TOKYO –
Foreign drivers in search of to transform abroad licenses into Japanese ones are more and more turning to driving colleges after more durable guidelines launched final October sharply decreased cross charges for each written and sensible checks.
The license conversion system permits holders of international driver’s licenses to modify to a Japanese license after passing information and expertise checks. The system got here beneath scrutiny final 12 months after criticism that the method was too straightforward, with some candidates capable of cross the information test with out finding out and others acquiring licenses utilizing lodge addresses regardless of not being registered residents in Japan.
Before the modifications, candidates handed the information test by answering no less than seven of 10 illustrated questions appropriately. After the revision, the take a look at was modified to 50 questions with out illustrations, and the required rating was raised from 70% to 90%. The sensible expertise test was additionally expanded to incorporate new objects akin to railroad crossings and hill begins, whereas scoring was made stricter.
According to the National Police Agency, greater than 75,000 folks transformed international licenses in 2024, a 2.5-fold improve over 10 years. At the identical time, accidents involving international drivers who had obtained licenses by way of the system drew public consideration. In Misato, Saitama Prefecture, elementary faculty youngsters have been injured in a hit-and-run case involving a Chinese driver, whereas on an expressway in Mie Prefecture, a Peruvian driver traveled the improper means.
The authorities stated it wanted to make sure that candidates sufficiently understood Japanese site visitors guidelines. Since the stricter guidelines took impact, the affect has been vital. The cross price for the information test fell from 92.5% to 42.8%, whereas the cross price for the sensible expertise test dropped from 30.4% to 13.1%, in line with the National Police Agency.
Driving colleges have additionally seen a change. Takamatsu Driving School in Kagawa Prefecture stated the variety of international college students rose from about 80 to roughly 120 final fiscal 12 months. The faculty has ready video supplies with English subtitles to assist candidates deepen their understanding of Japanese site visitors guidelines.
In Chiba Prefecture, one driving faculty stated inquiries from foreigners who’ve failed the license conversion take a look at have surged just lately. Among these coaching was Ka, a Chinese lady who got here to Japan in January final 12 months and plans to proceed residing within the nation. She has practiced a number of occasions, however nonetheless struggled with guidelines that differ from these in China.
During a lesson, an teacher repeatedly corrected her place when she tried to make a proper flip at an intersection. In China, automobiles drive on the precise, whereas in Japan they drive on the left, and Ka mistakenly entered the precise lane as an alternative of the left. When turning left, she additionally mounted the curb, prompting the teacher to inform her that she ought to have backed up.
After extra apply, Ka started to deal with turns extra easily. She additionally educated on railroad crossings and hill begins, each of which have been added to the sensible test after the rule modifications.
Ka handed the information test in January, however failed the sensible expertise test. If she passes the subsequent sensible test, she will acquire a Japanese license. If she fails, nonetheless, the validity interval for her information test will expire, forcing her to start out the method once more from the start.
Ka now lives in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, after marrying a Japanese man final 12 months. She stated every day life is inconvenient with no automobile. The nearest prepare station is about 20 minutes from her house by bus, however buses run solely a few times an hour. A big grocery store is about half-hour away by automobile, which means she wants her husband to drive her when procuring. When she is alone, she not often goes out, and tending the family backyard has grow to be her solely interest.
Her husband stated she had labored significantly and laborious, including that he hoped she would by some means cross.
On the day of her sensible expertise take a look at, Ka went to the take a look at website with confidence from her classes. About three hours later, the consequence got here again: she had failed once more. Still, she stated she would apply once more, and she or he plans to retake the method from the information test this month.
Source: FNN