Hey guys, I’m currently aiming to get my motorcycle license without going through a driving school, but at the same time I also don’t a motorcycle. Are there any places where I can practice with a rental motorcycle before going to the exam itself? Preferably in the Tokyo/Saitama area. Thanks.
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If you already have riding experience/a license from another country, I could understand wanting to skip school.
If you don’t? I’d strongly advise against this.
You need to find private property with pavement that has a bike. Wether it’s a friend or a business. As far as I’m aware, that’s the only way you’d be able to practice on a bike without enrolling in school.
Gentsukis are 50cc and legal with a DL. There’s also a 50cc MT bike you’re allowed to ride as well but I don’t know the name or maker.
Rental company won’t rent to you without a license, which makes sense if you consider how mush it costs to repair a bike, even after a minor fall.
Some dirt bike club may let your ride their bike on their track, those are typically not street-legal anyway. Expect to pay quite a bit and get a clunker. After all you’re a beginner.
Do you have a IDP that lists a motorcycle endorsement? If so places like Rental 819 will rent to you. I have no experience with them or their bikes though other than hearing people talk about renting from them.
If not (ie you’re an unlicensed driver) driving school is pretty much your only hope.
Additionally – the driving school will teach you how to pass the test not necessarily how to ride the motorcycle. It might be worth it to see if they have a couple of hours of riding you could do with an instructor. Some of the things are very picky and not intuitive especially if you’re an experienced rider.
The test is really difficult.. you can expect probably 5 or 6 times to take the test and you have to pay each time … plus half the day waiting