Questions 1-30
Question 1
Of the people who have only recently obtained a regular driver's license, only people who are not confident in their driving display the novice driver sign; people who are confident in their driving are not required to display it.
Answer: False
Explanation: New drivers (licensed for less than one year) are required to display the novice driver sign regardless of their confidence.
Question 2
When driving down a long downward slope, drivers of four-wheeled vehicles should mainly apply the foot brake and drivers of two-wheeled vehicles should mainly apply the brakes on the front and back wheels. Engine braking should be used as an auxiliary.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drivers should use mainly engine braking and apply the foot brake as an auxiliary.
Question 3
If a driver is unavoidably forced to park on an expressway because the vehicle cannot be driven due to a breakdown, etc., the driver must park on a sufficiently wide shoulder or side strip.
Answer: True
Explanation: Park the car in a place where it doesn't impede the progress of other vehicles.
Question 4
If a pedestrian is crossing at or near an intersection that has no pedestrian crossing, a vehicle must reduce its speed, slow down, stop, or take other precautions so as not to hinder the pedestrian's crossing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers should consider pedestrians while driving.
Question 5
Where there is a pavement marking as shown in Figure 1, vehicles are permitted to proceed but must not stop within it.
Answer: True
Explanation: This marking designates a "no stopping zone" where vehicles must not stop.
Question 6
One must not offer or recommend alcohol to someone who may drive later.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is a crime to permit driving when intoxicated.
Question 7
The necessary distance between vehicles on national expressways, assuming a dry road surface and new tires, is about 100 meters at 100 km/h.
Answer: True
Explanation: This amount of distance between vehicles is required when considering the stopping distance.
Question 8
At intersections between roads with three or more lanes in each direction (multi-lane roads) and with traffic control, if there is no indication from traffic signs, etc., general mopeds must execute a right turn using the two-step method.
Answer: True
Explanation: In multilane roads general mopeds, in principle, use the two-step right turn method for safety.
Question 9
When there are passengers getting on and off a streetcar, a driver must stop until all of the passengers or other people finish crossing the road, regardless of whether there is a safety zone or not.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicles may proceed at a low speed when passing a safety zone.
Question 10
On a road where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 2, large-size trucks, specified medium trucks, and special heavy equipment must travel in the leftmost lane.
Answer: True
Explanation: They must travel in the leftmost lane, in principle.
Question 11
The use of a child seat is not required for a preschool child less than six years of age riding in the rear seat of a four-wheeled vehicle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The use of a child seat is required on the rear seat as well.
Question 12
Centrifugal force increases proportionally to the square of speed, and also increases as the radius of the curve decreases.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is a law of nature (law of physics). One must be fully aware of it when driving on a curved road.
Question 13
When a driver is being overtaken by another vehicle, it is not particularly necessary for the driver to give way in their lane, as long as he or she does not accelerate, and even if there is not enough room between his or her vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drivers should give way to the overtaking vehicle by moving over to the left as much as possible.
Question 14
The method of passing around the curve as shown in Figure 3 is correct.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drivers should slow down before the curve and accelerate at the end of the curve.
Question 15
Even when it looks as though there will be a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle, the driver should not give up but should try to avoid the vehicle, even if just a little, by using the brake or steering wheel.
Answer: True
Explanation: A slow speed would result in less damage and increase the possibility of avoiding the collision.
Question 16
If a two-wheeled vehicle is being driven in a position that can be seen from a four-wheeled vehicle, it won't be overlooked by the driver of the four-wheeled vehicle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The driver of a four-wheeled vehicle might overlook a two-wheeled vehicle.
Question 17
Where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 4, vehicles loaded with cargo of a height of up to 3.3 meters from the cargo bed may proceed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Only vehicles with a total aboveground height of up to 3.3 meters may proceed.
Question 18
Parking and stopping are permitted in tunnels with vehicular lanes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Neither parking nor stopping a vehicle is allowed in tunnels with and without vehicular lanes.
Question 19
Some pedestrians such as elderly people and children behave in an unexpected manner, so drivers must carefully observe their movements.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers must fully understand the characteristics of elderly people and children and prepare for an unexpected incident.
Question 20
When parking a regular motor vehicle on a general road in the daytime because of a breakdown, drivers should position an emergency warning reflector device or open the trunk or hood so that other drivers can see that the vehicle is broken down.
