Japan Semi-Medium Theory flashcards

32 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 with no posted speed sign, the legal limit is 60 km/h for motor vehicles. Posted signs override this limit, and specific vehicle classes may have lower limits.

Parking versus stopping

Stopping (停車) becomes parking (駐車) when the vehicle remains stopped continuously for more than 5 minutes, or when the engine is off or the driver is away.

Intersection without priority signs

If roads are equally wide, yield to the vehicle approaching from the left. If one road is narrower, the vehicle entering from the narrower road must yield.

Overtaking side in Japan

Traffic keeps left, so overtaking is performed on the right. Passing on the left is limited to cases such as a vehicle ahead turning right or a stopped tram.

Child restraint requirement

Children under 6 years old must use a child restraint system when riding in a vehicle. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in every seat.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red traffic light requires a full stop before proceeding only when safe. Flashing yellow means proceed with caution and yield to traffic on the priority road.

Stop sign shape

The Japanese stop sign is an inverted red triangle with white text. The driver must stop fully with wheels stationary at the stop line, not a rolling stop.

Yellow center line

A yellow center line prohibits crossing to overtake. A dashed white line permits crossing to overtake when safe, while a solid white line should not be crossed.

Diamond road marking

A white diamond marking on the approach warns of an upcoming crosswalk. Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks, so the driver must be ready to stop.

No entry sign

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry. A red circle with a white minus means no vehicle traffic, and a blue circle with a white arrow shows a designated direction.

Shared bicycle-pedestrian path

A blue circular sign with a white bicycle and pedestrian indicates a shared path. Pedestrians have priority, and cyclists must keep to the pedestrian side only when directed.

Two-second following rule

Keep at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead at current speed. Increase the gap in rain, fog, or darkness to allow for longer stopping distances.

Stopping distance relationship

Total stopping distance combines reaction distance and braking distance. Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

Right-turn cyclist hazard

In left-hand traffic, a right turn crosses the path of cyclists and pedestrians going straight on the left edge. The turning vehicle must check and yield to them.

Blind spot check

Mirrors do not cover the area beside and behind the vehicle. Turn the head to check the blind spot before lane changes, especially for motorcycles and bicycles.

Railway crossing procedure

Stop before the crossing, open the window to listen, and confirm no train is approaching. Never stop on the tracks, and proceed only when the far side is clear.

Low beam in fog

In fog or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights rather than high beam. High beam reflects off the fog and rain, reducing visibility, so reduce speed and increase the gap.

Tire tread legal minimum

The legal minimum tire tread depth is 1.6 mm. Worn tires increase hydroplaning risk and braking distance, and sidewall bulges require immediate replacement.

ABS braking technique

ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking. Press the brake pedal firmly and steer as needed; do not pump the pedal, because the system already modulates pressure.

Engine braking on descents

On long descents, select a lower gear to use engine braking. This prevents brake fade from continuous braking and keeps the vehicle controllable on steep slopes.

Periodic inspection interval

Private cars require periodic inspection (車検) every 2 years, with the first inspection at 3 years for a new private car. Driving without valid inspection is prohibited.

Mandatory versus voluntary insurance

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

Winter tire and chain use

Winter tires or chains are required on snowy and icy roads. Chains fit on the drive wheels, and speed must be limited, typically to 30-50 km/h depending on the chain type.

Vehicle dimension limits

A standard passenger car is limited to 4.7 m length, 1.7 m width, and 2.0 m height. Other vehicle classes have different limits, so confirm the class on the registration.

Securing cargo

Cargo must be secured so it cannot shift or fall, and it must not exceed the specified payload. Loads must be distributed evenly and must not obstruct lights, plates, or the driver's view.

Trailer towing requirements

Towing a trailer requires the appropriate licence class and a trailer meeting coupling, lighting, and brake requirements. The combination must stay within the towing vehicle's rated capacity.

Overloading consequences

Overloading increases braking distance and reduces steering response. It also violates the Road Traffic Act and the Road Transport Vehicle Act, and may damage the vehicle structure.

Accident reporting duty

After a collision, stop immediately, check for injuries, call 119 for an ambulance if needed, and report the accident to police by calling 110. Fleeing the scene is a serious offence.

First aid priority order

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 in danger.

Expressway breakdown safety

Place warning triangles or flares well behind the vehicle, move everyone behind the guardrail, and call for help. Secondary collisions are a major risk on expressways.

Semi-medium licence scope

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 point thresholds

Penalty points accumulate, and at 6 points most drivers face an administrative hearing leading to suspension. At 15 points the licence is revoked, with serious violations triggering immediate revocation.