DPP ：：： 十 ten - Japanese Drivers License Lessons

"Don't let your education get in the way of your learning."
- Mark Twain

Today - I had a day off of Japanese school but learned many lessons outside the classroom. Here is a glimpse at a few points I learned.

• Taking a drivers license test is a LONG process in Japan. 2 hour commute + 30 minutes processing paperwork + 1.5 hours waiting + 10 minute processing more papers + 1 minute eye test + 20 minute waiting time + 10 min. written test (in English) +10 min. waiting time + 15 minute mini driving lecture (in Japanese) + 20 minutes waiting time + 15 min. behind the wheel test (in Japanese)+ 1 minute to be told you didn't pass + 10 minutes to schedule your next attempt + 2 hour commute home = LONG day
• Paperwork is very important! You must bring with you:
  
  • Your current passport (and any previous passports)
  • Your foreign driver's license
  • Photo
    
  • The translation of your foreign driver's license (go to Japan Auto Federation for this)
    
  • Your Gaikokujin Torokushou (foreigners ID card, also known as alien registration card)
  • proof of residence in current prefecture (go to local gov. office for this)
    
  • Money (2,400 yen (aprox.$25) for the test)
    
• Although the officials giving the test were strict - they can smile!
• When the test giving official compliments your driving skills it doesn't mean you've passed.
• Hugging is good. Hitting is Bad! Major mistakes (like hitting the curb) can bring your test drive to an immediate stop (aka failure). Minor mistakes (like not hugging the curb before turning) will be tallied as you complete the course - more than 3 minor mistakes and you fail. I didn't hit the curb - but apparently I didn't hug close enough either!
  
• Having an International Drivers license from AAA in the US was a HUGE help in becoming used to driving on the left side in Japan (Its quick & easy to get too, but only lasts 1 year.)
  
• When the official asks about your previous driving experience, you should know the Japanese word for license is 免許証　めんきょしょう menkyoshoo' NOT 　けえむしょ　刑務所　'keemusho'. I meant to say 'In Japan have had an international (drivers) license.' (日本で外国めんきょしょうが入りました。 Nihon de gaikoku menkyoshyoo ga hairimashita.）But instead it came out something like - 日本で外国けいむしょに入りました。Nihon de gaikoku keemusho ni harimashita. 'In Japan I entered an international prison.' The confused/surprised look on his face was a good clue I'd made a mistake. Opps!
  
• When they say 9 out of 10 foreigners fail the test the first time they're not kidding. I think only 1 person in my group of drivers passed today. (Korean, Chinese, Brazilian, Japanese/American, etc.)
  
• When they say you've done well but they want to challenge you to try again. Rather than think - 'Oh no, I've failed and this is going to cost me another day and more money.' It's more encouraging to think - 'They must have liked me so much they're inviting me back'.
• I'm scheduled to visit again for the driving test, Wed. Dec. 17 in the morning - sometime after 8:30.
  

Try the road test for yourself online here. For a glimpse of the road signs in Japan click here. To take the 10 question sample written test go here. Will you pass on the first try?

December Project Photos:
Top - waiting area photo was taken just after the crowd of Japanese test takers left for their designated testing site.
Bottom - a photo of the course - the "s" turns and "crank curves" were wicked!
Top clip art - Japanese stop sign - it says "Tomare' or STOP on it.