Japanese Driver's License

Last week I had the pleasure of getting a Japanese driver's license. It was actually the opposite of pleasure. I'm so glad we don't have to go through this torture to get a license in Japan.

Step 1: Go to the DMV and wait two hours just so you can make an appointment to take the driving test.

Step 2: Arrive on appointed date and spend $21 to take paper test.

Step 3: Pay another $16 to take driving test which less than 1/3 of people pass on their first try.

Step 4: Fail said test for tiny and stupid reasons, such as not pulling in close enough to the curb before turning on to a street to prevent bicyclist from passing you.

Step 5: Reschedule to take driving test.

Step 6: Arrive on time to second appointed day.

Step 7: Wait a long, long, long, long time to take test.

Step 8: Pay $21 + $16 to take test again.

Step 9: Drive the course exactly how they like, but in the end not complain but tell you, "You barely passed and I think you need more practice driving. Go tell them inside you passed."

Step 10: Refrain from talking back to the tester.

Step 11: Tell the office you pass and pay another $15 to get actual license.


Step 12: Wait in lobby to take license's picture.

Step 13: Get license and away on your bicycle.

Even though, I have a license. I don't plan on buying a car anytime soon. I really wanted it in case I feel like running away for the weekend and renting a car. Or if family or friends come to Japan we don't have to waste energy on public transportation and what not.

Unfortunately, if I want to drive Manual in Japan I have to get a MT license. I haven't driven in over six months and I've never driven a MT car from the right side. I thought my chances of success would be higher if I just stuck with AT.