Eligibility Criteria for Motorcycle License
To obtain a motorcycle license in Japan, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. The license is divided into two categories: the regular motorcycle license and the large motorcycle license.
Regular Motorcycle License
The regular motorcycle license allows individuals to ride motorcycles with a total displacement of less than 400cc. To be eligible for this license, individuals must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a valid Japanese residence card
- Pass a written test on traffic rules and regulations
- Pass a practical riding test
Large Motorcycle License
The large motorcycle license allows individuals to ride motorcycles with a total displacement of more than 400cc. To be eligible for this license, individuals must:
- Hold a valid regular motorcycle license for at least one year
- Be at least 20 years old
- Pass a written test on traffic rules and regulations
- Pass a practical riding test
- Complete a mandatory safety training course
It is important to note that holding a medium bike motorcycle license is a prerequisite for joining the big bike course. The cost of taking the examination directly at a test center is about ¥22,500 ($159). That’s ¥6,550 for the test itself and around ¥16,000 for obligatory classroom-based training.
Foreign nationals who want to obtain a motorcycle license in Japan must have a valid foreign license and meet the eligibility requirements for the regular or large motorcycle license. They must also provide a Japanese translation of their foreign license and pass a vision test.
Types of Motorcycle Licenses
In Japan, there are three types of motorcycle licenses: Standard Motorcycle License, Large Motorcycle License, and Motorized Bicycle License.
Standard Motorcycle License
A Standard Motorcycle License (普通二輪免許) allows the holder to ride motorcycles with an engine displacement of up to 400cc. To obtain this license, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and pass both a written and practical test. The practical test includes a course that tests the applicant’s ability to ride a motorcycle and a road test that tests the applicant’s ability to ride on public roads.
Large Motorcycle License
A Large Motorcycle License (大型二輪免許) allows the holder to ride motorcycles with an engine displacement of over 400cc. To obtain this license, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and have held a Standard Motorcycle License for at least one year. The applicant must also pass both a written and practical test. The practical test includes a course that tests the applicant’s ability to ride a large motorcycle and a road test that tests the applicant’s ability to ride on public roads.
Motorized Bicycle License
A Motorized Bicycle License (原付免許) allows the holder to ride motorized bicycles with an engine displacement of up to 50cc. To obtain this license, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and pass both a written and practical test. The practical test includes a course that tests the applicant’s ability to ride a motorized bicycle and a road test that tests the applicant’s ability to ride on public roads.
It is important to note that the license categories in Japan are based on engine displacement and not on power output. Therefore, even if a motorcycle has a low power output, it may still require a Large Motorcycle License if its engine displacement is over 400cc.
Application Process
To obtain a motorcycle license in Japan, applicants must go through a series of steps. The process involves a written examination, a practical riding test, and the issuance of the license.
Written Examination
The written examination consists of 10 multiple-choice questions and is available in several languages, including English. The test covers traffic rules and regulations, road signs, and safe driving practices. Applicants must score at least 90% to pass the test.
Practical Riding Test
After passing the written examination, applicants must take a practical riding test. The test is conducted on a closed course and consists of several exercises, such as riding in a straight line, making turns, and emergency braking. The test is designed to assess the applicant’s ability to handle a motorcycle safely and confidently.
Issuance of License
If the applicant passes both the written examination and the practical riding test, they are eligible for the issuance of a motorcycle license. The license is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a refresher course and passing a written examination.
Overall, the application process for a motorcycle license in Japan is straightforward and requires a reasonable amount of time and effort. By following the steps outlined above, applicants can obtain a license and enjoy the freedom and excitement of riding a motorcycle on Japan’s roads.
Required Documentation
To obtain a motorcycle license in Japan, applicants must provide certain documentation. The following are the required documents:
1. Passport or Residence Card
The applicant must have a valid passport or residence card. The residence card must have a validity period of at least one year.
2. Japanese Translation of Foreign Driver’s License
If the applicant has a foreign driver’s license, they must obtain a Japanese translation of the license. The translation can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or a translation service. The translation must be submitted along with the original license.
3. Driving Record
The applicant must submit a driving record from their home country. The driving record must be issued within the last three months and must show that the applicant has been driving for at least one year.
4. Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training Course
The applicant must complete a motorcycle training course at a certified driving school. The certificate of completion must be submitted along with the other required documents.
5. Medical Certificate
The applicant must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor. The certificate must state that the applicant is physically fit to operate a motorcycle.
6. Application Form and Fee
The applicant must complete an application form and pay the required fee. The application form can be obtained from the driving school or the licensing center.
It is important to note that the required documentation may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. It is recommended that applicants contact the licensing center or driving school for more information.
Renewal and Validity
In Japan, motorcycle licenses are valid for a period of three years, after which they must be renewed. The renewal process involves a simple application, and the license holder must be able to prove that they have ridden a motorcycle for at least 50 hours during the three years prior to renewal.
It is important to note that if the license holder fails to renew their license within one year of its expiration, they will be required to retake the motorcycle license examination. Therefore, it is recommended to renew the license as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Additionally, it is important to note that the validity of a motorcycle license in Japan is limited to the class of motorcycle for which the license was issued. For example, a license issued for a small limited standard motorcycle (125cc or less) cannot be used to operate a large motorcycle.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the license holder has the appropriate license for the motorcycle they wish to operate. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties, including fines and the revocation of the license.
