Motorcycle License in Japan: Part 1 - The paperwork and written test (Converting a Foreign License)

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You came to Japan and you want to RIDE!
Here are the first steps. Everyone that wants to convert their license will need to follow these steps. There are countries that are exempt from taking the written test that I talk about in this video. People with licenses from those countries also do not need to take the driving test. LUCKY!!!
Countries exempt from taking the written and driving tests:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
USA (only State of Maryland)
Useful links - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) - License Translation
www.jaf.or.jp/i...
JAF International Service Counters:
www.jaf.or.jp/i...
Kanagawa Prefecture Information:
www.police.pre...
www.police.pre...
Information about exchanging the test is available in:
Korean, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Vietnamese, Persian, and Russian
The written tests are probably available in the same languages.
Japan has 47 prefectures so I do not have links to the driving test centers in all of them. If you live in that prefecture, feel free to post a link in the comments.
Info about International Driving Permits:
japan.usembass...
www.keishicho.m...
How do I get a motorcycle license in Japan?
How do I convert my American license to a Japanese license?
How do I change my US license to a Japan license?

Опубликовано:

11 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 83

@retro_xx2469 6 лет назад

Loved this it is a rlly clear video! Thanks u! I’m too young right now XD but I liked this vid so when I’m older hopefully I can use this vid to help me convert my licence if I wanna! Thank for the his vid!!!

@team819s 6 лет назад

I always look forward to having more people to ride with!

@salmanmahmood5065 4 года назад

Thanks, after watching this video, I get my license after 1st try

@team819s 4 года назад

Congrats!!! I hope you love riding here as much as I do!

@Nepalpali 2 года назад

Thank you very much for educational videos.

@team819s 2 года назад

You're welcome! I hope they helped!!!

@user-no7ii2jd6c 5 лет назад

For US licenses you can get the beginner restriction removed if you submit your official driving record *and* your supporting documents show that you lived in the US longer than one year. Official driving records can usually be requested by mail and carry’s a watermark: usually the state seal.

@codylum9054 2 года назад

Do they require a specific support document? Or anything that shows you lived in the US like a diploma or bills/paystubs?

@user-no7ii2jd6c 2 года назад

@@codylum9054 I think they accept utility bills and paystubs, not sure if a diploma counts. FWIW I used my W-2's and had no problems... though this was a few years ago, best check the website for up to date info.

@ero_0yaji 2 года назад

I have 1 license for both Car and Bike. When I convert do I have to give both car and Bike tests together or I can get just the car license converted?

@team819s 2 года назад

The car and motorcycle licenses have to be converted separately. I am not sure where you are from but in the US, we have one license with all of our qualifications on it. It is the same in Japan. One license will have different markings for all of your qualifications.

@GoriGorira8 5 лет назад

Thanks man, unfortunately I had no time before my home country license expired, so I have to do everything from the beginning

@TexasMadeFood 6 лет назад

Awesome video

@besthealthykitchen6287 6 лет назад

Great video ! But it's little different in my country :)

@aminhoriba3056 4 года назад

Great job & lots of useful info! subscribed! I still have a question though...is there a Manual Transmission test and a separate Automatic transmission test? I'm thinking of getting a 250cc big scooter (Honda Forza or Yamaha XMax) which are automatic. I've never ridden a MT before therefore would like to take the DL test in AT...Is this even possible? any info on this would be appreciated!

@team819s 4 года назад

Hey! Yes, there are automatic and manual licenses. The automatic licenses will only let you ride automatics. A manual license will allow you to ride both. It is possible to get an automatic only license. Are you converting a license or getting a new one? How long will you be in Japan? Is there any possibility of wanted to ride a bike with a clutch in the future? I am asking because if you go to driving school the price difference between licenses is not significant. A manual license will allow more options down the road. Personally, I like manual better but there will be a steeper learning curve to get manual. The easy route would be automatic. Thanks for subscribing. I hope I helped!

