3 Types of Licenses and Vehicle Coverage

RT Law 84 II • III,85, 86＊1

Driver’s licenses are classified into the following three types.
First-classlicense(category 1)

Required to operate automobiles and mopeds. (Excludes
those vehicles that require a second-class license.)

Second-classlicense(category 2)

Required to operate a bus, taxi or other vehicle thattransports fee-paying passengers, or a designateddriving service’s regular motor vehicle.1

Learner’s
permitRequired to operate a large vehicle, a medium vehicle, aquasi-medium vehicle or regular motor vehicle for the
purpose of learning to drive or taking a driving test.

(2) Types of First-class Licenses
There are ten types of first-class licenses. The table below indicates
which types of vehicles can be driven with each license.
Vehiclequalifiedto drive

Large
Medium Quasi- Regular Special
vehicle vehicle medium motor heavy
vehicles vehicle equipment

Largesize
motorcycle

Regular Special Moped
motor- lightcycle
equipment

Quick Hint
A passenger bus
or taxi can be driven
without a secondclass license if this is
to return the vehicle
or for another reason
that does not involve
carrying passengers.
※1

Minimum age is 19 if
the person is speciallydesignated as a selfdefence official, etc.
Only automobiles with
automatic transmission
can be driven with alicense that specifies
automatic transmissions only.

Large(21) ※1※3

MediumOnly motorcycles witha displacement of 125
cc or less or rated motor
output of 1.00 kW orless can be operated
with a license that specifies small motorcycles
only.

(20) ※1

Quasimedium
(18)

※2

Regular(18)※4Special heavyequipment
(18)

※2

※2

(18)

Regularmotorcycle

13※2Type offirst-classlicense(minimum age)

Large-size
motorcycle

Refers to a regular passenger car operated bydrivers working for adesignated driving service operator (primarily
for driving home people
who have drunk alcohol).

Only camping trailers
or other trailers weighing a total of less than
2,000 kg can be towed
with a license that specifies small trailers only.

※2 ※3

(16)

Special lightequipment
(16)

Moped
(16)

Towinglicense(18)

This type of license is required to tow a vehicle that weighs in excess of
750 kg by using a large vehicle, a medium vehicle, a quasi-medium
vehicle, regular motor vehicle, or heavy special equipment.※4125●

The Driver’s License System andTraffic Violation Notification System(1) License Classifications

RT Law 96 II, III
RT Law 85 VI, VII,
VIII, IX, X(1) Eligibility to take the test
Eligibility to take the tests for the following licenses requires that you meet thequalifications for candidacy, including driving experience, in addition to the age
qualification.
1 Large vehicle license
You are required to have held a medium, quasi-medium, regular, or special heavy equipment license for a total of 3 years or longer.
2 Medium vehicle license
You are required to have held a quasi-medium, regular or special heavyequipment license for a total of 2 years or longer.

(2) Driver qualifications

13

Quick Hint
Eligibility to takethe test may be eased
upon completion of
special lessons designated by the Public
Safety Commission.

Drivers of emergency vehicles are required to have held a driver’s license forthe applicable vehicle and meet the following additional qualifications. (Thisexcludes those who have passed the screening by the Public Safety
Commission.)
1 For medium or quasi-medium vehicles…Must be 21 years old or older andhave held a license for 3 years or longer
2 For regular motor vehicles…Must have held a license for more than 2 years
3 For regular and large motorcycles…Must have held a license for 2 years or
longer

5 Towing License

RT Law 85 III, IV

Towing another vehicle using a towing vehicle1(large vehicle, medium vehicle, quasi-medium
vehicle, regular motor vehicle, or heavy special
equipment) requires a towing license in addition
to a license for the towing vehicle.
License for the type of+ Towing license
towing vehicle＊1

Towing vehicle...

To tow another vehicle (over 750 kg)
requires a towing license.

In the following two circumstances, however, a towing license is not
required.
1 The gross weight2 of the vehicle being
towed is 750 kg or less.
2 When towing a broken-down vehicle
by rope or crane.

A vehicle equipped witha structure and apparatus
for towing other vehicles
is referred to as a “towing
vehicle,” while a vehicle
equipped with a structure
and apparatus for being
towed is referred to as a
“towed vehicle.” Except
for unavoidable situations, without this structure and apparatus on
both vehicles, towing is
not permitted.
Refer to page 290 for
details.
＊2

Gross weight...
A towing license is not required in thesecases.

