Complete Guide to Japanese Driver's License Written Exams (2026 Latest Version): Complete Analysis of Foreign License Conversion, Provisional License and Full License
Detailed Explanation of the Three Major Types of Japanese Driver's License Written Test Questions: New 50-Question System for Foreign License Conversion, 50-Question Provisional License Test, and 100-Question Official Full License Test. It includes high-frequency error-prone test points, comparison of Sino-Japanese driving rule differences, and efficient question-drilling exam preparation methods.
Foreword
Many Chinese residents in Japan share a common confusion: How difficult is the Japanese written driving test? What does it cover? How to prepare for it?
This article compiles the complete knowledge system of the Japanese driving license written (subject) examination, covering the question characteristics and high-frequency test points of three test types: Foreign License Conversion (Foreign License Exchange), Provisional License, and Regular License, to help you prepare systematically and pass the test on your first attempt.
1. What types of written driving tests are there in Japan?
When taking a driving test in Japan, the written exam you need to take varies depending on your situation:
| Test Type | Eligible Candidates | Number of Questions | Full Score | Passing Score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Foreign License Conversion (Subject Examination) | Holders of foreign driving licenses applying for a Japanese license | 50 questions (effective from 2024) | 50 points | 45 points (90% pass requirement) | | Provisional License Subject Examination | Learners taking full driving courses from scratch in Japan (Phase 1) | 50 questions | 50 points | 45 points | | Regular License Subject Examination | Learners taking full driving courses from scratch in Japan (Phase 2) | 95 questions + 5 illustration scenario questions | 100 points | 90 points | | Class 2 License Subject Examination | Applicants for commercial driving licenses (e.g. taxi drivers) | 95 questions + 5 illustration scenario questions | 100 points | 90 points |
Most Chinese applicants choose the Foreign License Conversion route — exchanging their Chinese driving license for a Japanese one, which requires passing 50 written questions.
2. Foreign License Conversion Written Test: Detailed Explanation of the New 50-Question System
Effective from April 2024, the subject examination for Foreign License Conversion has been upgraded from the original 10 questions to 50 questions, with the passing threshold raised from 7 points (70%) to 45 points (90%), making the test significantly more difficult.
Test Format
- All questions are True/False (○/×) judgments (select ○ for correct statements, × for incorrect statements)
- Test duration: 30 minutes
- Tests are held at the Driver's License Examination Center of each prefecture
- Available languages: Japanese only (some regions offer English versions, no Chinese version is currently available)
Classification of High-Frequency Test Points
① Basic Traffic Rules (highest proportion)
- Right-of-way priority on roads (priority order at intersections)
- Applicable scenarios for temporary stop and slow-down
- Speed limits (60km/h on general roads, 100km/h on expressways, etc.)
- No-overtaking zones (inside tunnels, 30 meters before intersections, etc.)
② Sign and Road Marking Judgment
- Regulatory signs (no entry, one-way traffic, etc.)
- Differences between instruction signs and warning signs
- Meanings of road surface markings (solid yellow lines, dashed white lines, etc.)
③ Hazard Prediction & Real-World Scenarios
- Proper handling when pedestrians are crossing the road
- Correct operations when emergency vehicles (ambulances, etc.) are approaching
- Precautions for night driving and rainy-day driving
④ Vehicle Structure & Inspection
- Key inspection points for tires, brakes and lights
- Cargo load limits and maximum passenger capacity
Examples of Frequently Missed Questions
Question: When making a right turn at an intersection, you may pass with priority as long as the traffic light is green, even if oncoming vehicles and pedestrians are crossing the road.
Answer: ×
Explanation: Even if the traffic light is green, you must yield to oncoming straight-going vehicles and crossing pedestrians when turning right, and cannot force your way through.
Question: Unless otherwise specified, the maximum speed limit on general roads is 60 kilometers per hour.
Answer: ○
Explanation: The legal maximum speed on general roads in Japan is 60km/h, not 80km/h as in many parts of China, which is a test point that Chinese applicants often get wrong.
3. Provisional License Written Test (Provisional License Subject Examination)
The provisional license is the first hurdle of Japan's local driving test. You can only start on-road training (on-road lessons) after passing this test.
