Japan Large Vehicle Theory cheat sheet
Japan Large Vehicle Theory · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Driving Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Accident Liability
Under the Automobile Liability Security Act, bodily-injury liability coverage (jibaiseki) is compulsory; property damage is not covered by the compulsory portion and requires voluntary insurance.
Jibaiseki liability limits: 300,000 yen per injured person for medical costs up to 3 months, 500,000 yen for 4 months or more, and a death benefit of 30 million yen.
The 2014 revised law added a 3 million yen limit for serious permanent disability (shougai) at grade 1-3 and strengthened penalties for uninsured driving.
Driver's license point system (kouten): accumulation triggers administrative suspension or revocation; serious violations such as drunk driving carry immediate revocation.
Hazardous driving causing death or injury (kiken unten shi shou) carries imprisonment of up to 20 years; fleeing the scene (hiki-nige) triggers separate aggravated penalties.
In a traffic accident, the driver must stop immediately, rescue the injured, warn other traffic of danger, and report to police (Road Traffic Act Article 72).
Large-vehicle drivers are held to a higher standard of care because of mass and stopping distance; civil negligence is assessed against a professional-driver standard.
Employers of commercial drivers can face liability for failing to supervise; a company's safety management system is examined for negligence in accident investigations.
Ethical duty: yielding, avoiding tailgating, and not pressuring smaller vehicles are treated as professional obligations, not optional courtesy.
Traffic Law and Regulations Applicable to Large Vehicles
General speed limit is 60 km/h on ordinary roads; large vehicles are limited to 80 km/h on expressways unless posted otherwise.
Driving ban for commercial large vehicles: continuous driving over 4 hours is prohibited; a 30-minute break is required after 4 hours, and total driving in a 24-hour period cannot exceed 9 hours.
Following distance for large vehicles at high speed should be at least 2 seconds, and greater in rain or when loaded.
Large vehicles must not exceed the legal gross weight, axle weight, or dimension limits; overloading is a violation with points and fines.
Seatbelt use is mandatory for all occupants including rear seats; child restraint is required for children under 6.
Driving under the influence of alcohol: 0.15 mg/L breath or 0.3 g/L blood is the criminal threshold; refusal to submit to testing is also punishable.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; holding a phone while operating a vehicle carries penalty points and fines.
Heavy vehicles must use designated routes and obey weight-restricted roads; violating load restrictions on bridges is a serious offense.
Drivers must carry a driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and compulsory insurance certificate in the vehicle.
Vehicle Inspection, Daily Checks, and Maintenance of Large Vehicles
Daily pre-trip checks: brakes (including air pressure build-up), tires (pressure and tread), lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, and fluid levels.
Air brake systems require checking that pressure reaches the specified range and that the low-pressure warning works before moving.
Tire tread depth minimum is 1.6 mm; large-vehicle tires should be inspected for uneven wear, cuts, and sidewall damage before each trip.
Periodic vehicle inspection (shaken) for large trucks and buses is required every 12 months for private use and every 6 months for commercial use, with a 3-month grace period for early renewal.
Brake fluid and air dryer filters must be replaced per manufacturer intervals; moisture in air tanks must be drained regularly.
Engine oil level, coolant level, and battery condition should be checked daily; low coolant can cause overheating and engine damage.
Lights and reflectors must be clean and functional; a burned-out brake light is a defect that must be corrected before driving.
Load security: check that cargo is secured with ropes or straps and that the tailgate and side panels are locked before departure.
Record daily inspection results in the vehicle log; defects must be reported and repaired before the vehicle is used.
Driving Technique and Safe Operation of Large Vehicles
Large vehicles have longer stopping distances; at 80 km/h a fully loaded truck may need over 100 m to stop, so anticipate braking early.
Use engine braking and exhaust brakes on long descents to prevent brake fade; avoid continuous service brake application.
When turning, swing wide to account for the rear wheels cutting inside the front-wheel path (off-tracking); check mirrors for cyclists and pedestrians.
Blind spots are large; use convex mirrors, rear-view cameras, and a spotter when reversing.
