Japan Semi-Medium Theory key terms

A Japanese driving licence class covering vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 7.5 tonnes, maximum payload under 4.5 tonnes, and seating capacity of ten or fewer people, excluding the driver. It sits between ordinary and medium-class licences.

A licence class limited to vehicles under 5 tonnes gross weight, under 3 tonnes payload, and ten or fewer occupants. Holders may not drive semi-medium trucks without upgrading through additional training and testing.

The total weight of a vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, cargo, fuel, coolant, and passengers. It determines which licence class and road restrictions apply to the vehicle.

The greatest cargo weight a vehicle is legally permitted to carry, set by the manufacturer and recorded on the vehicle registration. Exceeding it constitutes overloading and is subject to penalties and inspection orders.

Carrying cargo beyond the legal payload or weight limit. It degrades braking, steering, and tyre performance, and can bring fines, licence points, and mandatory corrective measures for the operator.

The requirement to fasten cargo with ropes, belts, or sheets so it cannot shift, fall, or scatter during driving. Failure to secure loads can cause accidents and violates road traffic law.

An administrative order issued when a vehicle fails safety standards, for example after serious overloading. The owner must repair the vehicle and report completion, and the vehicle may be barred from use until cleared.

The statutory safety inspection a vehicle must pass at prescribed intervals to remain legally usable. It checks brakes, steering, lights, emissions, and structure, and a passing certificate must be displayed.

The daily walk-around and operational check a driver must perform before driving, covering tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, and load. It is a legal duty for professional and semi-medium vehicle drivers.

The remaining groove depth on a tyre, which must not fall below the legal minimum. Worn tyres reduce grip, especially on wet roads, and increase stopping distance and aquaplaning risk.

The maximum speed legally permitted on a given road, set by signs or by statutory defaults. Exceeding it is a punishable offence and a leading cause of severe accidents.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead to allow time to stop if it brakes suddenly. It should grow with speed, load, and poor weather or road conditions.

The total distance travelled from the moment a hazard is perceived until the vehicle stops. It combines reaction distance and braking distance and increases with speed and vehicle weight.

The delay between recognising a hazard and beginning to brake or steer. Fatigue, alcohol, distraction, and heavy loads lengthen it, so drivers must anticipate hazards early.

Actively reading the road ahead to anticipate risks such as pedestrians, parked cars, or changing signals. It is central to defensive driving and to passing practical and written tests.

A driving style that assumes other road users may make mistakes and leaves margin for error. It includes early observation, smooth control, and avoiding unnecessary risk.

A sign that imposes a legal restriction or prohibition, such as a speed limit, no entry, or parking ban. Violating a regulatory sign is a traffic offence.

A sign alerting drivers to a hazard ahead, such as a sharp curve, steep hill, or school zone. It requires reduced speed and heightened attention rather than a legal prohibition.

A sign that directs road users to take a specific action or follow a designated route, such as one-way traffic or a designated lane. It differs from a prohibition sign.

Painted lines on the road surface that separate lanes, mark edges, or indicate restrictions. Solid lines generally prohibit crossing, while broken lines permit it when safe.

A light device controlling the right of way at intersections and crossings. Drivers must obey its colours, and a flashing yellow or red carries specific meanings distinct from steady lights.

The rule determining which road user may proceed first at an intersection or narrow passage. It depends on signals, signs, road width, and the direction of travel.

The act of entering a junction, governed by signal state, stop lines, and priority rules. Drivers must not block the junction and must yield where required.

A painted line where a vehicle must halt before a stop sign, signal, or railway crossing. Stopping beyond it or rolling through it is a violation.

A mandatory complete stop required at stop signs and railway crossings. The vehicle must come fully to rest and the driver must confirm safety before moving off.

A point where a road crosses train tracks. Drivers must stop, check for approaching trains, and cross without delay, never stopping on the tracks.

A vehicle on an emergency call, such as an ambulance, fire engine, or police car using sirens and lights. Other drivers must yield, pull aside, and clear the way.

Operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol above the legal threshold. It is severely punished, and passengers, employers, and establishments may also face liability.

Points added to a driver's record for traffic violations under the administrative points system. Accumulated points trigger suspensions, training courses, or revocation.

The cancellation of a driving licence following serious violations or accumulated points. The driver loses driving privileges and must wait a set period before reapplying.

A temporary loss of driving privileges for a defined period after violations or point accumulation. Driving during suspension is itself a criminal offence.

The legal obligation to stop, report an accident to police, and provide assistance when people are injured. Failing to do so can lead to serious criminal charges.

Immediate care given to injured people before professional help arrives, such as checking breathing, controlling bleeding, and keeping the person warm and still.

Contacting police and ambulance services after an accident, giving location, injuries, and hazards clearly. Prompt calls save lives and satisfy legal reporting duties.

Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping, reporting, or helping injured people. It is a serious offence carrying heavy penalties and licence consequences.

Pulling another vehicle or trailer behind a vehicle. It requires a suitable licence class, proper coupling, and adherence to weight and speed limits.

The maximum length, width, height, and weight a vehicle may have on public roads without special permission. Exceeding limits requires permits and route approval.

A restraint device that all occupants must wear while a vehicle is moving. Proper use reduces injury severity in crashes and is a legal requirement.