January 4, 2000

Let me spare you the suspense.  I got my Japanese driver's license today on just my second try!  That may not sound like a big deal to the folks back in the U.S., but I'm sure people here can appreciate the accomplishment.

My goal was to get my Japanese license before my international license expires in July.  My first visit to the motor vehicle department had been in late November or early December.  Yukiko and I went just to find out what the process was.  We were told that I would need to supply appropriate documentation so they could determine if I was even eligible to apply for a license!  The documentation included my passport, Maryland driver's license, international driver's license, alien registration, and a Japanese translation of my Maryland driver's license.  We were directed to another agency, Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), to get an official translation done.

The folks at JAF not only did the translation, but were also kind enough to explain the testing process for foreigners.  The test includes a written exam of 10 questions, which they explained as common sense, and a driving course.  Foreigners always used the same course, which is an advantage over the Japanese.  You see, you have to have the course memorized.  A wrong turn will cost you.  Japanese people going for their licenses may be assigned to one of five or six different courses, depending on the order in which they arrived on a particular day.  So, they won't know which course they have to use until about 30 minutes before they take the test.  Basically, it's good to memorize all of them so you're prepared for anything.

Anyway, I received a copy of my test course at JAF for studying.  They recommended taking a driving lesson before taking the test.  I did this, and I think it was certainly beneficial.  Yukiko rode in the car as interpreter.  The driving instructor took me through the course several times during my hour lesson pointing out what the test adjudicator would be looking for.  He made it clear that driving on the test course was very different from driving on the road, and I needed to show that I understood the rules of the course.  I needed to make a big show of observing the road, even before getting into the car.  Once in the car, I had to adjust the seat and rear view mirror, check the side mirrors, lock the door, fasten the seatbelt, and then start the car and give a right turn signal.  With the car started, my foot on the brake, the car in drive, and the emergency brake released, I then had to check the rear view mirror, check the right rear, check the left rear, check the right front, check the left front, heck the right front again, and then proceed onto the course.

While driving through the course, my instructor kept after me to keep as far left as possible, almost driving along the outside line of the lane.  Also, before making a turn I had to give a signal and exaggerate looking first in the rear view mirror and then to the rear in the direction of the turn (to spot pedestrians and bicycles).  For right turns, I had to merge as close to the center as possible (so other cars could pass on the left).

(Continued)