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Learner’s Permit Written Exam in Japan: Quick Guide for EDS Students

Writer: EDS International
EDS International
7 hours ago
3 min read

Exam Day Tips & Procedures | 仮免許学科試験


Are you preparing to take your Learner’s Permit Written Examination (仮免許学科試験) at a Japanese Driver’s License Center?


This quick guide is designed for students enrolled at EDS International Driving School who are applying directly for their Japanese learner’s permit (仮免許).


The examination procedures, reception times, and booking requirements differ by prefecture. Find your prefecture below and refer to the corresponding infographic for instructions on what to do on examination day.


1. Select Your Prefecture



Tokyo (東京都) — Fuchu / Samezu

Advance reservation required

  • Book your written examination online before visiting.

  • Confirm your examination date, center, and assigned arrival time.

  • Bring your reservation confirmation and required original documents.

  • Follow the reception instructions at Fuchu or Samezu.

📌 Refer to the Tokyo Exam Day Infographic below.




Saitama (埼玉県) — Konosu

Advance reservation required

  • Reserve your examination date and language online.

  • Arrive at the Saitama Driver’s License Center at your assigned time.

  • Confirm the designated reception counter with the information desk.

  • Bring your reservation confirmation and required documents.

📌 Refer to the Saitama Exam Day Infographic below.




Chiba (千葉県) — Makuhari

Check current reservation requirements

  • Examination center: Chiba Driver’s License Center, Makuhari.

  • For November 2026 direct applicants, written examination reception is generally 8:30–9:00 a.m. on weekdays.

  • Confirm the required documents, fees, and examination language.

  • Ask at the information desk for the designated reception counter.

Important: Chiba is introducing advance reservations for written examinations from January 4, 2027. Confirm the updated procedure before visiting.

Official information: Chiba Prefectural Police

📌 Refer to the Chiba Exam Day Infographic below.




Kanagawa (神奈川県) — Futamatagawa, Yokohama

Direct application

  • Examination center: Kanagawa Driver’s License Center.

  • Written examination reception: Weekdays, 1:00–1:30 p.m.

  • Reception location: 3rd Floor, Counter 10-G.

  • If you need an application form, visit Counter 8 first.

Official information: Kanagawa Prefectural Police

📌 Refer to the Kanagawa Exam Day Infographic below.




Other Prefectures in Japan

Check your local examination center’s procedures

For students residing in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Nagano, Yamanashi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and other prefectures:

  • Contact your prefectural Driver’s License Examination Center.

  • Confirm whether advance booking is necessary.

  • Check the examination date, reception time, required documents, and available languages.

  • Follow the instructions provided by your local center.

Official reference: National Police Agency

📌 Refer to the General Japan Exam Day Infographic below.




2. Examination Day Checklist

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

  • Valid identification and Residence Card, if applicable

  • Resident Record (住民票), with the required information

  • Application photograph(s), if required

  • Examination reservation confirmation, if applicable

  • Examination fees

  • Glasses or contact lenses, if needed

  • Other documents required by your prefecture

Tip: Bring the original documents and arrive early. Incomplete documentation may prevent you from taking the examination.


3. What Happens on Examination Day?

The general procedure is:

  1. Reception: Submit your application and required documents.

  2. Verification: Complete the document and eligibility checks.

  3. Aptitude Check: Take the eyesight test and other required checks.

  4. Written Examination: Answer 50 questions about Japanese traffic rules and road safety.

  5. Results: A minimum of 45 correct answers (90%) is required to pass.

  6. Next Step: After passing, follow the center’s instructions for booking your practical driving examination.

The order of the written examination and aptitude checks may vary by prefecture.


4. Important Reminders from EDS

  • Study before your examination. Review the EDS Stage 1 theory materials and mock tests.

  • Confirm your examination language. Available languages vary by prefecture.

  • Arrive on time. Late arrivals may not be accepted.

  • Follow the examiner’s instructions. Keep your mobile phone switched off during the examination.

  • Passing the written examination is only one step. You must also pass the required practical driving examination to obtain your learner’s permit.


5. After Passing Your Written Examination


Congratulations on passing!


Your next step is to prepare for the Learner’s Permit Practical Examination (仮免許技能試験) at the Driver’s License Examination Center.


EDS International Driving School provides practical driving lessons to help you prepare for the closed-course examination, including safety checks, intersections, turns, lane positioning, S-curves, crank sections, and obstacle avoidance.


Once your practical examination date is confirmed, please inform EDS so we can help coordinate your driving practice schedule or you can book your practice through our Online Booking system.



EDS International Driving School


Helping you prepare for your Japanese Driver’s License — Step by Step.


Disclaimer: This guide is for ordinary-car learner’s permit direct applicants (一発試験), not foreign-license conversion (外免切替). Information is current as of November 2026. Procedures, fees, reception times, and booking requirements may change. Always confirm the latest instructions with your prefectural police before visiting.

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