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QuizTraffic rulesJapan

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of Japan.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Japan
True/false 17 Japan 22 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 589
What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

51. What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay calm and maintain control.
Use smooth steering movements.
Allow the tyres time to regain grip.
✓ Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering.

Sudden braking, acceleration, or steering can make a skid worse. Stay calm and use smooth controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle beginning to skid
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before making a turn?

52. What should you do before making a turn?

✓ Check mirrors, signal, and make sure it is safe.
Turn as soon as the road ahead appears clear.
Signal only after you begin turning.
Check only the traffic directly ahead.

Before turning, check your mirrors, use your indicator, and make sure the turn can be made safely.

Driver preparing to turn at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Japan?

53. What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Japan?

17 years.
19 years.
21 years.
✓ 18 years.

The minimum age for a standard car driving licence in Japan is 18 years.

Minimum age for obtaining a car driving licence
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Japan?

54. How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Japan?

Either handheld or hands-free.
Only for texting.
✓ Hands-free.
Handheld.

When phone use while driving is permitted in Japan, drivers must generally use a hands-free system rather than holding the phone.

Hands-free phone use inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is a larger following distance needed at motorway speeds?

55. Why is a larger following distance needed at motorway speeds?

It prevents the tyres from becoming too warm.
✓ You need more distance to react and stop safely.
It reduces the effect of crosswinds.
It keeps the engine from working too hard.

At higher speeds, you travel farther during your reaction time and need more distance to brake. A larger gap gives you more time and space to stop safely.

Following distance between vehicles on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

56. Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

The hazard warning switch.
✓ The lighting control.
The windscreen-wiper control.
The rear-window demister.

The lighting control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a rotary switch or part of a lighting stalk.

Lighting control for switching on dipped headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

57. Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

Oncoming vehicles need more distance to change lanes.
Turning gives you priority over approaching traffic.
✓ You must judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
Your steering becomes less responsive during the turn.

Turning across traffic requires careful observation. Misjudging speed or distance can lead to a serious collision.

Vehicle preparing to turn across oncoming traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

58. What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

Accelerate to make the steering easier.
Switch off the engine while moving to reset the system.
Make sharp steering movements to test the remaining assistance.
✓ Hold the wheel firmly, use greater steering effort, and stop safely.

The vehicle can normally still be steered, but much more effort may be required. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver coping with a loss of power-steering assistance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which side is normally used for overtaking in Japan?

59. Which side is normally used for overtaking in Japan?

Left-hand side.
✓ Right-hand side.

Drivers normally overtake on the right-hand side in Japan.

Vehicle overtaking on the right
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

60. What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

Coast in neutral to save fuel.
✓ Reduce speed and select a suitable lower gear.
Accelerate before the descent to maintain momentum.
Select a higher gear to reduce engine resistance.

A lower gear helps control your speed and reduces the amount of continuous braking needed on a long descent.

Vehicle approaching a long, steep descent
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

61. What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

✓ Call for help and avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger.
Give them food or drink while waiting for help.
Help them stand up and check whether they can walk.
Remove a motorcyclist's helmet to check for injuries.

Moving an injured person can worsen spinal or other injuries. Keep them calm, protect them from further danger, and provide first aid only within your level of training.

Assistance for an injured person after a road collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

62. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

Pump it repeatedly while braking.
Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.
Press it before using the brake pedal.
✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

63. How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

✓ They can push the trailer sideways and reduce stability.
They make the trailer more stable at higher speeds.
They matter only when the trailer is empty.
They affect only the towing vehicle, not the trailer.

Trailers have large side surfaces and may be affected strongly by wind, especially on bridges and exposed roads.

Vehicle and trailer exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

64. What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

Keep the main beam on unless the other driver flashes you.
Flash the main beam briefly before passing.
Move farther from the centre and keep the main beam on.
✓ Switch to dipped headlights.

Main beam can dazzle other road users and reduce their visibility. Switch to dipped headlights whenever your main beam could dazzle another driver.

Headlight glare affecting another road user
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a road worker directs traffic?

65. What should you do when a road worker directs traffic?

Wait for a police officer to confirm the signal.
✓ Follow the worker's signals and instructions.
Follow the normal traffic signs instead.
Follow the vehicle ahead instead of the worker's signal.

