

- went to the driving center at the crack of dawn and filled out forms, got a shabby eye test and interrogated over all the stamps on my passport. My state license wasn't in the massive testament of US drivers licenses he had, so he asked me to help him weed through the older designs not used in the state anymore. lol. was entertaining at least.

- passed the written test in english. 10 or so simple questions. (seriously if you get one or two wrong, you shouldn't be behind the wheel.)

- made an appt for the driving test a few days later.

showed up for the driving test.. a large empty reception area filled with about 15-20 something foreigners and two blaring tv sets showing the same video over and over. then comes the course walkthrough. the officer instructor walks all us through a specific course for the test. a short break and then people get split into groups.

..the cars had a fresh set of brake pads. applying the general amount of pressure and the car would jerk forward and stop.. if you didn't get used to it pulling out from the lot you weren't to pass. the woman who went before me only got through about half the course before the instructor told her to head back. get through the course and head back.. hand over the paper the instructor gave me and I'm told to wait until the end of the testing.

in the end a japanese girl who studied abroad and meself were the only ones who passed. woot. filled out more paper work. had to listen to a lecture by the head of the driving center about safety driving and then got around to taking our pictures and receiving our licenses.

pretty sweet deal. all that for under 10,000 yen in total (including train fares)

[canman]

Here is my license story. Got my Canadian license translated by JAF, Y2000, went to the Aomori license testing center since they didn't offer the English test here in Hachinohe. Got there and filled out the required documents, did my 19 question exam in English, yes 19, not 20 or 15, but 19. Took an eye exam and found out that I needed glasses as I had to guess at which way the C was pointing. Thank goodness I guessed correctly. Then it was time to take the drivers test. But this was only year two of me living in Japan, and my Japanese sucked, and the instructor couldn't speak a word of English, so he agreed to let my wife sit in the back seat with the two kids helping to translate for me.
So off we went, me and the instructor in the front, and my wife and the two kids bouncing around the back of a big old Toyota crown, he telling my wife what to do, and she translating. We did one tour of the course, and then it was time for the crank test. The Z like part that is usually in the middle of the driving course. I headed into it and the first time I turned to wide and hit the little plastic bottles hanging down, which usually means you fail, but he told me to go around and do it again. I did and fearful of hitting the plastic things, I cut short and the tire fell off the platform, another failing act. The instructor asked my wife to ask me how long I had been driving, I said I started driving a tractor when I was 10, and got my license when I was 16, I was 28 at the time. At which point he said, "you pass" the only English he spoke. My wife was pissed as when she took the test and made the same crank mistake, she was failed on the spot!

[Samurai_Jerk]

It must really depend on the testing center. In Tokyo it was no problem and I didn't feel like there were any BS tricks going on.

By the way, if you're doing gaimen kirikae and end up taking the driving test with a bunch of other foreigners, it isn't necessarily because they are discriminating against you. The test for converting your foreign license to a Japanese one is a little different from the test for people who are just getting a license. When I took the test there only 3 other people. They were all Japanese but had all got their licenses in the US.

[Yokohammer]

The test for converting your foreign license to a Japanese one is a little different from the test for people who are just getting a license.

No shit. The written test for people who have graduated from a local driving school is 100 questions. That's one hundred questions, and there's a time limit. If you're not fresh when you begin you'll start making stupid mistakes towards the end.

On the other hand there is no driving test. The school does that and gives you a document to take to the test center that proves you've passed.

Apparently they sometimes do "spot driving tests" at the test center, but even if you goof up it has no effect on whether you get your license or not (unless you do something really stupid).

[Mock Cockpit]

Thank fuck they gave me a five year license last time as every minute spent at the licensing centre is like having a giant leech sucking the will to life out of you.