@aminhoriba3056 4 года назад

@@team819s Hi ..thanks for the prompt reply! I just recently got my Japanese driver's license, I had to start from scratch because my Candian DL had expired during my travels. As you probably know Japanese driving tests are notorious for failing people and in Tokyo rebooking a retest takes forever(4-6 weeks SMH)! Is it the same for the motorcycle test? are there any benefits for already having a Japanese DL? For now, I would like to focus on being able to ride a motorbike with the least hassles ( no driving schools & an easier and faster test) so AT is the way to go for me I believe. I might still have to do a couple of refresher lessons to pass on 1-2 attempts, do you know of any cheaper, short term (per lesson) driving schools in Tokyo ? Your advice is much-appreciated bro!

@Qaisjapan26 2 года назад

Hello brother thank you for the video I have driving test after a few days can I know what the 50 questions for 50cc motorbike test if you know thank you 🙏🏻

@team819s 2 года назад

Sorry. I wish I knew them. I would share them in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I have never taken the test so I don't know what kid of questions they ask. Good luck!!

@HikoKaruga 7 лет назад

Hey! Thanks for your great vidéo. I'm still wondering.. I'm actually considergin to move out in Japan. As a french rider, I have my motorcycle licence since 8 years without restrictions. Do you think it will be ok for me to convert my licence without a 400cc restrictions and without any tests? Let me know, I'm really concerned about it! THanks :))

@team819s 7 лет назад

Hello. French drivers and motorcycle licenses can be converted without a paper test and without a driving test. You don't need to worry! The class of license should be equivalent to what you have now so if you ride over 400cc without restriction, you can do it in Japan too. Thank you for watching!

@SebastienPBoret 4 года назад

@@team819s I am also French with an unlimited motorcycle. Back in 2012, I was always also limited to 400 cc without a test. An unlimited license required lessons/tests if I recall well. Any update on this?

@LearnMandarinChinese 6 лет назад

Great video :)

@hajime5486 2 года назад

I already have my Japanese driver's license. If I already have the license do I still have to take the written again?

@team819s 2 года назад

Ok. I called the Driving Test Center to ask the same questions for myself. I have a bike license but I don't have a car license. They said that I do not need to take the written test again since I have a license. It should be the same for you. If you can, call your local test center to confirm.

@japanrider283 4 года назад

I have been driving a car in Japan for more than 10 years but a year ago I bought a 50cc scooter and really enjoying it but I want to upgrade to 125cc MT, should I enroll at driving school or go directly at licensing center, Im at Aichi Prefecture by the way. Thanks in advance.

@team819s 4 года назад

Hey! I really had to think about this one. If you have the time and the money, it will be a lot smoother if you go to driving school. Most of my friends in Japan (foreigners and native Japanese people) went to driving school to get the next level license. That is what everyone I know would recommend. It is probably your best bet. Personally, I, myself, would go for it without going to school. I am not sure about the process exactly though. I was told by the police officer at the driving test center that most people fail several times if they convert their license or if they try to get it without driving school. It may be a little cheaper this way but it will be more stressful because they will be stricter with the driving test.

@japanrider283 4 года назад

Thanks. Well if money permits I also would like to go to driving school. I also heard they are very strick here in Achi for MT bike license.

@n40798 5 лет назад

Lane splitting is allowed in Japan right?

@jackbramantyo 2 года назад

hi i have a question, in oita everything have to be done by phone (reservation and registration for gaimen kirikae) i wan to ask do you know how i can know the driving course before my test day?

@team819s 2 года назад

I did a bunch of googling and I was not able to find the Oita map. I think you should call the driving test center and ask them how you can get a map. If the center is not too far from you, just go down there and get it. Good luck!!!

@TRAVELDAVE 6 лет назад

Nice vid :)

@Kenndez 3 года назад

As for today the foreigner license exchange is done with a reservation by phone.

@Kenndez 3 года назад

Also the first stamps that they make u buy are now 2.6k yen

@team819s 2 года назад

Thanks for the useful information!!!!

@MarinJapan 3 года назад

So you still need a translation from JAF even if you already have a Japanese car drivers license?

@team819s 3 года назад

If you are trying to convert a foreign license, you will need a translation. They need to verify the information on the foreign license.