This refers to the total
weight of the vehicle
including passengers
and cargo.

127●

The Driver’s License System andTraffic Violation Notification System

4 Required driving experienceRT Law 87
Enforcement
Ordinance 32-6

＊1

A Learner’s Permit isrequired when trying toobtain a second-classdriver’s license, in thefollowing circumstances:
1 When a person with aquasi-medium vehicle
licence, or first-class regular motor vehicle license
is attempting to obtain asecond-class large vehicle license or secondclass medium licence.
2 When a person witha first-class medium
vehicle license is
attempting to obtaina second-class large
vehicle license.
3 When a person with a
special heavy equipment license is attempting to obtain asecond-class large
vehicle license, secondclass medium vehicle
license, or second-class
regular license.

Quick Hint
Never drive alone...
Even with a learn­
er’s permit, it is ex­tremely dangerous todrive without a per­son in the car who isqualified to drive thecar. You should neverdo this.
Driving alone is a
“Driving illegally witha learner’s permit” forwhich your learner’s
p e r m i t w i l l b e re ­voked.

RT Law 94 I, II

6 Driving on a Learner’s Permit(1) When a Learner’s Permit is Required
In the following circumstances, those who wish to obtain a first-class driver’s
license must obtain a license appropriate for the kind of automobile being driven1:
1 When a person is learning to drive a large vehicle, a medium vehicle, aquasi-medium vehicle, or a regular motor vehicle on a road2 When a person is driving a large vehicle, a medium vehicle, a quasi-medium vehicle, or a regular motor
vehicle on a road in order to take a licensing test or a graduation test at a designated driving school.

(2) Term of Validity for a Learner’s Permit
The term of validity for a learner’s permit is six months from the date thelicense test was taken.

(3) Learning to Drive on a Learner’s Permit
When a person with a learner’s permit drives a large vehicle, a medium
vehicle, a quasi-medium vehicle, or regular motor vehicle for the purpose oflearning, he or she must have one of the following people sitting next to
him or her in the front seat and must drive under this person’s instruction.
1 A driving instructor of a designated driving school (only when actually driving for practice)
2 A person who has held a first-class license for driving the vehicle for 3 years or more
3 A person who is 21 years old or older and holds a second-class license fordriving the vehicle(4) Displaying a “Learner Driver” Sign
When a vehicle is being driven on a learner’s permit for the purpose ofdriving for practice, a “learner driver” sign must be displayed in the designated positions at the front and rear of the vehicle.
30 30
cmcm以上or more

仮免許

仮免許

練習中

練習中

17
cm or
17cm
more
以上
仮免許

練習中

Learner Driver
Learning to Drive
Affixed between 0.4 meters and 1.2 metersfrom the ground in a clearly visible spot.

2

Renewing a Driver’s License, etc.

1 Submitting Notification of Changes to Information Listed on Driver’s License

1 When one’s personal information changes due to a change of address, marriage, or other reason, it is important to report the change as early as possible to one’s local public safety commission.
2 If one’s driver’s license is lost, stolen, damaged or going to be renewed for
personal informations change, it is possible to apply to one’s local public
safety commission for the license to be reissued.
●128

(3) Duties of a License Renewer
When renewing a driver’s license, the holder must undergo the renewal
course offered according to his or her classification. The content and timerequired for each course varies according to classification.
Classification
ExemplarydriverOrdinary
driver＊1

Specially designated course...
1 A person who hastaken a senior dri­ver’s course within
six months of the
expiration date forthe renewal period.
2 A person who hastaken a course or
educational course
mandated by gov­
ernment ordinancewithin six monthsof renewal.
＊2

Designated course...
A renewal course, seni­or driver’s course, etc.

Driver withviolations, etc.

Type of Course

Time (min.)Course for exemplary drivers

30

Course for ordinary drivers

60

Course for drivers who have committed traffic violations

120

Course for drivers who have held a license for less than
five years.

120

A person who has undergone a specially designated course1 provided
by a public safety commission or other organization within a specified period prior to renewal is exempt from taking these courses.

(4) Invalidation of a Driver’s License
If a driver’s license is not renewed, the license becomes invalid.

Point
When a Driver’s License is Invalidated
After a license has been invalidated, a person is required to take the licensing
examinations over again in order to obtain another license. In the following
instances, however, when the person takes a designated course2, he or she will be
exempt from taking part of the licensing exams.

