Japan Ordinary Licence Theory flashcards

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

General road speed limit

On ordinary roads without a posted sign, the maximum speed is 60 km/h. On expressways the general limit is 100 km/h, raised to 120 km/h only on designated sections.

Two-second following rule

Keep at least the distance the vehicle travels in two seconds behind the car ahead. At 100 km/h that is about 55 metres; double it in rain and more on ice.

Crosswalk pedestrian priority

A pedestrian crossing or about to cross a zebra crossing has absolute priority. The vehicle must stop before the crosswalk, not on it, and let the pedestrian pass.

Right turn at intersection

A right turn is made close to the left edge of the road centre (small turn), entering the new road near its left side so as not to cut across oncoming traffic.

Parking prohibition distances

Parking is prohibited within 5 m of a crosswalk or intersection edge and within 3 m of a bus stop sign. Stopping is prohibited within 5 m of a fire hydrant or railway crossing.

Drink-driving thresholds

Breath alcohol of 0.15 mg/L or blood alcohol of 0.3 mg/mL constitutes 酒気帯び. Any amount with impaired driving is 酒酔い. Providers and encouraging passengers are also punished.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red light means stop at the stop line and proceed only after confirming the way is clear. A flashing yellow means proceed with caution and yield to priority traffic.

Green arrow signal

A green arrow permits movement only in the arrow's direction, even while the main signal is red. Other directions remain governed by the main signal.

Centre line markings

A yellow centre line prohibits crossing for overtaking. A white dashed line permits overtaking when safe. A white solid line prohibits crossing or lane changes.

Zone 30 marking

A zone marking sets a maximum speed of 30 km/h for the whole area. The limit applies from the zone entry sign until the zone exit sign.

Stop line rule

When a signal or sign requires a stop, the vehicle stops immediately before the stop line, without touching or crossing it, then proceeds only when safe.

Visual lead time

Scan about 12 to 15 seconds ahead in urban driving and 20 to 25 seconds on expressways. Keep the eyes moving instead of fixating on one point.

Hidden hazard assumption

When a parked car, blind corner, or bus stop blocks the view, assume a pedestrian or cyclist will emerge. Slow down before reaching the obstruction.

Night pedestrian visibility

On low beam a pedestrian in dark clothing is visible at only about 25 to 30 metres. Reduce speed so that stopping distance stays inside the illuminated range.

Fatigue break rule

After about two hours of continuous driving, take a break of at least 15 minutes. Drowsiness slows reaction time comparably to low-level alcohol.

Wet road braking

Braking distance on wet roads is roughly 1.5 to 2 times the dry distance. Hydroplaning risk rises above about 80 km/h when standing water is present.

Engine braking

Releasing the accelerator with the clutch engaged slows the car through engine compression. A lower gear gives stronger engine braking, useful on long descents to prevent brake fade.

ABS operation

ABS prevents wheel lock and preserves steering control, but does not shorten stopping distance on gravel or snow. Keep firm, continuous pressure on the pedal and steer.

Tire tread legal minimum

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Replacement is recommended at 3 to 4 mm, because wet grip and hydroplaning resistance drop sharply below that.

Tire pressure check

Use the cold pressure shown on the door-jamb or fuel-filler label. Under-inflation raises rolling resistance and heat, increasing fuel use and blowout risk.

Headlight beam use

Use low beam at night, in tunnels, and in rain or fog. Switch from high to low beam within about 150 m of an oncoming vehicle or when following another car.

Child seat requirement

A child under six years old must use a child seat. The lap belt sits low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the collarbone for adults.

Duties after a crash

Stop the vehicle, warn other traffic, aid the injured, and report to police. Failing to stop is a serious offence; stopping and assisting greatly reduce legal exposure.

Warning triangle placement

Switch on hazard lights and place a warning triangle about 50 m behind the vehicle on ordinary roads and about 200 m on expressways, then evacuate behind the guardrail.

Moving an injured person

Do not move an injured person unless there is fire, a secondary collision risk, or an obstructed airway. Suspected spinal injury requires immobilisation until help arrives.

Brake failure response

Pump the pedal rapidly, downshift for engine braking, and apply the parking brake gradually. For a stuck accelerator, shift to neutral and brake firmly.

Tire blowout response

Grip the wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight until the car slows, then pull over to a safe place.

Ordinary licence validity

An ordinary licence generally expires on the holder's birthday in the third year after issuance, or the fifth year for gold-licence holders with a good record. Renewal opens two months before.

Penalty point thresholds

A single 6-point violation generally brings a 30-day suspension. Accumulating 15 points brings revocation. Points are cleared by a traffic-violation course in some cases.

Novice mark obligation

The novice mark must be displayed on the vehicle for the first year after obtaining an ordinary licence. Failure to display it is a traffic violation.

Address change report

A change of name or address must be reported to the licensing authority within 10 days. A lost licence requires an application for reissue.

Idling stop rule

Switching off the engine for stops longer than about 5 seconds saves fuel. Ten minutes of idling wastes roughly 0.14 litres and adds unnecessary emissions.

Under-inflation fuel penalty

Tire pressure 50 kPa (0.5 bar) below specification raises fuel consumption by about 2 to 3 percent and accelerates uneven tire wear.