@MEEG0L 5 лет назад

So If I have a US drivers license and a Motorcycle license , I still have to take a ton of tests in Japan? the "conversion" process seems ridiculous.

@deanmacleod9423 3 года назад

i would fail just trying to memorize that map!

@team819s 3 года назад

Yeah. I had the same feeling. It's actually not as bad as it looks.

@christinegalang4072 3 года назад

Can you please recommend a reviewer for the written exam. My dad is planning to take the exam but he can’t find a reviewer. TIA😊

@team819s 3 года назад

If he is converting a license, there is no study guide. There are 10 simple, true of false questions. I don't think he needs to do any special studying. I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, let me know.

@christinegalang4072 3 года назад

Thank you! I will let him know.

@camperstar6stringer 6 лет назад

Well, I'm going for my chuugata license. My question is , what Japanese vocabulary should I learn for the driving test. At the moment, I'm not good at understanding even basic words.

@team819s 6 лет назад

I tried my best to remember what exactly was said during my driving test. I don't remember the exact phrases... Sorry. But, here is what I remember being important: The officer will come in at the start of the test and address the whole group. He will explain that you need to know the course. I believe that he said if you make a mistake you should stop and you will be given a chance to correct your mistake. (I heard that is rare, so make sure you memorized the course.) Then he will explain the motorcycles that were prepared for you. Which bike is for which test. There will probably be three prepared, one for each level (kogata, chugata, oogata). He will explain that you need to wear the provided protectors (chest and knee protectors) and that you should have them on and be ready before it is your turn to take the test. He will explain the order that the group will take the test. At the start of the riding test, I said "Yo ro shi ku o ne gai shimasu" and he responded. Then the test started. The only time he spoke during my test was at the balance beam. You need to stop before the beam and then he will tell you when to go. I don't think there will be much talking during the test. The only other things you might want to listen for will be "Stop", "Please go back to the start area" and any instructions if you made a mistake in the course, so things like, turn left, turn right, stop. Good luck! BTW, Are you taking it at Futamatagawa?

@camperstar6stringer 6 лет назад

Thank you so much. No, I'm in Yamaguchi ken. I'll be taking the test in Ogori. I'm not going to go to the schools because at $1400 bucks, that's a good down payment on a bike. Currently I have a scooter and they are fun to ride in the country which is where I'm at most of the time. I just want to get a 250 for I can jam with the other gaijins here. Do you belong to the forum www.gaijinriders.com/forum.php if so let me know. I'd be cool chat'n with you. Thanks a lot for getting back with me. Beautiful day here, but cold.

@1pmcoffee 3 года назад

Hi, in the course map, how do you know when to stop for various activities when the test is ongoing? (like slope descent/40 kmph test, etc) Will the instructor tell where to stop to evaluate the next task?

@team819s 3 года назад

You need to know the rules of the road. You should ride more or less like you would in real life, but a lot safer since they are watching and judging. In Kanagawa, there is no slope (or hill) from motorcycles. If you memorized the course and did a walk around the course before the test, you should know what to do. They are watching from a tower and there is a speaker on the bike. If there are no problems, they will only tell you when to start. If there was a mistake or you have a problem, you can stop and they can tell you what to do. They are evaluating you the whole time. If you are really not sure, ask someone you know that has their license, or go to driving school.

@team819s 3 года назад

You asked about equipment too. I think that you should just be careful with your helmet. In Japan, your helmet needs a "PSC Mark" on it. You will not be stopped by the police for not having it but your insurance may not be valid if you do not wear an approved helmet. The test center does not have a helmet for you. You need to bring your own. Gloves too. Other gear may be a lot cheaper where you are so look around. www.naps-jp.com/ is the shop I go to most. If you have any more questions, let me know. I will try to get back to you more quickly.

@1pmcoffee 3 года назад

@@team819sThank you for your reply. I'll buy the gear asap and give my test! Thanks!

@nicholasgreenberg8909 3 года назад

Can someone please tell me what prefecture actually has a 50cc English written test?