Authorised road workers may control traffic through a work zone. Watch carefully and follow their directions.

Road worker directing traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

66. What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely in its tyre tracks.
Maintain your speed and avoid using the brakes.
✓ Slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking.
Steer around loose patches whenever possible.

Loose gravel reduces grip and can make the vehicle skid. Slow down and use smooth steering and braking.

Loose gravel road with a MUTCD-style warning sign
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

67. It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

✓ False.
True.

Using your phone while driving is distracting and dangerous, even for a very short moment.

Driver glancing at a phone while driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

68. What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

Keep the engine idling if the vehicle is outside.
Switch on the hazard lights while refuelling.
Increase the engine speed before removing the fuel cap.
✓ Switch off the engine before starting to refuel.

Switch off the engine before refuelling. Fuel vapours are flammable, so avoid ignition sources and follow the safety instructions at the filling station. If fuel is spilled, do not start the vehicle until the situation has been made safe.

Vehicle at a pump before refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fog becomes so thick that you cannot see safely?

69. What should you do if fog becomes so thick that you cannot see safely?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely for guidance.
Use main beam and keep driving.
✓ Slow down and stop in a safe location away from traffic if necessary.
Continue slowly by following the road markings.

If visibility becomes dangerously poor, find a safe place to stop rather than continuing without being able to see clearly.

Dense fog obscuring the road ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

70. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Window lock.
Central door locking.
✓ Child safety lock.
Mirror adjustment.

This control activates the child safety lock. It helps prevent a rear door from being opened from inside the vehicle, depending on the vehicle and system design.

Child safety lock control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can swerving suddenly to avoid a small animal be dangerous?

71. Why can swerving suddenly to avoid a small animal be dangerous?

Small animals usually move away before you reach them.
The tyres can be damaged by sudden steering.
✓ You may lose control or collide with another road user.
Swerving increases the vehicle's stopping distance.

A sudden swerve can take you into another lane, off the road, or into nearby traffic.

Small animal in the road ahead of a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

72. How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

It affects only the driver of the parked vehicle.
It blocks the view only for pedestrians.
✓ It can block the view between road users.
It improves visibility by slowing down traffic.

Parking too close to a junction can block visibility. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians may have difficulty seeing each other in time.

Parked vehicle obstructing visibility near a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

73. What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

✓ Return to the normal driving lane when it is safe.
Move back immediately in front of the vehicle you passed.
Remain in the overtaking lane until another vehicle approaches.
Stay beside the vehicle until there is another reason to change lanes.

After overtaking, return to the normal driving lane when you have passed the other vehicle by a safe distance. Check your mirrors, signal when appropriate, and avoid moving back too soon.

Vehicle returning to its lane after overtaking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving near a school area?

74. What should you do when driving near a school area?

Watch only for children already on the road.
✓ Slow down and watch carefully for children.
Drive close behind other vehicles to keep traffic moving.
Maintain your usual speed if the road looks clear.

Children near schools may cross unexpectedly or be hidden between parked vehicles. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.

Vehicle travelling near a school
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general motorway speed limit for cars in Japan?

75. What is the general motorway speed limit for cars in Japan?

110 km/h.
✓ 100 km/h.
130 km/h.
120 km/h.

The general motorway speed limit for cars in Japan is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Motorway speed limits for cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

76. What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

✓ The brakes, tyres, lights, and steering.
The lights, but not the steering or brakes.
Only the tyres and chain.
Only the brakes if the journey is short.

A basic safety check can reveal problems with the brakes, tyres, lights, or steering before they cause an accident.

Checking a bicycle before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of cruise control?

77. What is the purpose of cruise control?

✓ To maintain a selected speed without continuous accelerator use.
To steer the vehicle automatically.
To prevent the vehicle from exceeding any speed limit.
To keep a fixed distance from the vehicle ahead.

Cruise control can maintain a selected speed without the driver continuously pressing the accelerator. The driver must remain attentive and ready to brake or take control when necessary.

