The path of getting a vehicle in Japan

  I received my driver's license at 23, but didn't own a car then. Initially, I borrowed cars from family members to practice. However, after marrying, I frequently drove my wife's VW Polo, especially for weekend trips between two cities.

  Upon relocating to Japan, we sold the Polo for a modest sum after five years of service. Acquiring a car in Japan isn't straightforward. Firstly, obtaining a Japanese license is essential. Unlike California, where you can take the written test in your language, Japan's test is entirely in Japanese. This presents a significant challenge, especially for non-native speakers needing to read and understand the questions quickly.

  There are two paths to a Japanese license. The first involves enrolling in a driving school, passing both written and practical exams. The second, known as 切り替え (kiri-kae), is simpler, requiring only a brief test in your language. Some nationalities can directly convert their licenses, as listed on the transportation bureau's website. Others, like me, must provide an officially translated license and details of their driving history.

  The written test is manageable, but scheduling the driving test can take months, with a six-month validity period for the written test results. Test centers like Samezu are crowded, but others like Chofu have shorter wait times.

  Japan, like the UK, drives on the left, which can be challenging for those accustomed to right-hand driving. Therefore, practicing in a driving school, which costs about 55,000 yen including tax for approximately 8 hours, is advisable. This training is invaluable for acclimatizing to local driving norms and passing the test.

  Upon passing, licenses are issued the same day. It's best to allocate a full day for the test.

  Regarding purchasing a vehicle, my residential area's narrow streets necessitate a small car. We're considering a Mini Cooper, reminiscent of our early days in Japan, where we admired a grey 201x model driving effortlessly through tight spaces. Initially, we hadn't planned on owning a car in Japan, but practicality, especially for our dog, has made it a necessity.

  We explored various options, including Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda. However, we were drawn to European brands, particularly Mini. We initially considered a second-hand 5-door Mini but found it too small. Eventually, we settled on the Mini Crossover/Countryman (F60), a perfect blend of size and functionality.

  We opted for a loan, paying 70,000 yen monthly for three years, after which we can either pay a lump sum or return the car. At present, we've driven it for 9.6k kilometers, including a memorable 800km round trip. The car's performance in sports mode and its suitability for narrow streets and parking has been impressive.

  Japan, like many countries, is encouraging electric vehicle usage. However, the high cost of models like Tesla and the scarcity of charging stations, particularly on highways, are drawbacks. Our diesel car is more economical, especially with rising gasoline prices and the lower cost of diesel fuel in Japan.

 

The car

 

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