Accelerate smoothly and avoid abrupt steering; high center of gravity increases rollover risk, especially when loaded.
Maintain momentum on grades; downshift before the grade rather than during it.
Use turn signals early and check mirrors before lane changes; large vehicles need more time and space to change lanes.
In strong crosswinds, reduce speed and grip the wheel firmly; high-sided vehicles are vulnerable to rollover.
Observe axle weight distribution; heavy loads should be placed low and centered to maintain stability.
Hazard Prediction and Defensive Driving for Large Vehicles
Scan 12-15 seconds ahead; identify intersections, driveways, and pedestrians before they become hazards.
Assume pedestrians and cyclists may enter your path; large vehicles cannot stop quickly, so reduce speed in congested areas.
At intersections, check for vehicles entering from the right and left; a large vehicle's turning path can conflict with oncoming traffic.
In rain, increase following distance and reduce speed; hydroplaning risk rises with speed and worn tires.
In fog, use low beams and fog lights; do not use high beams, which reflect back and reduce visibility.
Watch for stopped vehicles, construction zones, and school zones; anticipate sudden braking by other drivers.
When passing parked vehicles, leave a door's width of clearance and watch for opening doors and pedestrians.
At night, reduce speed and watch for unlit pedestrians and cyclists; large-vehicle headlights may not illuminate far enough.
Predictive driving: identify escape routes and avoid being boxed in; maintain space around the vehicle.
Load Handling, Cargo Security, and Passenger Transport Safety
Cargo must not exceed legal weight, height, width, or length limits; overloading reduces braking and stability.
Secure loads with ropes, straps, or chains rated for the load; check tension after the first few kilometers and periodically.
Cover loose loads with tarps to prevent spillage; falling cargo is a serious hazard and a legal violation.
Distribute weight evenly and keep the center of gravity low; heavy items should be placed over the rear axle area where appropriate.
For passenger transport, ensure doors are closed before moving, passengers are seated, and emergency exits are unobstructed.
Bus drivers must check mirrors and blind spots before closing doors and departing; ensure no passenger is left behind.
Do not allow passengers to stand in prohibited areas or lean out of windows; enforce safety rules politely but firmly.
Load inspection before departure includes checking tailgate locks, side panels, and that no cargo protrudes dangerously.
In case of load shift during transit, stop in a safe place and re-secure the load before continuing.
Emergency Response, First Aid, and Accident Procedures
At an accident scene: stop, secure the scene, call 119 for ambulance and 110 for police, then provide first aid within your ability.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury requires immobilization.
Check responsiveness, breathing, and pulse; if not breathing, begin CPR at 100-120 compressions per minute.
Control bleeding with direct pressure; use a clean cloth or bandage and elevate the limb if possible.
For burns, cool with running water for at least 10 minutes; do not apply ointments or ice directly.
Place the vehicle in a safe position, turn on hazard lights, and set up warning triangles behind the vehicle.
Record accident details: time, location, parties involved, witnesses, and vehicle damage; exchange insurance information.
Report the accident to the company immediately and follow internal accident reporting procedures.
Do not leave the scene until police arrive and authorize departure; fleeing is a criminal offense.
Health Management, Fatigue, and Fitness to Drive
Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgment; commercial drivers must take scheduled breaks and not drive when drowsy.
Continuous driving limit: 4 hours, followed by at least a 30-minute break; total driving in 24 hours must not exceed 9 hours.
Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders increase accident risk; drivers should seek medical evaluation if symptoms occur.
Alcohol must not be consumed before driving; even small amounts impair judgment and are legally punishable.
Medications that cause drowsiness (antihistamines, some painkillers) should be avoided or used only with medical advice before driving.
Regular health checks (including vision, hearing, and blood pressure) are required for commercial drivers; report health changes to the employer.
Hydration and balanced meals help maintain alertness; heavy meals can cause drowsiness.
If drowsiness occurs while driving, stop at a safe place and rest; do not rely on caffeine or open windows alone.
Mental health and stress management are part of fitness to drive; fatigue and stress should be reported to supervisors.