2. In general the cops at Ino are jerks, but the one who passed me was actually quite nice. Funny how it works out that way... ;-)
3. I believe I was the first American to pass the test on the first try (or so they told me). Before the test though, the guy said that since I was American it would probably take me 4 - 6 times to pass, and that I had NO CHANCE of passing it on the first try.
4. The first time I failed, I laughed as I expected this result. The second time they failed me, I laughed but it took me longer to do so. The third time, I held on as long as possible, but ended up in silent tears which I think made the instructor feel very bad. The fourth time, I passed.
5. I haven't been able to get past the first interview portion of the license process yet. I got a replacement license the week before I came to Japan, and it has that issue date on it, so Ino doesn't have any proof that I've had a license for at least three months in my own country. My DMV doesn't routinely provide this information, so I am in the middle of a big, long process to get some documentation that my license was first issued over 7 years ago.
6. It was the epitomy of cultural miscommunication. Though it was hard to be understanding when each try meant another 6 hours of commuting and another session with the most patronizing and unsympathetic bunch I have come across.
7. The testing center is full of ......., rediculous attitude and showed no concern or empathy for the testers themselves. They were very inconsiderate, they enjoyed having the power to say we passed or failed...
8. It was very expensive but that is Japan.
9. The lecture I was made to sit through was a waste of time.
10. Lots of paperwork from both countries, as NSW (state in Australia) licenses do not show date of birth, which is required by Japanese licensing centre. Expected delays, so not terribly bothered by this. Was surprised to be at Ino menkyo centre the whole day just to take an eye test, esp. as my supervisor and I were kept waiting for an hour past our appointment time because there was another Australian coming later that day and they wanted tp process us at the same time. I also thought the hour session about accident satistics at the end was rather unnecessary - the other Australian spoke no Japanese and had no idea what was going on, while I tuned out after ten minutes and started planning my grocery list.
11. I don't live in your prefecture, and I got the license when I was working for NOVA, so perhaps I don't fit your survey categories. I didn't have any problems with the license center, but it meant a day off work, which was a bit of a hassle.
2. Positive attitude otherwise you get dragged into the pit of all the losers who are still trying to get a license after 7 tries and have lost their self esteem in the process.
3. Have to take lessons before going for practical test even when you know how to drive. The teacher will tell you where and what to watch out for. The examiner only tells you one ot two points why you can't pass, but never the whole story. They are ridiculously strict. Have to follow all the driving rules e.g. count 3 seconds after the signal before changing lane; switch lane 30 meters before making turn.
4. When you come to the railroad tracks, STOP your car, ROLL down your window, LOOK both ways on the track, ROLL up your windows, HONK your horn, LOOK both ways again and then PROCEED. This is a tip I got from a Japanese friend and I think it was the magic reason I passed on the first shot. Very essential!
5.Get on the course before you take the test and practice driving it. It costs 3500 yen for 30 minutes on the course, but it is well worth it. Also, take a practice lesson if you can. I never did, but I talked to several people who did and it helped a great deal.
6. Make sure you start getting your things in order EARLY (like when you decide to stay for a second year), so your IDP doesn't run out. Leave lots of time and holidays open to allow for taking lessons, and lots of trips to Ino. Make a Japanese friend or two and do a couple of favors for them, so they'll be inclined to help translate lessons and/or what you did wrong on te practice test. Be patient.
7. Be Nice!! And patient.
8. It is not about how well you drive, it is about the Japanese way. Even the Ino way as some have put it before. It is the luck of the draw when you pass, nothing to do with your skills.. It sucks! But it is something we have to do and can't get around it...sorry in advance!
9. If you have some confidence, simply take the test. If not, go to the driver school and have some lessons. It's expensive, but I did find some Japanese road rules that were opposite and potentially dangerous if ignored.
10. Sort things out way in advance. Applying for and actually recieving your license is a long process.
11. Allow plenty of time...! PS. Hi Ford - Hisashiburi, ne.
12. Have all the relevant documents, have them at all times when going to license centre. If your license doesn't have an issue date, you need an official document sent from your homes Motor Vehical registry showing date of issue. Even if you have all the documents but theytry stuffin around, take it easy and go with them - afer all it won't be hard for them to make your process even harder. I was stalled a few times but in the end it all worked out. They just stick to the rules a little too close...
13. Speak to the people at your international center to see if they have any useful documentation about the situation in your area. Take a Japanese friend with you so that the license center staff don't feel like they have to use English with you.