For the longest time I’ve been thinking of getting a car in case of emergencies,
but I have not driven a in my life! I’m scared I won’t get a license because I feel I’d be too nervous and freeze up..is it hard to study in driving school? sadly my Japanese level is still not there also lies a problem, what should I do to get myself prepared if ever I wanna get a license?
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You can take the written tests in English at the license center
Trying to get a driving license from scratch in Tokyo while also having a full-time job is one of the hardest things I’ve ever attempted. Lessons are expensive, and taking the various tests and lessons (of which there are many) involves multiple trips to the very analogue test centre, which far from the centre of town and a long walk from any train station. Tests also tend to be booked out for weeks.
I got as far as passing the practical test on the course, but couldn’t find time to study for or take the second written test before my result expired and I was back to square 1.
One day, I’ll set a week aside and do a gasshuku menkyo somewhere to get it over with fast.
Search this sub for other posts about learning how to drive. There’s information already there.
I learned how to drive here and got a licence.
What kinds of emergencies are you talking about? Most of the time you can call a taxi, for example. Or you could use a car share service. Do you actually really want or need a car?
Of course you still might want to get your driver’s license, but I was wondering what specifically makes you think that owning a car is a good idea.
Car ownership is a liability (primarily a financial one), and if you’re only planning to have/use the car in emergencies, it really isn’t a financially sound decision.
Keeping a car requires annual insurance, tax and maintenance costs, plus shaken every two years. Those costs alone can take anywhere between 70-200k depending on the car, its condition, your age, and location. Then if you live in a big town or city, it’s mandatory to have a dedicated carpark which will cost you anywhere between 10-50k a month – again depending on your location. And all that’s after you’ve managed to get your license, which getting from scratch is pretty expensive (in both time and money). All that for something you’d use in case of emergencies? That’s a real waste.
A car share service like Times Car Share might be better suited in the long-run.
Ambulances and taxies are here for emergencies…
> I’m scared I won’t get a license because I feel I’d be too nervous and freeze up..
No, you won’t get a license because you can’t drive. If you are already getting scared by the thought of getting a license, then please do everybody else on the road a favor and just don’t get a license at all.