What is Gaimen Kirikae?
Gaimen kirikae (外免切替) is the process of converting a foreign driving licence to a Japanese one. It is available to foreign residents who hold a valid driving licence from their home country and can prove they drove there for at least 3 months after the licence was issued.
トピック
Traffic Rules
23 QsBasic traffic laws, drive on LEFT, legal requirements
Road Signs
23 QsJapanese signs, inverted triangle STOP sign, road markings
Traffic Signals
23 QsRed/green/yellow, green arrows, flashing signals, police hand signals
Speed Limits
23 Qs60km/h general, 100km/h expressway, 30km/h moped
Intersections
23 QsRight-of-way, LEFT vehicle priority at equal intersections
Overtaking
23 QsPass on right, no overtaking zones, 30m rule near crossings
Parking & Stopping
23 QsParking vs stopping rules, distance requirements
Pedestrians & Cyclists
23 QsPedestrian crossing rules, school zones, cyclist safety
Railway Crossings
22 QsAlways full stop, look both ways, no gear shifting on crossing
Expressway Driving
22 QsMin 50km/h, acceleration lane merging, breakdown procedures
Night Driving
22 QsHeadlights, tunnels, high/low beam rules
Weather Conditions
22 QsRain, snow, fog, hydroplaning, black ice
Vehicle Maintenance
22 QsDaily checks, tires, oil, coolant, inspection stickers (shaken)
Emergency Procedures
23 Qs110 police, 119 fire/ambulance, accident response
Drunk Driving
23 QsZero tolerance in Japan, penalties, passenger responsibility
Seatbelts & Child Seats
22 QsAll passengers, child seats under 6
Two-Wheeled Vehicles
23 QsMoped 30km/h max, two-step right turn, helmet required
Large Vehicles
22 QsBlind spots, inner-wheel difference on turns, towing
Driving Posture & Fatigue
22 QsSeat adjustment, mirrors, steering technique, fatigue
Braking & Stopping Distance
23 QsReaction + braking distance, speed relationship
Special Vehicles
22 QsEmergency vehicles, bus priority, streetcar rules
Insurance & Legal
23 QsCompulsory insurance, licence categories, novice/elderly marks