What to Expect on Test Day
· GaimenGo Team
A walkthrough of the actual test day experience so you know exactly what to expect.
Walking into the testing center prepared can significantly reduce anxiety. Here's exactly what happens on test day.
Before the Test Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring your residence card, foreign license, translation, and a pen. You'll need to fill out some paperwork.
The Written Test The test is 50 True/False questions. You have 45 minutes. The passing score is 45/50 (90%). Questions cover traffic rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and traffic situations.
Common Question Types *(approximate distribution based on test-taker reports — NPA does not publish official topic weights)*
- Road sign identification (estimated ~25–30% of questions)
- Right-of-way and intersection scenarios (estimated ~20–25%)
- Speed limits, parking and stopping rules (estimated ~20–25%)
- Safety, moped/motorcycle-specific rules, and emergency procedures (estimated ~20–25%)
After the Test Results are usually available immediately. If you pass, you'll proceed to schedule the practical driving test. If you don't pass, you must schedule a new appointment. Wait times vary significantly by prefecture — some centers can accommodate you within a few days, but busy urban centers (Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi) often have wait times of several weeks. Plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: The questions are weighted. Road signs and right-of-way are the most heavily tested areas. Focus your study there.