Answer: True
Explanation: In order to avoid traffic accidents, it is better to clearly express that the vehicle is broken down.
Question 21
When parking or stopping a regular motor vehicle on a general road at night, even if the driver positions an emergency warning reflector device at the rear of the vehicle, he or she must turn on the hazard lights, parking lights, or tail lamps.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hazard lights, parking lights, or tail lamps are not necessary when an emergency reflector device is positioned.
Question 22
The owner of a vehicle must never lend it to a person who does not have a driver's license or to a person who has been drinking alcohol, or allow it to be taken without permission by others.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vehicle owner should be responsible for automobile use.
Question 23
Where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 5, vehicles must not change lanes or pass on the side in order to overtake automobiles or general mopeds.
Answer: True
Explanation: In a no overtaking zone, vehicles must not change lanes in order to overtake automobiles or mopeds.
Question 24
The hand signal to use when reversing is as follows: signal with the arm extended diagonally downward from the vehicle and the palm facing back, waving backward.
Answer: True
Explanation: The hand signal to be used when reversing is specified as an arm movement.
Question 25
On a downward slope, the increase in speed causes stopping distance to become longer, so drivers should allow more distance between vehicles than when on level ground.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers should allow more distance between vehicles, taking gravity influence (acceleration) into consideration.
Question 26
When an automatic transmission vehicle is stopped and the gear shift is in a position other than Ⓟ or Ⓝ, it will start to move even if the accelerator is not depressed due to the "creep" phenomenon, so the driver should engage the handbrake and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is one of the characteristics of automatic transmission vehicles. Be sure to apply the brakes when the vehicle is stopped.
Question 27
Overtaking or passing a vehicle that is displaying a novice driver or senior driver sign is prohibited.
Answer: False
Explanation: Overtaking or passing is not prohibited, but one must not pass too close to or cut in front of the vehicle.
Question 28
For traffic proceeding in the direction of the thinner arrow as shown in Figure 6, the meaning of the police officer's hand signal and that of the traffic signal are the same.
Answer: False
Explanation: The meaning of the police officer's hand signal is the same as that of the red light but not the same as that of the arrow signal.
Question 29
The seating capacity noted on the motor vehicle inspection certificate does not include the driver.
Answer: False
Explanation: The driver is included in the seating capacity.
Question 30
While driving on a national expressway and the driver feels tired, he or she may enter a sufficiently wide side strip to rest.
Answer: False
Explanation: The side strip or shoulder of an expressway must not be used as a resting place.
Questions 31-60
Question 31
The traffic sign shown in Figure 7 designates a bicycle crossing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The sign designates a bicycle path or a dedicated road for bicycles.
Question 32
Cargo may not be loaded on the seats of a regular passenger vehicle.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cargo may be loaded on the seats unless it obstructs driving.
Question 33
Intersections and their vicinity are the most dangerous and accident-prone parts of the road, so in addition to paying attention to pedestrians and other vehicles, drivers must anticipate hidden dangers in places that can't be seen and proceed at as safe a speed and manner as possible.
Answer: True
Explanation: Many traffic accidents occur at intersections. Careful attention is necessary when proceeding through intersections.
Question 34
Getting a driver's license means not simply that one can drive a vehicle. One must be aware that his or her social responsibilities, such as criminal, administrative, and civil obligations, become more serious.
Answer: True
Explanation: Those who are not aware of their responsibilities in potential accidents are not qualified as a driver.
Question 35
When overtaking another vehicle on a road where the width of the left half of the road is less than 6 meters and where visibility is good, vehicles may cross the centerline into the part of the road on the right (except where prohibited by traffic signs or pavement markings).
Answer: True
Explanation: This is permitted as an exception to the general left-side drive rule.
Question 36
Traffic signs and pavement markings inform drivers of how to proceed, points requiring caution, and other details, in order to ensure that traffic flows safely and smoothly.
Answer: True
Explanation: Traffic signs and pavement markings inform drivers of speed, how to proceed, and other details in an easy-to-understand manner.
Question 37
When unavoidably forced to apply the brakes while driving at high speed, apply with several separate presses of the brake pedal, in addition to using the engine brake effectively.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sudden braking during high speed driving is dangerous because the vehicle loses control.