Test Characteristics
- 50 True/False questions, 45 points required to pass
- Content focuses on basic traffic laws and regulations
- Tests are held at the driving school
Core Test Points
- Traffic light meanings — Meanings of yellow arrow signals and flashing signals
- Priority roads — How to distinguish wide roads and priority roads
- No parking/stopping zones — Within 5 meters of intersections, within 10 meters of bus stops, etc.
- Traffic lanes — Driving rules on roads with 2 or 3 lanes per direction
4. Regular License Written Test (Regular License Subject Examination)
The regular license written test is the most difficult stage, consisting of 95 True/False questions + 5 illustration scenario questions, with a full score of 100 points. You need to score 90 points or above to pass.
Illustration Scenario Questions Are the Difficulty Point
Each scenario question provides a road scene image, asking "What are the particularly dangerous risks you should pay attention to in this scene?". You need to select 2 most dangerous options from 3 given choices. You get full points for this question only if both selected options are correct, and 0 points if even one option is wrong.
Common scenarios:
- Children suddenly darting out from behind parked vehicles in residential areas
- Sideswipe accidents at intersections (getting into collisions with motorcycles or bicycles when turning right/left)
- Merging conflicts with rear vehicles when entering expressways
Differences from the Foreign License Conversion Test
| Dimension | Foreign License Conversion | Regular License | |---|---|---| | Number of questions | 50 | 100 | | Passing threshold | 90% | 90% | | Scenario questions | None | 5 questions | | Test venue | Driver's License Examination Center | Driver's License Examination Center |
5. Preparation Tips: How to Practice Questions Efficiently?
Step 1: Confirm which test you are taking
Foreign License Conversion applicants → Focus on practicing 50 True/False questions
Local driving test applicants → Cover all 95 regular questions + 5 illustration scenario questions
Step 2: Prioritize mastering high-frequency easily-missed questions
Chinese driving license holders need to correct two inherent thinking biases:
- Different speed perception — The speed limit on general roads in Japan is 60km/h (while it is 80km/h in many regions of China)
- Left-hand traffic — Japan follows left-side driving rules, and the right-of-way logic for right turns is the opposite of that in China
Step 3: Recommended Question Bank Platform
This site provides a complete question bank with Chinese explanations covering Foreign License Conversion, Provisional License, Regular License and Class 2 License, supporting Chinese-language question reading:
Start practicing Japanese driving license written questions now
Step 4: Take Mock Exams
Recommended practice volume:
- Foreign License Conversion: Practice at least 500 questions to ensure you are familiar with all types of test questions
- Regular License: Practice at least 1000 questions, including no less than 50 scenario questions
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a Chinese version of the Foreign License Conversion written test?
A: Currently most prefectures only provide the Japanese version, and some offer the English version. Chinese versions are extremely rare, so you need to prepare for the Japanese test.
Q: Can I retake the written test if I fail?
A: Yes, but rules vary by region. Test centers in Tokyo (Samezu, Fuchu, Koto Driver's License Examination Centers) usually allow you to book the next available test date.
Q: Do I need to take driving lessons if I exchange my Chinese driving license for a Japanese one directly?
A: For Foreign License Conversion, you only need to pass the written test and the skill test. You do not need to attend classes at a driving school, but you still need to take the practical skill test at the examination center.
Q: For applicants who started the Foreign License Conversion process before 2024, do they still take the old 10-question test?
A: No. All applications submitted after April 2024 follow the new 50-question system.
Summary
| Your Situation | Required Written Test | Difficulty | |---|---|---| | Hold a Chinese driving license and want to exchange it for a Japanese one | Foreign License Conversion 50 questions (90% pass requirement) | ★★★☆☆ | | Take full driving courses from scratch in Japan | 50 Provisional License questions + 100 Regular License questions | ★★★★☆ | | Apply for a commercial driving license (taxi, etc.) | 100 Class 2 License questions (90% pass requirement) | ★★★★★ |
It is recommended to practice 30 questions every day starting from today, and you will have a very high pass rate after two weeks of consistent practice.
Click to enter the question bank, practice Japanese driving license written questions for free →