Japan Medium Vehicle Theory flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Semi-medium license threshold

A semi-medium license covers vehicles with GVW 3.5–7.5 t and max load 2–4.5 t. Licenses obtained on or after 1 June 2007 carry a restriction until age 21 and 3 years of experience.

Medium vehicle definition

Under the Road Traffic Act, a medium vehicle has GVW 7.5–11 t, max load 4.5–6.5 t, or passenger capacity 11–29 excluding the driver. Exceeding any one threshold makes it a large vehicle.

Expressway speed limit

The general expressway limit for medium and large vehicles is 100 km/h unless a lower posted limit applies. Ordinary roads are generally 60 km/h unless posted otherwise.

Two-second rule

Maintain at least a 2-second gap behind the vehicle ahead at 80 km/h and 3 seconds at 100 km/h. Double the gap in rain and triple it in snow or ice.

Stopping distance formula

Stopping distance equals reaction distance plus braking distance. Reaction distance is about speed in km/h times 0.28 per second of reaction time; braking distance grows with the square of speed.

SEE defensive driving method

Search ahead 12–15 seconds, Evaluate hazards, and Execute smoothly. Medium vehicles should extend the search distance to 15–20 seconds because their stopping distances are longer.

Night beam switching

Use high beams on unlit roads but dip to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 150 m or when following another vehicle within 150 m. Reduce speed to stop within the illuminated distance.

Medium truck turning radius

Medium trucks typically have a minimum turning radius of 6–8 m. The rear inner wheels track inside the front wheel path, so allow extra clearance on right turns.

Rollover threshold

A medium truck with a high center of gravity can roll over at about 0.4–0.5 g lateral acceleration, compared with about 0.8 g for a passenger car. Reduce corner entry speed accordingly.

Air brake pressure check

Air brake systems require pressure build-up before driving, typically 0.6–0.8 MPa. A low-pressure warning means stop and check the system before proceeding.

Brake fade on downgrades

Continuous service brake use on long downgrades causes fade. Use the engine brake or retarder and select a lower gear to control speed without overheating the brakes.

Tire underinflation effect

Underinflation by 20% can reduce tire life by about 30% and increase heat, raising blowout risk. Check cold tire pressure weekly against the manufacturer's placard value.

Legal size limits

Medium vehicles must not exceed 12 m length, 2.5 m width, and 3.8 m height (4.1 m for designated containers). GVW limits are 20 t, or 25 t for designated vehicles.

Axle load limit

The axle load limit is 10 t per axle and 20 t per tandem axle group on ordinary roads. Exceeding axle loads damages pavement and is subject to roadside weight enforcement.

Rear overhang limit

Cargo overhanging the rear is limited to 10% of vehicle length. Front overhang beyond the bumper is prohibited, and cargo must not obscure lights or the driver's view.

Passenger capacity rule

Medium vehicles carry 11–29 passengers excluding the driver. Seat belts must be provided for all seats, and standing passengers are prohibited on expressways.

Hydroplaning speed

Hydroplaning can occur at roughly 80 km/h with about 2 mm of water on the road. If it happens, ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking or steering.

Fog driving lights

Use low beams and fog lights in fog, not high beams, because high beams reflect back. Reduce speed to stop within the visible distance; consider exiting if visibility is under 50 m.

Tire blowout response

Grip the wheel firmly, do not brake hard, and ease off the accelerator. Steer straight until the vehicle stabilizes, then brake gently and pull to the shoulder.

Brake failure response

Pump the brakes if hydraulic, downshift, use the engine brake and parking brake gradually, and look for an escape ramp. Do not turn off the engine, which would lose steering assist.

Expressway warning triangle

Place a warning triangle 150 m behind the vehicle on expressways and 50 m on ordinary roads. Turn on hazard lights and evacuate behind the guardrail.

Daily pre-trip check

Check brakes, tire pressure and tread, lights, engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, battery, and mirrors before each trip. Tire tread minimum is 1.6 mm, but 3 mm is safer.

Shaken inspection cycle

Private medium vehicles need their first shaken at 2 years, then every 2 years. Commercial medium vehicles require annual inspection. The certificate must be displayed.

Periodic inspection intervals

Commercial vehicles require 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month periodic inspections. The 12-month inspection is more comprehensive and includes brake dynamometer testing.

Accident reporting duty

After an accident, stop, turn on hazard lights, check for injuries, call 119 for an ambulance and 110 for police. Failure to report is a hit-and-run offense.

First aid ABC

First aid priorities are airway, breathing, and circulation. Do not move an injured person unless there is fire or traffic danger; control bleeding with direct pressure.

CPR compression ratio

Perform 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute. Use an AED as soon as it is available.

Compulsory insurance limit

Compulsory automobile liability insurance covers bodily injury up to 30 million yen per person. Voluntary insurance covers property damage and excess liability; commercial vehicles need higher limits.

Eco-driving savings

Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, maintaining steady speed, and checking tire pressure can reduce fuel consumption by 10–20%. Idling for 10 minutes wastes about 0.14 L of fuel.

Idling stop rule

Turn off the engine when parked for more than 5 seconds. Idling wastes fuel and emits CO2, and many municipalities require idling stop by ordinance.

Fuel-efficient cruising speed

Medium vehicles achieve best fuel economy around 50–60 km/h on flat roads. Expressway cruising at 80 km/h is more efficient than at 100 km/h.

Driver health checks

Commercial drivers must undergo regular health checks. Sleep apnea and hypertension are common risk factors, and drivers must report medication that may cause drowsiness.