Written Test Guide and Practice

If your license is from one of the countries that require tests in order to get a Japanese driver’s license, you will need to submit your documents, take a short written test, and pass a driving test on an enclosed course at a testing center before you can get your license.

The written test tests your knowledge of the basic safe driving and Japanese rules. It is available in English, as well as several other languages (varies by license center). Please be aware that as of October 2025, the written test has changed to a 50-question true/false test and requires you to successfully answer at least 45 questions.

When you pass you will be scheduled for your driving test. If you fail you will need to return, on another day, to re-take the test.

The best preparation is the book “Rules of the Road”.  The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) publishes and sells foreign-language versions of the Rules of the Road to help foreign motorists understand Japanese traffic rules.

We are currently gathering materials to better assist with preparations for the revised written test. Once materials have been prepared, we will update this page accordingly.