Hey guys, I’m planning to convert my Philippine’s driver’s license. As I read stories about how difficult it is to convert a driver’s license, most people had to take more than twice. Is there anyone who passed the driving test in their first take? Can you share us the your story? how did you do it? Thanks.
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I passed my driving test first try. However, I went to a driving school and took seven hours of lessons, including one hour on the actual test course I took my test on.
Lessons cost about 40,000 yen, and it was well worth it.
The secret to passing your test on the first try is taking driving lessons at a driving school located near or next to the testing center. They’ll likely have an instructor who also works for the driving center as well
I’m still taking the test for drivers license here in Japan. Failed twice. (Not yet passed, for learner’s permit) 3rd time will be on 17th.
For converting I think you need all the documents and it’s translated version(including red ribbon). Rules in Philippines and Japan is quite different, would suggest taking a simple driving lesson if you’re already experienced.
They’re very strict on the safety end of driving test.
I passed on the third try with no lessons, just practicing on the course itself, as they offer the track to Public use on the weekends for a small fee
Passed on the first try, no lessons or any money spent other than the 4000 yen for the test itself. It’s not hard if you know what they want and don’t do stupid things like drive over the curb.
Passed first try. Took a course with an instructor on a track similar to the one used for my test. Took 2 courses (1 hour each) and read the drivers manual book thing you can get to help you pass
The only thing more difficult in Japan is getting Permanent Residence.
I still have nightmares. The best option is to pay for the school if you have the money. I took it straight and failed the inside course 5 times and the outside course 5 times but really I probably passed on the second try both times they don’t tell you what you did wrong. It’s a money racket futamatagawa since I took it straight it’s less money so they want to fail you so you spend more money. Don’t get angry with them they’ll enter it in the computer and the next time they’ll fail you again and I’m a seasoned driver. They have courses ABCDEF 3 drivers in the car and you do not know which one you will be so you have to study all the courses on your own time
First time passer here; I had a friend who was kind enough to let me borrow his car twice to practice with. He also helped me understand that the passing is not only about your driving skills, but your understanding of Japanese road rules AND norms/habits, and also your exam-taking skills.
I recommend looking up driving test videos on YouTube (it will likely be in Japanese); even better if you can find a test for your prefecture.
The courses are different per prefecture so you’d be better off either taking lessons or asking people who live in the same prefecture as you
I had been a US driver for decades. Took Japanese test after having studied the book and rules. No driver’s school. Failed first test because I was too coast-y at stop signs. Tightened up my understanding a bit and took second test soon afterwards. Passed.
30 years ago. Have had it ever since. Easy to renew with just a bit of paperwork and watching a video at the local police headquarters.
I passed first time. One key is to pay for the weekend practice course, it was something like 15k yen for a couple hours but it taught me how the test proctor wants certain things done as well as getting familiar with the route to take. By the time I took my test later that week, I knew the entire course and could run through it in my head so there was no uncertainty. I just drove the course and passed.
I hear how easy it is to pass or not depends on where you take it.
I failed my first time because I left too much space between my car and the curb while moving – no joke. Others told me that was just an excuse and they fail everyone who is converting a license. But it was a long time ago too, who knows.
Also converted to Japanese license. Passed first time no issues at all. I took one lesson on a driving school because my license also had a heavy motorcycle (no cc limited) license and I haven’t drove one of those for a long time. All went smoothly and in a few hours had my license converted.
Also read and heard stories about how difficult it is but it turns out to be really easy. Only thing is to remember the map on the test itself if you take a motorcycle test. If just a car license then you have the instructor with you to tell you where to turn. Good luck
If you already have driving experience the tests are not that hard.
Get a rules of the road book and become familiar with all the road signs, lines, etc. Other parts of the test are just common sense answers.
The driving test is not difficult- just drive like you have a cop following you. Exaggerate your driving a bit, stop thoroughly, look each way by moving your head, use your signals in advance, check crosswalks, visible use you rear and side mirrors, etc. Let other people drive before you so you can see how they do things.
Most people were failing the crank turns which was a single lane road where you need to take a 90 left followed quickly by a 90 right.
I passed on my first try in Saitama at Konosu. Unless this location is different from the other ones (which I doubt) It was much easier than everyone on Reddit makes it sound. You can watch YouTube videos to see the actual test and they explain everything. Before you take the driving test they explain how the scoring system works, what is expected to pass and how to pass. If you follow the directions you will pass, it’s simple.
Also a lot of people on Reddit say incorrect stuff about the scoring. You need to get a minimum score and you lose points for each mistake with some costing more than others. They go over all of this before the test.
They won’t pass you the first time if you don’t pay for driving school.
It’s a business, so they need to fail you a few times on purpose to get that paper.
Do really bad on purpose the first two times then show your “improvement” after that .
I farted in the car when I took my test but it was quiet and I don’t think the instructor noticed.
Anyways, you’re gonna be fine. As others have said, it’s more important to focus on what not to do and there’s loads of videos on YouTube explaining what will make you fail. You’ll be okay 😀
I didn’t have any problems with the driving test. Getting them to accept my US driver’s license was another story.