Quick Hint

1 Within six months of the date of invalidation...
A person is exempt from taking the driving test and written test, and need only
pass the qualifying examination to be issued a new driver’s license.

If it has been morethan six months fromthe date of license
invalidation but lessthan one year, a person is exempt frompart of the learner’s
permit examinations
required to reobtain alicense.

2 If for an unavoidable reason such as illness or being overseas a person
is unable to take the qualifying examination within six months of the dateof invalidation...
If a person applies, with documentation proving the validity of the reason, with­in one month of the date that the reason no longer applies, that person will be
exempt from taking the driving test and written test.
However, if more than three years have passed since the expiration date for theterm of validity, this exemption no longer applies.

RT Law 101-4
102＊3

A person who has taken
a course or educationalcourse mandated bygovernment ordinancewithin the six months
prior to the last day of
the renewal period is
exempt from taking thiscourse.

●130

4 Senior Driver’s Course
If a person planning to apply for a license renewal will be 70 years old or overon the last day of the renewal period, that person must take a senior driver’s
course given by a public safety commission or other organization within the six
months prior to the last day of the renewal period.3 In addition, those who will be
75 years old or over will have to take a cognitive function test, in addition to asenior driver’s course.

1 Seating Capacities and Loading Restrictions

RT Law 57 I
Enforcement
Ordinance 22, 23
Safety Standard
53 II

The driver of a vehicle must not attempt to carry more than the establishedseating capacity (including the driver) or more than the restrictions on cargo allow.

12● Seating Capacities and Loading Restrictions
Type of Vehicle Seating Capacity Loading Capacity

Regularmotor
vehicles,quasimedium
vehicles,mediumvehicles,large vehicles, andspecialheavyequipment
Regularmotorcycles
and largesize motorcycles(excluding
motorcycles
with sidecars)

MopedsAs noted on theautomobile
inspection certificate
or the compact
car registration
certificate.
(Minicars seat
one person.)

As noted on theautomobile
inspection certificate or the compact car
registration certificate. (Minicars
can carry 90 kg.)

3.8 m
or less
1

Heights up to 2.5 m or less are allowed forthree-wheeled regular motor vehicles andregular motor vehicles whose total engine
displacement is 660 cc or less.

1(2 people may
ride if there is aseat other thanthe driver’s
seat.)

60 kg

Length of the carrying
device + 0.3 m or lessWidth of the carrying
device + 0.15 m or lessleft and right sides

2.0 m
or less

1(2 people may
ride if there is aseat other thanthe driver’s
seat.)

700 kgLength of automobile × 1.2 Width of automobile
× 1.2 or lessor less(Length + 1/10 of length or (Width + 1/10 of width
less to the front and back or less to the left andright respectively)
respectively)

2.0 m
or less

How to Calculate Seating Capacity When Carrying Children
Count three children under 12 years of age as two adults.

＝
Practiceexample＊1

Height Restrictionsof Loading Methods
Depending upon theroad and driving conditions, there are special
circumstances in which
the Public Safety
Commission has determined that a vehicle
height not exceeding
4.1m is acceptable, if it
is determined that there
are no road obstructions.

Quick Hint
What are the restrictions
regarding special-type
regular motor vehicles
and special heavy equipment?
The seating capacity and the
maximum load of the following vehicles is as follows:

30 kg

1
Speciallightequipment

Size and Carrying Method of Cargo
Length of automobile × 1.2 Width of automobile ×or less
1.2 or less
(Length + 1/10 of length or (Width + 1/10 of width
less to the front and backor less to the left andrespectively)
right respectively)

Calculation of seating capacity(Seating capacity – number of adults riding)× 1.5 = number of children who can ride
Note: Discard the portion after the decimal
point.

If 2 adults are riding in an automobile
having a seating capacity of 5 people,
how many children can ride?

Answerchildren

1 Regular agricultural-use
vehicles used for spraying
pesticides that cannot
travel at speeds greaterthan 35 km/hr:
Seating capacity: 1 Person
Loading capacity: 1,500 kg
2 Special heavy equipmentused for agricultural workthat cannot travel at
speeds greater than
35km/hrSeating capacity: 1 Person
3 Special heavy equipment
4.7m or less in length,1.7m or less in width and2.8m or less in height thatcannot travel at speeds
greater than 15km/hr
Seating capacity: 1 Person
Loading capacity: 1,000 kg

Note: See answer onfollowing
page.

