It is possible to obtain a medium-duty vehicle license (class 1 medium-duty vehicle license) through a one-shot test without going to a driving school. However, you may have many questions, such as ``Is it cheaper than attending a driving school?'' and ``Is it easier to pass?''

In this article, we will explain the basic knowledge and the advantages and disadvantages of the one-shot test for those who want to obtain a medium-sized driver's license in one test. We will also introduce the trends of people who are suitable for the one-shot test and tips for passing, so if you are thinking about taking the test, please take a look.

The official name of the medium-sized vehicle license is "medium-sized vehicle type 1 license."

First, let's find out what exactly a medium-sized license means and what kind of cars you can drive. It is important to check in advance whether the car you want to get a license for and drive is compatible with the Class 1 medium-sized vehicle license.

The official name of the medium-sized vehicle license is the first-class medium-sized vehicle license, and it is a license that allows you to drive a medium-sized vehicle such as a 4-ton truck or microbus. It was created in 2004 when the Road Traffic Act was partially revised. According to the Road Traffic Act, a vehicle is defined as having a gross vehicle weight of 7,500 kg or more and less than 11,000 kg, a maximum loading capacity of 4,500 kg or more and less than 6,500 kg, or a passenger capacity of 11 to 29 people.

By the way, the term "medium-sized license" is often used when talking about motorcycle licenses, and is officially called a Regular Motorcycle license." Do not confuse it with the medium-sized license, which is a license for medium-sized automobiles.

What is the one-shot test for a medium-sized license?

A one-shot test is a driving license test that can be taken at a driving test center (or license center). There is a provisional license test and a permanent license test for the medium-sized license, and you will be required to take an aptitude test and a skill test respectively.

First, you must take and pass a provisional license exam and aptitude test. After the provisional license test, you will practice on the road for at least 5 days, and then take the real license test. After passing the main driver's license exam, you will be issued a medium-sized driver's license by taking the training course.

Since the one-shot test does not require attending a driving school, it is possible to obtain a medium-duty driver's license in a short period of time and at a low cost. I can't say.

Conditions for obtaining a medium-sized license

There are two types of medium-sized licenses: first-class licenses and second-class licenses, and the conditions for obtaining each are different. Be sure to understand the details of each.

Conditions for obtaining a first-class medium-sized vehicle license

The first-class medium-duty vehicle license is officially called the first-class medium-duty vehicle license. This is what the term medium-sized license refers to in general, and it is required to drive a medium-sized vehicle such as a 4t truck.

The acquisition conditions are as follows.

• 　Obtaining a regular license, semi-medium license, or large special license
• 　Total driving experience of 2 years or more (excluding license suspension period)
• 　Visual acuity of 0.8 or higher in both eyes, 0.5 or higher in both eyes
• 　Passed deep vision test, hearing test, and color discrimination test

Unlike a regular driver's license, it is unique in that it requires another driver's license and driving experience. For this reason, there is an age limit of at least 20 years to obtain a medium-sized driver's license.

In addition, those who have a disqualified period due to license revocation (the period during which they are unable to reacquire a driving license; the minimum period is 1 year, maximum 10 years), or those who have had their license suspended or suspended, may also have a medium-sized license. I cannot take the exam.

Conditions for obtaining a medium-sized vehicle type 2 license

The second class medium-duty vehicle license is officially called the second class medium-duty vehicle license. It covers the same vehicles as a Class 1 license, but if you have a Class 2 license, you can drive it for commercial purposes carrying passengers. This applies to passenger operations such as microbuses with up to 29 people, and a large vehicle class 2 license (large vehicle class 2 license) is required to drive larger route buses, sightseeing buses, etc.

Due to the nature of driving with customers in the car, the conditions for obtaining one are stricter than those for a Class 1 license. The conditions are:

• Obtaining a Class 1 license, which is a regular license, semi-medium license, medium license, large license, or large special license.
• Driving history of more than 3 years since obtaining the above driving license
• or have obtained another type 2 license.

It is a license that can be obtained by people who are at least 21 years old, and like the first-class license, those who are in the disqualification period or whose license is suspended or suspended cannot take the test.

Pass rate of one-shot test for medium-sized license

Although the one-shot test for the medium-sized driver's license is said to be difficult, the average pass rate for the skill test is 41% (data from 2007 to 2017, varies by year). The average number of exams per person is 2.6 times.

*Reference: Driving license statistics (National Police Agency)

This number may seem high because the pass rate for the one-shot test for a regular driver's license is 10%, but it can be said that this is because many people obtain a medium-sized driver's license after obtaining a driver's license and have relatively extensive driving experience. .

The skill test for the medium-sized driver's license is passed if you can score 60 points out of 100 using the demerit point system. Consider the average passing rate and number of times you take the exam, and then consider whether you can use your skills to pass these conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages of getting a medium-sized vehicle license in one test

Before taking the one-shot test for a medium-duty driver's license, let's first understand its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of one-shot test

The main benefits of aiming to obtain a medium-sized driver's license in one test are as follows.

• Saves you the time and hassle of going to a driving school
• If things go well, you can keep costs down.
• If you have an 8t limited medium-sized license, you can cancel the restriction for 2,850 yen.
• Obtaining a medium-sized license will expand the range of jobs available to you.

Let's look at the benefits of each in turn.

Saves you the time and hassle of going to a driving school

Going to a driving school takes time and effort, such as taking lessons and commuting, but this can be saved with a one-shot test.

You can graduate from a Driving Camp, but this will have a considerable impact on your work and private schedule. In addition, driving schools are busy at the end of the fiscal year and in the summer, so depending on the time of year it can be crowded and it can be difficult to make reservations.

