Japan Semi-Medium Theory cheat sheet

General speed limit on ordinary roads without posted signs is 60 km/h; on expressways it is 100 km/h for motor vehicles (lower limits apply to specific vehicle classes and conditions).

The Road Traffic Act (道路交通法) applies to all road users; "road" includes sidewalks, shoulders, and roadside strips, so driving on a shoulder or sidewalk is a violation unless expressly permitted.

Left-hand traffic: overtaking is done on the right; passing on the left is only allowed in specified cases such as when the vehicle ahead is turning right or a tram is stopped.

At an intersection without signals or priority signs, a vehicle entering from a narrower road must yield; where roads are equally wide, yield to the vehicle approaching from the left.

Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks; a driver must stop before the crosswalk when a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross.

Parking (駐車) means stopping continuously beyond 5 minutes or stopping with the engine off or the driver away; stopping (停車) beyond that becomes parking.

Parking and stopping are prohibited within 5 m of a crosswalk or bicycle crossing, within 5 m of a fire hydrant, and within 3 m of an intersection edge or railway crossing.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in all seats; child seats (child restraint systems) are required for children under 6 years old.

Sign categories: warning signs are yellow diamonds; regulatory signs are red/blue circles; instruction signs are blue rectangles; supplementary plates below a sign modify its scope.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means "no entry" (進入禁止); a red circle with a white minus means "no vehicle traffic" (車両進入禁止); a blue circle with a white arrow indicates a designated direction.

The "stop" sign (一時停止) is an inverted red triangle with white text; a full stop with wheels stationary is required at the stop line, not a rolling stop.

Flashing red traffic light means stop and proceed only when safe; flashing yellow means proceed with caution, yielding to traffic on the priority road.

A yellow center line means no crossing to overtake; a white dashed line permits crossing for overtaking when safe; a solid white line should not be crossed except to enter a facility or avoid an obstacle.

A white diamond marking (ひし形) on the approach warns of an upcoming crosswalk; a zebra-striped area means crosswalk and pedestrians have priority.

A blue circle with a white bicycle and pedestrian means a shared path where pedestrians have priority; bicycles must keep to the pedestrian side only when directed.

Signal phases: green means proceed; yellow means stop unless stopping would be dangerous; red means stop behind the stop line; arrow signals permit movement only in the arrow direction.

Following distance rule of thumb: keep at least the distance covered in 2 seconds at current speed; on expressways a 2-second gap is the minimum, more in rain or low visibility.

Stopping distance = reaction distance (speed × reaction time) + braking distance (proportional to speed squared); doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

At 40 km/h, total stopping distance on dry asphalt is roughly 15-20 m including about 1 second of reaction time; wet roads can increase braking distance by 1.5-2 times.

Blind spots: check mirrors, then turn the head to check the blind spot before lane changes; motorcycles and bicycles in the left blind spot are a common collision cause.

Right-turn (left-hand traffic) hazard: cyclists and pedestrians going straight on the left edge must be checked before and during the turn; the vehicle must yield to them.

At railway crossings, stop before the crossing, open the window to listen, and confirm no train is approaching before proceeding; never stop on the tracks.

Drowsiness and alcohol both increase reaction time; a driver feeling drowsy should stop at a safe place and rest rather than open a window or use caffeine as a substitute.

In fog or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights (not high beam) to reduce glare from reflection; reduce speed and increase following distance.

Daily pre-drive checks: tire pressure and tread, brake pedal feel, lights and turn signals, wipers and washer fluid, engine oil and coolant levels, and mirror adjustment.

Tire tread legal minimum is 1.6 mm; worn tires increase hydroplaning risk and braking distance, and sidewall damage or bulges require immediate replacement.

Engine braking is used on long descents to avoid brake fade; select a lower gear and avoid riding the brakes continuously.

ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking; with ABS, press the pedal firmly and steer, and do not pump the pedal.

The Japanese periodic inspection (車検) is required every 2 years for private cars (first inspection at 3 years for new private cars); driving without valid inspection is prohibited.

Mandatory insurance (自賠責保険) covers bodily injury to others and is required for all registered vehicles; voluntary insurance (任意保険) covers property damage and additional liability.

Tire chains or winter tires are required on snowy/icy roads; chains must be fitted to the drive wheels and speed limited (typically 30-50 km/h depending on chains).

