Driver's license conversion written and practical tests
Table of Contents
Written test
The knowledge test is offered only on Wednesdays from 10AM - you must complete the document screening process by the day before the knowledge test (i.e. you cannot take the knowledge test on the same day you visit them for the document screening process)
※You have to get 7 questions correct out of 10 questions to pass the test.
※You can take an online mock test here.
EXAM SCHEDULE
Wednesdays：10:00 〜 15:00am
*Be there by 9:00AM to complete eye exam and aptitude test before the test
WHAT TO BRING
"Knowledge test reservation slip" which you get on the day of document screening
Glasses or contact lenses (only if you wear them when driving)
WHAT TO DO
Arrive by 9AM. At window #1 or #2, submit the "knowledge test reservation slip" you received on the day of document screening.
Receive paperwork, then go to window #6 to pay the fee for the test (2,550JPY).
After the payment, proceed to take an eye test (or they call it an "aptitude test").
After the eye test, go back to window #2 and give the paperwork.
Go to the upper floor, wait until "Examination room A" is opened (it'll be opened around 9:40AM).
Once the room is opened, give the examiner the paper you have.
Tell the examiner the type of driving license you want to get (either "automatic" or "manual")
The examiner then asks you in what language you want to take the test in. Choose your preferred language.
The examiner will lend you a pen and an answer sheet and then takes you to your seat.
Once all the applicants are in the room, the examiner will give explanations about the knowledge test. *Make sure you get information on the time the result will be announced
After the explanations, the examiner will hand out question sheets.
Once you've completed the test, return the pen, answer sheet, and question sheet to the desk placed in front of the examiner, and then leave the room.
Go back to the room by the time indicated by the examiner to get the result.
If you pass, make sure to be the first one to go to window #1 or #2 to make a reservation for the practical test.
Receive a "reservation slip" for the practical test.
Practical test
*You'll have to have an appointment to take a practical driving test after passing the knowledge test.
**If you are to cancel your appointment for the practical driving test, next appointment has to be made at the license center in person.(Contact the Resource Center so we may be able to do it on your behalf)
***If you prefer to take a driving lesson before taking the driving test, please contact Driver's License Academy to request a driving lesson.
(if this is NOT your first test) Pile of papers given to you when you took the test last time
Glasses or contact lenses (only if you wear them when driving)
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear comfortable clothes (nothing too loose-it may get caught in the door or steering)
Wear shoes - avoid open-toed sandals or high heels
WHAT TO DO
BEFORE THE TEST
(IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TEST)Go to window#2 and get a pile of papers from the window.
Go to window #6, pay the vehicle usage fee(1,450JPY) and the test registration fee(2,550JPY) in cash and get revenue stamps (If it's your first test, you need to pay only for the vehicle usage fee)
Take all the paper back to window #2.
You will be directed to the waiting room on the upper floor. Wait until the proctor comes.
Photo: Waiting room on the upper floor
The proctor will hand out an information sheet which contains basic information on what to be aware of during the test. The same information is available here.
After the explanation, the proctor will assign you a number and you will be taking the test in the order of the number.
If you are not the first one to take the test, you will get to sit in the backseat of the testing vehicle to watch the person ahead of you take the test. This will allow you to view the course and see what the person ahead is doing.
After the end of the person's test, you will be asked to leave the vehicle while the proctor explains whether or not the person has passed and what they were marked down for.
Once that person ahead exits the car, wait for the signal from the proctor before entering the vehicle.
DURING THE TEST
Remember that the test starts as you approach the vehicle.
Check under the vehicle from behind the vehicle for small animals and children.
Check under the vehicle from the front of the vehice for small animals and children.
Check the traffic around you before you approach the door.
Open the door slightly, check again for the traffic, and then open the door to enter the vehicle.
As you get in the vehicle, tell the proctor "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu(Nice to meet you / Thank you for your time)".
Adjust the seat, rearview, fasten the seatbelt and make sure everyone on the vehicle fastens the seatbelt.
The proctor will indicate what direction you will have to take.
Before you start moving the car, make sure you check around the vehicle with your own eyes and then start the car.
Put your foot on the brake, put the gear-shift lever into drive, signal your departure with the indicator, then start the car.
Before the actual test is started, you will get to test-drive the vehicle within the course to get the feel of the brake, steering wheel, and so forth. It's not that you are allowed to drive freely during this test-drive, make sure you follow the proctor's guidance for the directions during this test-drive.
After the test-drive, the proctor will tell you that the test is started.
Follow the proctor's guidance during the test.
TIPS
If you drive over a curb during the test, the test will be terminated immediately. However, you are allowed to back up the car up to 3 times (each time will be deduction though). If you feel the wheel hit a curb, come to a complete stop immediately, shift to reverse gear, then make sure to check around the vehicle before backing up the car, and then put the car in reverse.
AFTER THE TEST
After the test, the proctor will tell you whether or not you have passed the exam and explain what you were marked down for. Before this explanation, if the proctor asks you to leave the vehicle and come back in, it's a positive sign that you've passed the test. But do not get too excited. Make sure you carefully check the traffic around the car before/after getting off the car.
