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Provisional licenceJapan

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Traffic rules
Japan

58. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Honda Grace instruction vehicle of Neyagawa Driving School. (Japan)
Wikimedia.org • Tokumeigakarinoaoshima • CC BY-SA
What is a provisional driving licence?

A provisional driving licence allows a learner driver to practise driving under specified conditions before obtaining a full driving licence.

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

This depends on the type of provisional licence and local rules. Some licences require an approved supervisor, while others allow the learner to practise alone after completing specified training.

How long is a provisional licence valid?

The validity period varies between countries and licence types. If it expires before the learner passes the practical exam, additional conditions may apply before another provisional licence can be obtained.

Can you drive abroad with a provisional licence?

Often not. A provisional licence may be valid only in the country that issued it. Learners should check the applicable rules before attempting to drive abroad.

Are there restrictions on when a learner may drive?

Yes, in some countries. Provisional licences may include restrictions on night driving, passengers, trailers, vehicle types or certain roads.

Do you need to display a learner sign?

Many countries require a learner vehicle to display an L plate or another learner-driver sign. The design and conditions vary by country.

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...