KansaiConnect

I recently took my driver’s license test in Kyoto. I read up on the matter before getting my license translated by JAF and taking the test. However, I was unable to find much about the Driver’s License Center in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto.

I found a site that is done very nicely and shows a map of a course drivers take the driving test on, but the map is not the one in Kyoto. After taking and passing the test, one of the other foreigners, a Frenchman who has lived in Japan for 18 years, said surprisingly after hearing I had passed the test after only my second try that the Kyoto course is one of the most difficult in the Kansai area.

So I’m creating this forum to help people learn more about the Kyoto course, among other courses in the Kansai area, where foreigners can pass more frequently thanks to the collaborative efforts of those who’ve passed the tests.

A guy taking the test before me drove the course very slowly. He also made many mistakes on the course. Afterwards, the instructor/policeman told him he needed to drive more confidently, and not make the mistakes he did during his driving test. He didn’t steer the car smoothly while turning, very jerky, and just seemed very very nervous.

If you don’t feel confident before taking the test, try taking driving lessons at the Driver’s License Center. It will build up your confidence and driving skills so when you go out on the course, you’ll be more confident.

According to one of the guys I talked to while waiting to take my test, it only costs a few thousand yen, 5000 or so, for one hour practice driving on the course with an instructor.

If anyone knows the exact cost, please let others know here.

Here is a link to my blog post about getting a Japanese driver’s license in Kyoto. I have added a map there that you can review and see how the course is laid out. I added a few notes to it to help anyone trying to pass the driving test. Hope it helps.

http://kbyte.kansaiblogger.com/2009/11/27/japanese-driver-license