@team819s 3 года назад

I am pretty sure that you can only take the test in the prefecture that you live in. A lot of prefectures have the test in English. What prefecture do you want to take it in?

@nantzstein3311 5 лет назад

Hi follow motard, I don't have a driving license, what to do now? Do I need to go to driving school or police courses? Do I need to have a motorcycle in advance ? Sorry for my English

@jackreacher9351 5 лет назад

Hello, Thanks for the video! I have a question. I only have bike license from my country(India). Is it possible to get Japanese bike license for unlimited class? I don't need a car license though. Can you please let me know?

@BooLee01 6 лет назад

Why do you have to memorize the course? Is this a driving test or a memorization test? Aren't there signs telling you which way to go?

@team819s 6 лет назад

Nope, no signs to tell you where to go. There are a lot of different paths through the course for the different classes of motorcycle. If you make a wrong turn you will lose points. It is already pretty strict so you don't want to lose any points.

@prashantrajdhami1437 4 года назад

How much does it total cost for medium bike or more than medium bike??

@chinkoy999 5 лет назад

Is the riding test course the same to all areas here in Japan?

@KennyinJapan 7 месяцев назад

How much does it costs? Total cost.

@pulasthisandeepa4877 7 лет назад

is the foriegn driving licene important paperwork? i have my country driving licene.So i didnt converte it to foriegn licene. So is that important or not?

@team819s 7 лет назад

Hello. I am not sure I understand your question. If you want to convert your license from your country to a Japanese license, the license from your country is important. You will also need a translation of your old license. That is done at a JAF office. If you are talking about an international license, that is not important. You do not need that. If you want to take the test and get a new license in Japan, you do not need your license from your country.

@pulasthisandeepa4877 7 лет назад

819S ThnQ bro you correctly understood my question and u gave me best answer. 🙏

@team819s 7 лет назад

Thanks! I am glad to help. If you have any other questions, I will do my best to answer them!

@rupuazad7913 6 лет назад

Hey bro. I have license from my country both for car and motorcycle. But I don't have the international driving license. Can I ride motorcycles in Japan ? Please help

@team819s 6 лет назад

Hey! Sorry for the slow reply. No. No International license means you can not ride here. If you have been in Japan more than a year, you need to convert your license to a Japanese one or get a Japanese license by taking the test or driving school. If you have been in Japan less than a year, you can get an International License!

@rupuazad7913 6 лет назад

I have been in Japan for one year. Now can I convert my license to a Japanese license ? If I can where I have to go ?

@sudiptuladhar5665 5 лет назад

if i have foreign licence so how many questions i will solve?

@shanmohod7061 6 лет назад

Can I translate my license using goggle translate??

@team819s 6 лет назад

Shan Mohod No, you can't do it yourself. It needs to be an official translation. As far as I know, JAF is the ONLY place where you can get it done. I believe that they are a trusted source and they notarize it.

@joosey2 5 лет назад

Shan Mohod i know that the video producer answered your question, but from experience, using google translate is absolutely terrible. ESPECIALLY for legal documents. I've been studying japanese myself for almost 1 year and at the beginning, I tried to use it, but realised that its not accurate.

@dipeshk.c2968 4 года назад

Is 16 year's can get bike license

@team819s 4 года назад

Yes. "Gentsuki" (50cc scooter), "kogata" (up to 125cc), and "chuugata" (up to 400cc) are possible at 16. I have heard that insurance for a bigger bike is more expensive for younger people. Check out insurance prices if you are worried about money.

@dipeshk.c2968 4 года назад

@@team819s if I have 400cc license then I can go any where in japan with highroad

@dipeshk.c2968 4 года назад

@@team819s how to get chugata license please explain me

@team819s 4 года назад

@@dipeshk.c2968 I have read that you need to be at least 20 years old to use the highway. You can go almost anywhere on local roads though.

@team819s 4 года назад

@@dipeshk.c2968 If you have a license, then try the conversion process. If you are getting a new license, you need to go to driving school.

@renzaraos6154 4 года назад

@819S What if i was already riding for 3 years and i renewed my license 3-4 months before my departure.How can i remove the "1 year no pillion rider" restriction?