Vehicle cruise-control buttons and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

78. How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

At an angle so the rear of the vehicle is closest to the pump.
✓ With the fuel-filler side close enough for the hose to reach safely.
Wherever there is space, regardless of the fuel-filler position.
With the fuel hose stretched tightly across the vehicle.

Position the vehicle so the fuel filler is close to the pump and the hose can reach without being stretched tightly across or around the vehicle. Stop within the designated refuelling area and leave enough space to use the pump safely.

Vehicle positioned beside a fuel pump
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

79. When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

Only when your vehicle has no winter tyres.
Whenever the weather forecast mentions rain.
Never, if the vehicle is in good condition.
✓ When conditions make driving unsafe.

Severe weather can create dangerous conditions. Delaying a journey may be the safest choice when risks are too high.

Severe weather making a road journey hazardous
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if birds are swooping at you while cycling?

80. What should you do if birds are swooping at you while cycling?

Wave your arms to frighten the birds away.
Stop near the nest to see why they are swooping.
Throw objects towards the birds.
✓ Slow down, stay calm, and leave the area without provoking them.

Some birds become territorial during the breeding season and may swoop people near their nests. Stay calm, avoid provoking or approaching the birds, and leave the area safely. If necessary and safe, dismount and walk your bicycle through or away from the area while keeping your helmet on.

Bird swooping near a cyclist
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

81. Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

To apply the brakes.
✓ To disengage the engine fully from the transmission.
To lock the gear lever in position.
To increase engine speed.

Pressing the clutch pedal fully disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the gear to be changed smoothly and reducing unnecessary wear on the gearbox and clutch.

Clutch pedal pressed fully for a gear change
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

82. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Airbag system warning.
Seat-belt reminder.
Power-steering warning.
Brake-system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault in the airbag or supplementary restraint system. If it remains illuminated while driving, the system should be checked because one or more airbags or seat-belt pretensioners may not operate correctly in a collision.

Airbag-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before using a pedestrian crossing?

83. What should you do before using a pedestrian crossing?

Cross as soon as the nearest vehicle starts slowing down.
Rely on the crossing markings to make every vehicle stop.
Check only the lane nearest to you before crossing.
✓ Make sure it is safe to cross.

Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure approaching drivers have seen you and are able to stop before you cross.

Pedestrian checking traffic before using a crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select P (Park) in an automatic vehicle?

84. When should you select P (Park) in an automatic vehicle?

While the vehicle is still moving slowly.
Before braking to a stop.
✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Whenever you want to reduce speed.

Select P (Park) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Selecting Park while the vehicle is moving can damage the transmission.

Selecting Park after an automatic vehicle stops
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

85. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Air conditioning is active.
Winter tyres are fitted.
✓ Risk of icy road conditions.
Engine coolant is too cold.

This symbol warns that the outside temperature is low enough for ice to form. Road surfaces, especially bridges and shaded areas, may be slippery even when they appear clear.

Icy-road warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

86. Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

✓ Hot exhaust components could ignite the vegetation.
The grass could prevent the parking brake from holding.
The tyres could lose pressure more quickly.
The engine could become difficult to restart.

Parts of the exhaust system, especially the catalytic converter, can become very hot while driving. Parking over dry grass, leaves, or other combustible vegetation can create a fire risk. Park on a suitable non-flammable surface whenever possible.

Vehicle exhaust close to dry grass
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the parking brake before leaving a parked vehicle?

87. What should you do with the parking brake before leaving a parked vehicle?

Leave it partly applied.
Apply it only on a slope.
✓ Apply it securely.
Release it completely.

Before leaving a parked vehicle, apply the parking brake securely to help prevent unintended movement. Also select the appropriate gear or transmission position for parking.

Securing a parked vehicle with the parking brake
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

88. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Parking brake applied.
Brake pads worn.
ABS fault.
Low tyre pressure.

This symbol indicates that the parking brake is applied. It should normally go out when the parking brake is fully released.

Parking-brake indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

89. What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

Enter first if you reach the junction before another vehicle.
Rely on the priority rule without reducing your speed.
Check only the direction from which traffic usually has priority.
✓ Slow down, look carefully in all directions, and proceed only when safe.

At an uncontrolled junction, priority may not be obvious. Reduce speed, check carefully, and only enter when you are sure it is safe.