Battery, brake fluid, and tire pressure change with temperature; in winter, check battery voltage and use the correct coolant concentration to prevent freezing.

Standard passenger car limits: length 4.7 m, width 1.7 m, height 2.0 m; larger classes (e.g., 3-number and 1-number plates) have different limits, so confirm the vehicle class.

Maximum load must not exceed the vehicle's specified payload (最大積載量) shown on the vehicle registration and must be distributed evenly, not concentrated at the rear.

Cargo must be secured so it cannot shift or fall; projecting loads must be covered and marked, and rear overhang limits apply (generally 10% of vehicle length for cargo).

Towing a trailer requires a towing licence class and a trailer that meets coupling, lighting, and brake requirements; the combination must not exceed the towing vehicle's rated towing capacity.

Roof racks and carriers add height; total height including cargo must stay within the legal limit, and cargo must not obstruct the driver's view or the lights and plates.

Overloading increases braking distance and reduces steering response; it is also a violation of the Road Traffic Act and the Road Transport Vehicle Act.

Loads must not protrude more than the specified limits from the sides or front; for rear projection beyond the limit, a red flag or marker is required in daylight and a red light at night.

Passenger limits are set by the vehicle registration; carrying more passengers than the specified number is prohibited regardless of seat availability.

After a collision: stop immediately, check for injuries, call 119 for an ambulance if anyone is injured, and call 110 to report the accident to police.

Failing to stop and report (ひき逃げ) is a serious criminal offence; the obligation to stop applies even if the other party says no problem.

First aid priority: ensure scene safety, check responsiveness and breathing, call for help, and start chest compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury requires keeping the head and neck still.

For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth; for burns, cool with running water and do not peel clothing stuck to the skin.

Place warning triangles or flares behind the vehicle on expressways and move to a safe place behind the guardrail; secondary collisions are a major risk.

If the vehicle catches fire, stop the engine, evacuate everyone upwind, and call 119; do not open the hood fully if the engine is burning.

Exchange information at the scene: names, addresses, phone numbers, insurer, and vehicle registration; take photos and note the position of vehicles and skid marks.

Licence classes: ordinary car (普通自動車), semi-medium (準中型), medium (中型), large (大型), motorcycle classes, and moped; each has age and vehicle-weight limits.

The semi-medium licence (準中型) covers vehicles up to 7.5 t gross weight and up to 5 t payload; it was introduced in 2017 and has a minimum age of 18.

Penalty points (違反点数) accumulate; at 6 points (for most drivers) an administrative hearing leads to suspension, and at 15 points a licence is revoked.

Serious violations (e.g., drunk driving, fleeing the scene) carry immediate licence revocation and criminal penalties; drunk driving can result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

The licence is suspended for a period determined by the point total and prior history; first-time suspension at 6-14 points typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.

The licence renewal cycle depends on history: gold licence holders (no violations in 5 years) renew every 5 years; others renew every 3 years, with a mandatory lecture.

Address changes and name changes must be reported to the licence centre within a set period (generally within 30 days for address changes).

Driving without a licence (無免許運転) is a criminal offence with severe penalties, and lending a vehicle to an unlicensed driver is also punishable.

General speed limit on ordinary roads without posted signs is 60 km/h; on expressways it is 100 km/h for motor vehicles (lower limits apply to specific vehicle classes and conditions).

The Road Traffic Act (道路交通法) applies to all road users; "road" includes sidewalks, shoulders, and roadside strips, so driving on a shoulder or sidewalk is a violation unless expressly permitted.

Left-hand traffic: overtaking is done on the right; passing on the left is only allowed in specified cases such as when the vehicle ahead is turning right or a tram is stopped.

At an intersection without signals or priority signs, a vehicle entering from a narrower road must yield; where roads are equally wide, yield to the vehicle approaching from the left.

Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks; a driver must stop before the crosswalk when a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross.

Parking (駐車) means stopping continuously beyond 5 minutes or stopping with the engine off or the driver away; stopping (停車) beyond that becomes parking.

Parking and stopping are prohibited within 5 m of a crosswalk or bicycle crossing, within 5 m of a fire hydrant, and within 3 m of an intersection edge or railway crossing.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in all seats; child seats (child restraint systems) are required for children under 6 years old.