Question 38
On side strips as shown in Figure 8, light vehicles may proceed but other vehicles are not permitted to enter to park or stop.
Answer: False
Explanation: Light vehicles may not proceed because it is a side strip for pedestrians.
Question 39
Drivers of two-wheeled vehicles may be slow to detect conditions ahead of the vehicle or dangers to the side because the movement of their viewpoint, which emphasizes the road surface, narrows their field of vision.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers of two-wheeled vehicles should try to widen their field of vision.
Question 40
Driving with a suspended license during the suspension period constitutes driving without a valid license.
Answer: True
Explanation: This constitutes driving without a valid license because the suspended license is temporarily invalid.
Question 41
At night when the lights of an oncoming vehicle are too bright, it is best to stare at them so as to quickly get used to their brightness.
Answer: False
Explanation: One should move his or her gaze slightly to the left so as not to be dazzled by the lights.
Question 42
When beginning to overtake a vehicle ahead, in order to finish within a short distance, a driver should move as close as possible to the vehicle and then change lanes.
Answer: False
Explanation: One should avoid moving too close to the vehicle ahead and change lanes slowly.
Question 43
Where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 9, vehicles must not cross the road in order to enter or leave a location that is off the road on the left.
Answer: False
Explanation: It is permissible to cross the road when executing a left turn in order to enter or leave a location facing the left side.
Question 44
The correct riding posture for two-wheeled vehicles is slouching forward so that wind pressure decreases, making driving easy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Slouching too far forward is dangerous because the viewing field becomes narrow.
Question 45
When proceeding through a railway crossing, even if one train has just passed by in one direction, there may be another train approaching from the opposite direction immediately afterward. Therefore, drivers must be sure to check the safety of the opposite direction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Confirmation is necessary when proceeding through a multilane railway crossing.
Question 46
Where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 10 on the road, a driver must proceed as indicated by the black arrow.
Answer: False
Explanation: The driver must proceed as the traffic sign designates (on the left side).
Question 47
The hydroplaning phenomenon, which occurs while driving at high speed, is the wave appearing in the tire that occurs when tire pressure is low.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wave shaped ripples on the tire are called the standing wave phenomenon.
Question 48
The hand signal for slowing down is the same as that for stopping.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both slowing down and stopping are the same signal with the arm extending diagonally downward from the vehicle.
Question 49
If the pressure of the front right tire is lower than that of the front left tire, the steering wheel will pull to the left.
Answer: False
Explanation: The steering wheel will pull to the right because it is pulled to the side with a lower pressure tire.
Question 50
If driving for a long period, a driver should stop driving once every two hours and have a rest.
Answer: True
Explanation: Considering the influence of fatigue, driving for two consecutive hours or longer should be avoided.
Question 51
When vehicle Ⓐ and vehicle Ⓑ are approaching an intersection that has no traffic signal and the streets are the same width, as shown in Figure 11, vehicle Ⓐ may not obstruct the progress of vehicle Ⓑ.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicles approaching from the left have right of way, so vehicle Ⓑ may not obstruct the progress of vehicle Ⓐ.
Question 52
Because visibility is poor when it is raining, in order to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle, it is best to approach the shoulder as close as possible and proceed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drivers should avoid approaching the shoulder because it becomes loose and might crumble on a rainy day.
Question 53
Parking is prohibited within 5 meters of a fire hydrant, a place where firefighting equipment is stored, or a fire alarm.
Answer: False
Explanation: Parking is prohibited within 1 meter of a fire alarm.
Question 54
When executing a right turn, the automobile must initially approach the right edge of the road as closely as possible and slow down immediately inside the center point of the intersection. (Except roundabout.)
Answer: False
Explanation: Automobiles must approach the center of the road when not driving on a one-way street.
Question 55
When the traffic signal is a flashing red light, vehicles must stop or slow down.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicles must stop. Slowing down is not an option.
Question 56
Where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 12, a passenger vehicle with 10 passengers may proceed.
Answer: True
Explanation: The traffic sign shows that the road is closed to passenger vehicles with a capacity of 11 passengers or more.
Question 57
An automobile may stop for ten minutes on a road where there is less than 3.5 meters of space between the right side of the vehicle and the right side of the road while the driver stands beside the vehicle and gives instructions for the loading of cargo.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers are allowed to park when loading or unloading cargo and the driver is immediately available to drive.
Question 58
The owner of an automobile (excluding two-wheeled motor vehicles) must obtain a personal parking place for it that is not on a road and is within 5 kilometers of the address or other base position from which the automobile will be used.
Answer: False
Explanation: The personal parking place must be within 2 km.
Question 59
If the driver notices that the vehicle behind is attempting to overtake the driver's own vehicle, when intending to overtake the vehicle ahead and checking for safety, he or she should give up the attempt to overtake the vehicle ahead.
Answer: True
Explanation: As dangerous overtaking is prohibited, giving up the attempt to overtake is right for safety reasons.
Question 60
The traffic sign in Figure 13 indicates that there is a danger of animals appearing suddenly on the road.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is a warning sign to indicate that there is a danger of animals appearing suddenly on the road.
Questions 61-90
Question 61
If drivers feel even slightly sleepy while driving at night, they should stop the vehicle in a safe location and take a nap or rest for a short time, resuming driving after they feel refreshed.
Answer: True
Explanation: One should not put up with drowsiness but should relieve drowsiness before resuming driving.
Question 62
On a road where there is a traffic sign as shown in Figure 14, large-size and regular motorcycles may not proceed, but general mopeds may proceed.
Answer: False
Explanation: General mopeds may not proceed either.
Question 63
If unavoidably forced to park on an expressway due to a breakdown, the driver (and any passengers) should leave the vehicle and move to a safe location after completing the necessary measures to prevent a collision.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is safer to leave the vehicle and wait somewhere else because there is a danger of a collision with a parked vehicle.
Question 64
Where there is a signboard as shown in Figure 15, only buses may follow the traffic signal indicated by the signboard.
Answer: True
Explanation: The signboard is used to indicate that the signal is placed for the smooth flow of bus traffic.
Question 65
When a vehicle attempts to overtake the vehicle ahead, the vehicle ahead may not notice and begin to change to the right lane. If the driver of the overtaking vehicle senses danger, he or she may sound the horn.
Answer: True
Explanation: The horn can be used when needed to avoid danger.
Question 66
When tires wear down, the frictional resistance between the road surface and the tires decreases. Braking distance increases but reaction distance is not affected.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reaction distance has nothing to do with worn tires because the brakes don't start to operate at the reaction distance.
Question 67
If loading cargo that cannot be divided as shown in Figure 16, a driver need not obtain a permit from the police chief having jurisdiction over the place of departure.
Answer: False
Explanation: A permit must be obtained because the total length extends beyond more than 1/10th of the length behind the automobile.
Question 68
An inspection sticker indicates the month and year in which the inspection was made.
Answer: False
Explanation: They indicate the next inspection timing (year, month).
Question 69
Fatigue and its effects while driving are shown most strongly in the eyes; incidences of failing to notice something or mistaking what one sees become more frequent and the driver's sense of judgment deteriorates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fatigue and its effects are most evident in the eyes because of their heavy usage while driving.
Question 70
When proceeding in a place such as a tunnel or in thick fog that inhibits one's ability to see 50 meters ahead (200 meters on an expressway), the lights must be turned on, even in the daytime.
Answer: True
Explanation: The purpose of headlights is not only to maintain the range of vision but also to warn other drivers of the presence of a vehicle.
Question 71
In the situation shown in Figure 17, vehicle Ⓐ has entered the intersection first intending to execute a right turn. If vehicle Ⓑ proceeds straight through, vehicle Ⓐ must wait inside the intersection until it passes, but if vehicle Ⓑ is executing a left turn, vehicle Ⓐ may go ahead and execute a right turn.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicles executing right turns must not obstruct the progress of oncoming straight-through traffic and vehicles executing left turns.
Question 72
At intersections with a traffic signal but no stop line, the correct position to stop is immediately before the traffic signal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicles should stop immediately before the intersection, not immediately before the traffic signal.
Question 73
Vehicles other than large-size trucks loaded with cargo may not use the slower traffic lane of an expressway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Any vehicles that cannot satisfy the minimum speed limit are allowed to use it.
Question 74
The traffic sign shown in Figure 18 designates a national expressway or a motorway.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is a sign designating motor vehicles only, and is placed on a national expressway or a motorway.
