How to Get a Moped License (原付免許) in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide
EDS International Driving School | Student Learning Resources
Applicable to: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, and other prefectures in Japan.
Are you planning to ride a scooter or moped in Japan but don’t have a Japanese driver’s license?
The Moped License (原付免許 / Gentsuki Menkyo) is one of the simplest ways to begin riding a motorized vehicle legally in Japan. It can be obtained from the age of 16, and unlike a regular motorcycle license, it generally does not require a separate practical riding examination.
However, applicants must pass the written examination, meet the eyesight and other eligibility requirements, and complete mandatory moped training unless exempt.
This guide explains the general application process followed by Japan’s prefectural driver’s license examination centers.
1. Who Can Apply for a Moped License?
To qualify, applicants generally must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Have a registered residential address in the prefecture where they apply.
Meet the eyesight requirement, generally at least 0.5 with both eyes together, with specific rules for applicants with vision in only one eye.
Pass the written knowledge examination.
Complete the required moped riding course (原付講習), unless exempt.
Already have a Japanese ordinary car driver’s license?
You can generally ride a qualifying moped with your existing Japanese ordinary car license. You do not need to obtain a separate moped license.
2. What Type of Moped Can You Ride?
Under the regulations effective April 1, 2025, a Japanese moped license allows you to ride:
Traditional mopeds: Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50cc or less.
New-standard mopeds (新基準原付): Approved motorcycles with an engine displacement of up to 125cc and a maximum power output of 4.0 kW or less.
Important: A regular 110cc or 125cc motorcycle is not automatically permitted. Only models meeting the new-standard moped classification qualify.
Moped traffic rules continue to apply, including the general 30 km/h speed limit, prohibition on carrying passengers, and two-stage right turns where legally required.
3. Required Documents
Before visiting your driver’s license examination center, prepare the following:
Resident Record (住民票の写し) showing the required registered-domicile or nationality details, without My Number
Valid identification, such as a passport or My Number Card
Residence Card (在留カード) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate, if applicable
Application photograph, generally 3.0 × 2.4 cm, taken within the last six months
Existing Japanese driver’s license, if applicable
Examination reservation confirmation, if required
Examination and license issuance fees
Glasses or contact lenses, if needed
Other documents specified by your prefectural police
For foreign residents: Make sure your Resident Record contains the information required for foreign-national applicants. Requirements may include nationality, residence status, and period of stay.
4. Step-by-Step Moped License Application Process
Step 1 — Check Your Prefectural License Center
Find the driver’s license examination center responsible for your registered residential address.
Confirm the examination dates, reception hours, available languages, and whether advance booking is required.
Some prefectures accept direct applications, while others use online or telephone reservations.
Step 2 — Apply for the Written Examination
Complete the application procedure according to your prefecture’s instructions.
On the examination day, submit your documents, complete the necessary forms, and pay the examination fee.
Step 3 — Take the Written Examination (学科試験)
The moped written examination generally consists of 48 questions worth a total of 50 points:
46 true-or-false questions worth one point each
2 illustrated hazard-prediction questions worth two points each
Passing score: 45 out of 50 points (90%).
Questions cover Japanese traffic signs, traffic signals, speed limits, right-of-way, pedestrian safety, and rules specific to mopeds.
The available examination languages vary by prefecture.
Step 4 — Complete the Aptitude Examination (適性試験)
You must pass the required eyesight and other applicable aptitude checks.
Depending on the prefecture, these checks may take place before or after the written examination.
Step 5 — Attend Mandatory Moped Training (原付講習)
After passing the written examination, applicants generally must complete three hours of practical moped training, unless exempt.
The training covers basic motorcycle operation, starting and stopping, braking, turning, and safe riding.
Wear suitable riding clothes:
Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers
Closed-toe shoes suitable for riding
Gloves and an approved motorcycle helmet, as instructed by the center
Some examination centers provide helmets or gloves.
Note: Training may be completed on the same day as the examination or scheduled separately. Some prefectures also allow approved advance training.
Step 6 — Receive Your Japanese Moped License
After passing the required examinations, completing the training, and paying the applicable issuance fee, you can receive your Japanese moped driver’s license.
Depending on the prefecture and training schedule, the license may be issued on the examination day or a later date.
5. How Much Does a Moped License Cost?
The following are standard fees currently published by several prefectural police authorities:
Item / Fee
Written examination
¥1,600
Moped training (3 hours)
¥5,250
Physical driver’s license issuance
¥2,350
Estimated total
¥9,200
Additional costs may include application photographs, transportation, study materials, and retesting.
Fees may differ depending on your license issuance method and prefecture. Always confirm the latest amounts before attending.
6. Where Can You Apply?
Tokyo (東京都)
Fuchu or Samezu Driver’s License Examination Center.
Saitama (埼玉県)
Saitama Driver’s License Center, Konosu.
Chiba (千葉県)
Chiba Driver’s License Center or Nagareyama Driver’s License Center, on designated examination days.
Kanagawa (神奈川県)
Kanagawa Driver’s License Center, Futamatagawa, Yokohama.
Other Prefectures in Japan
For applicants in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Nagano, Yamanashi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and elsewhere:
Visit your prefectural police website.
Search for 原付免許試験 (Moped License Examination).
Confirm the booking method, examination language, reception hours, documents, and fees.
Check whether moped training is available on the examination day.
7. Important Moped Riding Rules in Japan
After obtaining your license, remember these essential rules:
Maximum speed: Generally 30 km/h for first-class mopeds, even on roads with higher posted limits.
Helmet: Mandatory whenever riding.
Passengers: Carrying a passenger is prohibited.
Two-stage right turns (二段階右折): Required at certain intersections under Japanese traffic regulations.
Expressways: Mopeds are prohibited.
Insurance: Compulsory automobile liability insurance (自賠責保険) is required.
Parking: Follow motorcycle parking regulations and avoid prohibited parking areas.
The same first-class moped traffic rules apply to qualifying new-standard mopeds.
8. Tips for Passing Your Moped Written Examination
Before taking the examination, we recommend:
Studying Japanese traffic signs and road markings.
Understanding moped-specific rules, particularly the 30 km/h speed limit and two-stage right turns.
Practicing sample written examination questions.
Learning how to recognize hazardous road situations.
Reviewing the correct procedures for intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Remember that many examination questions are designed to test your understanding of traffic rules, not simply your ability to memorize answers.
Final Reminder:
Obtaining a Japanese moped license is relatively straightforward, but applicants must follow the official examination procedures and complete the required training.
Before visiting your driver’s license center, always confirm the latest application requirements, examination schedule, and reservation method.
EDS International Driving School provides this article as an educational reference to help students and other applicants understand Japan’s licensing system. Official moped examinations and training are administered by the relevant authorities and approved providers.
EDS International Driving School
Helping you understand Japanese traffic rules and prepare for safe driving.
Information updated: November 2026. This is a general guide. Procedures, examination languages, fees, and reservation requirements vary by prefecture.
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