285●

Carrying Passengers and Cargo

3

Restrictions on Passengers andVehicle Loading

Point(1) Duties of Those Responsible for Automobile Use
1 Those responsible for automobile use must ensure that vehicle drivers obey traffic regulations and driving safety supervisors keep
automobiles suitably maintained for safe driving. Driver services must also ensure that their drivers maintain the same responsi­
bilities when providing their substitutional driving services.

15

2 Unless there is a driving safety supervisor present, those responsible for the use of emergency vehicles such as fire engines as wellas road maintenance trucks must provide drivers with the traffic safety education required for safe driving.
3 Those responsible for automobile use must ensure that required measures are taken for proper parking of the vehicle.
4 In the event that a vehicle driver has committed a speeding violation, or has driven a vehicle with excessive load, or has driven ina state of extreme exhaustion, the Public Safety Commission may give those responsible for the use of the vehicle instructions totake necessary steps to prevent the reoccurrence of the violation. If the driver repeats the violation despite the instructions, those
responsible for automobile use may be penalized by temporary suspension of driving privileges and by being prevented to haveother people drive the vehicle for a certain period time.
In addition, in the event that drivers of hired cars or accompanying automobiles of driving services commit speeding violation orillegal parking or stopping, or has driven a vehicle in a state of extreme exhaustion, the driving services may be instructed by the
Public Safety Commission to take necessary steps to prevent the reoccurrence of the violation or may have business suspended.
5 In the event that those responsible for automobile use has been fined for unattended illegal parking before, and is fined again forthe same violation by the Public Safety Commission, he/she may be penalized by temporary suspension of driving privileges andby being prevented to have other people drive the vehicle for a certain period time.
6 If the person responsible for the use of the vehicle has not paid the fine for leaving his/her vehicle illegally by due date, and is thenreminded to pay the fine by the Public Safety Commission, he/she will have to present a document that proves that the fine for theviolation, delinquent charge, and processing fee have been paid, in order to have a new Vehicle Inspection Certificate issued.

(2) Duties of Driving Safety Supervisors
1 Businesses that have 5 or more automobiles (large­size motorcycles and regular motorcycles count as half a vehicle) or one ormore automobiles with a seating capacity of 11 persons or more must appoint a driving safety supervisor to provide drivers withtraffic safety instructions and handle other duties necessary for the safe driving of the automobiles. In addition, driver services
must also appoint a driving safety supervisor in each place of business.
Businesses that make use of 20 or more automobiles (driver services: business that make use 10 or more automobiles) must
appoint a designated number of deputy safety supervisors according to the number of automobiles in use.
2 Driving safety supervisors must reliably carry out the following duties and ensure that drivers drive safely. Deputy driving safety
supervisors must assist driving safety supervisors in carrying out the following duties:• Provide traffic safety instruction.
• Determine whether or not drivers are obeying traffic regulations and whether or not drivers have the aptitude, appropriate
knowledge and skills required for safe driving.
• Take sufficient care to create action plans to prevent acts such as speeding, driving with an excessive load, driving while
exhausted, and illegal parking. Illegal parking includes leaving vehicles in a place far removed from the driver where they can­not be moved quickly. (This also applies to hired vehicles or accompanying vehicles which are illegally parked)• Assign co­drivers for long­distance driving.
• Give orders as required to ensure safe driving in bad weather or in the event of natural disasters.
• Confirm the health of drivers through daily pre­driving checks and by giving orders as required in order to ensure safe driving.
• Check visually or otherwise whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol before and after driving, and record and preserve
the details of the checks.
• Require drivers to keep driving logs.
• Provide instructions in driving skills and knowledge and other subjects required for safe driving.
3 The person directly responsible for the operation of automobiles, such as the driving supervisor, must not allow drivers to engage
in any of the following actions. In the event of a violation, the person responsible may have his or her license temporarily sus­pended and he or she may be barred temporarily from engaging supervisory activities.
A) Driving without a license (or on a suspended license) or without qualificationsB) SpeedingC) Drunk driving or driving under the influenceD) Driving under the influence of narcotics or stimulants or driving while fatigued
E) Driving with excessive loads
F) Leaving a vehicle unattended
In addition, driver services and their safety supervisors, etc, must not order or tacitly allow the drivers of hired cars or accompa­
nying automobiles to commit acts A) – F) or illegal parking or stopping violations.

301●

Automobile Owner Preparations and the Insurance System

Duties of Those Responsible for Automobile Use or Driving Safety Supervisors