Vehicle approaching an uncontrolled junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space when passing cyclists in strong winds?

90. Why should you leave extra space when passing cyclists in strong winds?

✓ They may be blown sideways unexpectedly.
Wind increases the pressure in bicycle tyres.
Strong wind makes bicycle brakes less effective.
Cyclists must stop when a vehicle passes them.

Strong gusts can affect cyclists' balance and direction. Extra passing space reduces the risk of a collision.

Vehicle passing a cyclist in windy conditions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should happen after an airbag has deployed?

91. What should happen after an airbag has deployed?

✓ The restraint system should be professionally inspected and repaired.
Only the airbag warning light needs to be reset.
The airbag can be folded back into the dashboard.
The airbag can be reused if it is not torn.

A deployed airbag is a single-use safety component. After deployment, the restraint system should be professionally inspected and the airbag and any other affected components replaced or repaired as required before the system is relied upon again.

Deployed airbag inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you hold the steering wheel firmly during strong gusts?

92. Why should you hold the steering wheel firmly during strong gusts?

To improve tyre grip.
✓ To maintain control if the vehicle is pushed.
To make the power steering work better.
To reduce braking distance.

A firm but relaxed grip helps you respond safely to sudden changes caused by wind.

Driver holding the steering wheel during strong gusts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

93. What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

Stay inside the vehicle and call for assistance.
✓ Get everyone out, move away, and contact the emergency services.
Move everyone beside the vehicle while waiting.
Try to restart the vehicle until help arrives.

Move everyone well away from the tracks. Use the crossing emergency telephone or displayed contact information where available, or contact the emergency services immediately.

Vehicle stranded on a railway crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are moped riders generally required to wear a helmet in Japan?

94. Are moped riders generally required to wear a helmet in Japan?

No.
✓ Yes.

Moped riders in Japan are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Moped rider wearing a helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the windscreen becomes damaged while driving?

95. What should you do if the windscreen becomes damaged while driving?

Rely on the mirrors instead of the windscreen.
Continue driving if you can still see part of the road.
✓ Reduce speed and stop safely if your view is affected.
Drive faster to reach a safe place sooner.

Severe damage can obstruct your view and weaken the glass. Do not continue if you cannot see the road clearly.

Damaged windscreen affecting the driver's view
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

96. What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

Shake the vehicle to make room for more fuel.
✓ Stop refuelling rather than continuing to top up the tank.
Keep filling until fuel reaches the filler opening.
Pull the nozzle partly out and continue filling.

When the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off, stop refuelling rather than repeatedly topping up the tank. Continuing can cause fuel to spill or overflow and may interfere with the vehicle's fuel-vapour control system.

Fuel nozzle in a vehicle's filler opening
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

97. What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

Cover the damaged section and continue using it.
Use it normally if the buckle still locks.
✓ Have it inspected and replaced before relying on it.
Wear the belt loosely to reduce strain on it.

A damaged seat belt may not provide proper protection in a collision. Frayed webbing, damaged buckles, faulty retractors, or other defects should be professionally inspected and repaired or replaced before the seat belt is relied upon.

Frayed or damaged seat-belt webbing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

98. How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

✓ With the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.
With the lap belt positioned across the abdomen.
With the shoulder belt placed behind the back.
Using only the lap section of the seat belt.

During pregnancy, a three-point seat belt should be worn correctly. The lap belt should sit low across the hips, below the abdomen, while the shoulder belt should pass across the chest and to the side of the abdomen. The belt should fit snugly and should not be placed behind the back or under the arm.

Seat-belt positioning during pregnancy
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when livestock are on the road?

99. What should you do when livestock are on the road?

Sound the horn so the animals move aside.
Use the verge to pass the animals.
Follow closely so other traffic can overtake.
✓ Slow down and follow the instructions of the person controlling them.

Livestock may spread across the road, stop suddenly, or change direction without warning. Slow down, keep a safe distance, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and follow any instructions from the person controlling the animals.

Livestock being moved along a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for riding a moped in Japan?

100. What is the minimum age for riding a moped in Japan?

✓ 16 years.
14 years.
18 years.
15 years.

The minimum age for riding a moped in Japan is generally 16 years.

Minimum age for riding a moped
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA