For those who want to know more about how to obtain a moped license, we will explain how to obtain a moped license and the costs of obtaining a license.

We will also explain the documents and qualifications required for the moped license exam, as well as the process on the day of the exam, so make sure you understand everything before taking the exam and get your moped license.

How to get a moped license

A moped license can be obtained in as little as one day. Unlike regular licenses and other licenses, there are no prescribed theory or practical courses, so there is no need to attend a driving school.

STEP 1. Pass the moped license test

To obtain a moped license, you must first pass the written test. This test is taken at the nearest driver's license center or driver's license testing center in your prefecture.

STEP 2. Take a moped course

After passing the written test, you will take a course on skills and safety before being issued with a license.

Qualifications, documents and fees required for the moped license examination

We will explain in detail about the eligibility requirements to take the exam to obtain a moped license, the documents required on the day of the exam, and the costs of obtaining one.

Eligible applicants

The eligibility requirements for taking the motorbike license examination are as follows:

• 16+
• Vision in both eyes is 0.5 or higher

The use of vision correction devices such as glasses and contact lenses is permitted. Therefore, even if your naked eye vision is not sufficient, as long as your corrected vision is 0.5 or higher, there is no problem. If you need glasses or contact lenses, don't forget to bring them with you.

Those who are blind in one eye can take the exam if the visual field of the other eye is 150 degrees or more on both sides and the visual acuity is 0.5 or higher. In addition, those who have been revoked in the past (excluding beginner revocations) can take the exam if they have taken the "Revoked Persons' Training Course" within one year and the disqualification period has passed.

Exam Date and Time

Although it depends on the prefectural driver's license center, the test day for the Tokyo moped license test is only on weekdays. The test can only be taken from Monday to Friday, and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the New Year's holiday period (December 29th to January 3rd).

The exam is divided into morning and afternoon sessions, so you can choose whichever is more convenient for you. However, if there are too many applicants in the morning and the reception desk reaches capacity, the exam may be held in the afternoon.

The examination registration hours in Tokyo are as follows:

• Morning exam registration: 8:30am to 9:05am
• Afternoon exam registration: 9:30am to 11:30am

Even if you take the test in the afternoon, registration hours are from 9:30 a.m. as mentioned above. Even if you take the test in the afternoon, you will need to go to the Driver's License Center in the morning to register. Please note that registration is not available in the afternoon.

Exam Fees

The total cost of obtaining a moped license is 8,050 yen. The breakdown is as follows:

Examination fee	1,500円
Driver's License issuance fee	2,050円
Moped course tuition fee	4,500円

If you fail the exam, you can retake it, but you will be charged the exam fee each time you try until you pass.

Required documents

The documents required on the day vary depending on whether you are obtaining a driver Driver's License for the first time, if you are not subject to the Basic Resident Register Act, or if you already have a driver's Driver's License.

We will explain each one in detail, so be sure to prepare properly.

If you are getting a driver's Driver's License for the first time

The following documents are required when applying for a driver's license for the first time:

• A copy of your residence certificate showing your permanent domicile (nationality, etc.) (copies are not acceptable)
• Identity verification documents
• Photo for application (3cm length x 2.4cm width)

Submit a copy of your residence certificate without your My Number listed (photocopies are not acceptable). If your My Number is listed, mask out the number before submitting it.

If your resident registration has been cancelled due to being posted overseas, etc., you will need to submit a copy of your family register, a copy of your family register extract, or a copy of your resident registration showing your registered domicile, as well as a temporary return certificate (certificate of residence) and a copy of an identification document that can verify your address.

Identification documents are documents other than a copy of a residence certificate that lists your permanent domicile (nationality, etc.). Examples include My Number cards, health insurance cards, passports, basic resident registers, residence cards, special permanent resident certificates, and student ID cards.

For the application photo, prepare a bust-up photo without a hat, facing forward, and with a plain background. A photo taken within the last six months is valid. Photos can also be taken at the Driver's License Center.

Cases where the Basic Resident Registration Act does not apply

If the Basic Resident Registration Act does not apply, the necessary documents are as follows.

• Passport, etc.
• Identity verification documents
• Documents proving that you are staying at the address stated on your license application
• Photo for application (3cm length x 2.4cm width)

Those who are not covered by the Basic Resident Register system will need a passport and other identification documents.

Identification documents other than passports include health insurance cards, residence cards, special permanent resident certificates, student ID cards, employee ID cards, and other documents that can prove your identity.

"Documents proving that you are staying at the address on your license application" refers to a certificate from the manager of the hotel where you are staying or a certificate from the head of the household where you are staying. The photo for application is the same as the one you use when getting your license for the first time.

If you have a driver's Driver's License

If you have a driver's Driver's License, you need:

• driver's Driver's License
• Application photo

If you already have a driving Driver's License, bring it with you. You can take the test with only a Driver's License and a photo, and you can also take a photo at the driver's license center.

Steps for taking the moped license test

We will explain the process on the day of the moped license test. Make sure you understand it well and prepare for the day.

1. Implementation of aptitude tests

First, you will take an aptitude test. The following items are checked in the aptitude test:

• age
• Hearing tests
• Color discrimination test (distinguishing between red, blue, and yellow)
• Physical Ability Test
• Vision test

Participants must be 16 years of age or older, and a hearing test will be conducted to check whether the participant can hear a 90db (decibel) sound from a distance of 10m. Hearing aids are also permitted.

The colour discrimination test checks whether you have any problems distinguishing between red, green, and yellow traffic lights, and the physical ability test checks whether you have any physical functional disorders.

The vision test is to check whether your eyes have a visual acuity of 0.5 or higher. You may wear glasses or contact lenses, so please do not forget to bring them with you.

2. Implementation of written exams

The written test for a moped license asks about your understanding of correct traffic rules and traffic manners. Details of the written test are as follows:

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Multiple choice questions: 46 questions (1 point each)
• Illustration questions: 2 questions (2 points each)
• Pass with 90% or more correct answers

Study using commercially available textbooks, problem books, free apps, etc. You will pass if you answer all 48 questions within 30 minutes and get 45 or more points out of 50.

Pay attention to time management and trick questions, and aim to pass on the first try.

3. Moped training courses

After passing the written test, you will take a moped course that lasts about 3 hours. You will actually ride a moped and learn the skills to ride a moped safely and correctly. The contents of the moped course are as follows:

• Basic operations
• Basic driving
• Knowledge of safe driving

To take the moped course, you must be dressed appropriately to drive a moped. The appropriate clothing and shoes are as follows:

• Long sleeve
• Long trousers
• Running shoes

To avoid injury in the event of a fall, it is essential to wear long sleeves and long pants. Also, heels and sandals are not permitted, so wear sneakers or other athletic shoes.

Q&A regarding obtaining a moped license

Let's clear up any questions you may have when obtaining a moped license, such as whether you need to make a reservation in advance or whether it can be obtained in one day.

Do I need to make a reservation for my motorbike license test?

Depending on the region you are taking the moped license test in, you may need to make a reservation. In Tokyo, no reservation is required, so you can take the test by simply showing up at the reception desk on the day you wish to take the test, but there are some prefectures where you can only make reservations the day before and do not take tests on the day.

For example, in Yamagata Prefecture, you cannot take the test unless you make a reservation the day before. This varies by prefecture and license center, so be sure to check in advance.

Where can I get a moped license in one day?

If you go to a driver's license center or driver's license testing center, you can get your license on the same day. However, some prefectures have limited test days or only a few times a month.

In Tokyo, you can take the test every weekday, Monday through Friday, and Driver's License will be issued on the same day, but if you fail the written test, you will need to take it again.

Due to application times, retaking the test will most likely be the following day or later, so if you have circumstances that require a moped license, make sure you plan it well in your schedule.

In addition, some prefectures hold the exam at police stations or police headquarters, but if you take the exam at a police station or police headquarters, the license will not be issued on the same day. It takes about four weeks to issue Driver's License, so if you want to get it quickly, you should take the exam at a driver's license center.

Can I drive a moped if I have a regular driver's license?

If you have a regular car driver's license, you can ride a moped with an engine displacement of 50cc or less. If you want to ride a motorbike with an engine displacement of 51cc or more, you will need Regular Motorcycle license or a small motorcycle license.

Understand how to get your moped license and get it smoothly

You can get a moped license in as little as one day. After submitting the necessary documents and passing the aptitude test and written test, you will then take a practical course and finally get your license.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready and prepared. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, don't forget to bring them with you.

The written exam is a multiple-choice question, and if you have the knowledge, the questions are not difficult, but the passing standard is somewhat strict, requiring 45 or more points out of 50. You can study in advance using commercially available question books and free apps, so study hard and aim to pass on the first try.

After passing the written test, you will actually ride a moped in the moped course. You cannot take the course unless you are wearing clothes and shoes suitable for riding a moped, so wear long sleeves, long pants, and sneakers.

If you know what to bring and what to expect on the day of the test, you can rest assured. Be prepared and you'll be able to proceed smoothly and get your moped license.