Question 75
When a vehicle collides with an object at rest, if it can decrease its speed to half, the kinetic energy at the time of impact will be just about one-quarter of that generated when speed is not decreased.
Answer: True
Explanation: The kinetic energy at the time of a collision is proportional to the square of speed. 1/2 × 1/2 = 1/4.
Question 76
When the hand brake of a four-wheeled vehicle is pulled all the way, there should not be any room to pull it further.
Answer: False
Explanation: There should be room to pull it further. Otherwise the brake doesn't operate well.
Question 77
The traffic sign in Figure 19 warns drivers that the shoulder crumbles easily.
Answer: False
Explanation: This sign warns of falling rocks.
Question 78
When the brake is applied in response to danger, there is about 1 second of reaction time until the brake begins to take effect, so drivers must take this into consideration when driving.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drivers should be aware of reaction time while driving so as to react safely should danger arise.
Question 79
Corners are places where overtaking is prohibited and drivers must slow down.
Answer: True
Explanation: Corners are dangerous locations where drivers must not overtake others and must slow down.
Question 80
If an emergency vehicle is at or near an intersection, vehicles must clear the intersection, move to the left side of the road, and come to a stop (except for one-way streets).
Answer: True
Explanation: Vehicles must let the emergency vehicle proceed in any direction at an intersection.
Question 81
The motor vehicle inspection certificate and a compulsory automobile liability insurance form (including a mutual relief system insurance certificate) are important documents, so in order to prevent loss or theft when driving one's automobile, it is best to store them carefully in one's home separately from the vehicle.
Answer: False
Explanation: One must keep them in the vehicle while driving.
Question 82
Caution is required when a two-wheeled vehicle passes a four-wheeled vehicle, because the two-wheeled vehicle may enter the blind spot of the four-wheeled vehicle and its driver may not be aware of the existence of the two-wheeled vehicle.
Answer: True
Explanation: A two-wheeled vehicle tends to be overlooked in the blind spot of the rearview mirror of a four-wheeled vehicle.
Question 83
On bad road surfaces such as mud or gravel, it is easy for the steering wheel to pull or the tires to slip, so the driver should reduce speed in advance and must not suddenly accelerate, brake, or swerve.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sudden operations are dangerous and should be avoided, particularly on bad road surfaces.
Question 84
In the situation shown in Figure 20, when vehicle Ⓐ passes the point indicated by Ⓧ, it must slow down.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vehicle Ⓐ doesn't have to slow down because it has the right of way.
Question 85
If a little coolant or oil is leaking under the vehicle, that is not a mechanical breakdown, so the vehicle may be driven.
Answer: False
Explanation: The leakage of coolant or oil is a mechanical breakdown that requires repair.
Question 86
When the road is congested, automobiles and general mopeds may enter the side strip and proceed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Automobiles and mopeds may not enter the side strip or the sidewalk.
Question 87
When vehicles are proceeding in succession, if vehicles ahead are stopped at an intersection or railway crossing, or slowing down, vehicles must not take this opportunity to cut in between vehicles or cross in front of them.
Answer: True
Explanation: One should respect the state of the traffic and try to drive in an orderly manner.
Question 88
When the driver of a two-wheeled vehicle intends to proceed straight through an intersection, drivers of oncoming four-wheeled vehicles making right turns may make mistakes in judgment about distance or speed, so the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle must pay attention to the movement of the four-wheeled vehicles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The distance to and speed of two-wheeled vehicles tend to be misjudged because they are small in size.
Question 89
Because visibility is significantly worse at night than in the daytime, pedestrians, cyclists, and others become difficult to see and may be detected late, so drivers must drive at a speed lower than that at which they would drive on the same road in the daytime.
Answer: True
Explanation: It would be dangerous to not drive at a lower speed because the bright area radiated by the headlights is limited.
Question 90
When entering a roadside garage, it is best to enter as indicated by the arrows as shown in Figure 21.
Answer: True
Explanation: Consider nuisances to other traffic and safety for pulling out next time when parking in a garage.
Study note
This independent study set is not an official police examination paper. The English wording and explanations are provided for preparation and may not match the exact wording used by every prefecture or test version.
Report corrections to support@japandrivinglicense.com with “H1” and the question number.
Final Exam Set 1 published as searchable HTML on July 25, 2026.