On the other hand, Ichipai exams, which allow you to take the exam at your own timing, have great advantages in terms of time and effort.

If things go well, you can keep costs down.

Generally, the cost of obtaining a license is considered to include the cost of attending a driving school, but if you can successfully pass the test on the first try, the cost can be significantly reduced.

Since the condition is to progress smoothly, whether or not you can get this benefit depends on the person's environment and technical ability, but since the cost of a driving school is by no means cheap, it can be said to be a very attractive factor.

If you have an 8t limited medium-sized license, you can cancel the restriction for 2,850 yen.

Before the new medium-sized license was introduced, you could drive a vehicle weighing less than 8 tons with a regular license. Those who obtained a regular license (old regular license) before June 2007 are those whose license states that they are limited to medium-sized vehicles (less than 8 tons). Only those who have this license can pay 2,850 yen to have the restriction lifted to make their license a medium-sized license.

Although it is common to go to a driving school to remove restrictions, it is also possible to take a one-shot test. Driving school fees range from 90,000 to 140,000 yen for an AT-only license and 70,000 to 100,000 yen for a MT license, so if you take the one-time test, you can save a lot of money. Sho.

Obtaining a medium-sized license will expand the range of jobs available to you.

If you can get a medium-duty license and be able to drive a 4-ton truck, the range of work you can do in the transportation and civil engineering fields will greatly expand. Even if you are worried about not having enough money to go to a driving school, it can be solved if you can pass the exam smoothly on the first try.

Passing the exam is not easy, but it is an option that can increase your options in life.

Disadvantages of one-shot test

There are also disadvantages to the one-shot test for medium-sized driver's licenses, including the following:

• It is necessary to arrange a road practice vehicle etc.
• have to study on their own
• If you fail the exam, the cost of the exam will increase.
• Limited days to take the test

Be aware of the negative aspects and consider whether the benefits are worth it. I will explain the disadvantages of each in turn.

It is necessary to arrange a road practice vehicle etc.

For the one-shot test, you cannot practice using the driving school's car, so you will need to arrange your own road practice car. After taking the provisional license test, you are required to practice on the road for at least five days, so if you are unable to borrow a medium-sized truck from a family member or friend, you will have to pay to rent one.

have to study on their own

You will not be able to receive instruction at a driving school, so you will need to study on your own. If you have a question, you have to study on your own to find the correct answer, which can be a very difficult path.

If you know someone who has a medium-sized driver's license, it is best to have that person watch you drive.

If you fail the exam, the cost of the exam will increase.

One advantage of the one-shot test is that it can save you money, but that only applies if you can pass the test smoothly. The test fee is charged each time you take the test, so the more times you take the test, the more the cost will increase.

Unless you have the skills to pass the exam, you will never be able to pass the exam. Even if you are confident in your driving ability, you should not be overconfident as there are many factors that change depending on the size of the vehicle.

Limited days to take the test

The one-shot test is only available on weekdays, and reservations are required. Please note that you may not be able to take the test on your desired date.

Additionally, it is necessary to take a course at the time of acquisition at a driving school, but this may not be provided depending on the driving school. If you are thinking of taking the exam all at once, it is important to do some research on the exam center and driving school.

Characteristics of people who are suitable and unsuitable for the medium-sized vehicle license one-shot test

When you consider the advantages and disadvantages, you can see the characteristics of people who are suitable for the one-shot test for a medium-sized driver's license and those who are not. Before deciding to take the exam, think about which characteristics you are most likely to have.

People who are suitable for the one-shot test for medium-sized license

Those who are suitable for the one-shot test for a medium-sized driver's license have the following characteristics:

• I have a semi-medium-duty license and drive a 2-3t truck for work.
• You can rent a medium-sized truck
• There is someone nearby (a medium-sized driver's license holder) who can ride with you and give you guidance.

If you already have a semi-medium license and are used to driving a truck for work, there is a high possibility of passing the exam on the first try as long as you can get the hang of it through practice.

Also, since you can't take the actual license test until you have completed 10 hours of road practice, those who are in an environment where it is easy to practice on the road, such as someone lending them a medium-sized truck, are more likely to consider taking the one-shot test. is.

There is a possibility that you can use the on-road practice plan of the registered driving school. It's a simpler plan than full-fledged training, so it costs less. Please contact your nearest notifying driving school to see if it is available.

People who are not suitable for the one-shot test for medium-sized license

It can be said that people who are not suitable for the one-shot test for a medium-sized driver's license have the following characteristics.

• People who cannot secure a vehicle or instructor for on-road practice
• People who are not confident in taking the test at an unfamiliar test course
• People who are worried about learning the knowledge and skills to drive a medium-sized car on their own

The one-shot test is likely to be difficult for those who cannot secure an environment for road practice or those who are anxious about taking the test on an unfamiliar road. In this case, we recommend attending a driving school and taking the medium-duty driver's license test.

Driving schools have an environment that makes it easy to learn driving, such as training courses, vehicles, instructors, and curriculum, so you can acquire the skills more reliably and lead to obtaining a license. For a one-shot test, you will be using a course that you are not familiar with, but at a driving school, you can take the skill test using a course that you are familiar with through regular skill practice. If you pass this test, you will be exempted from taking the skill test at the driver's license exam center, so it can be said that the difficulty level will be lower.

Cost of a one-shot test for a medium-sized vehicle license

There is a possibility that you can get a license cheaper by taking the one-shot test for a medium-sized driver's license than at a driving school, but how much does it actually cost?

The cost can be broadly divided into three parts: the provisional license test, the regular license test, and the course upon obtaining the license.

Total provisional license exam fee	Total license exam fee	Training cost at time of acquisition
5,500円	8,650円	17,800 yen - 22,000 yen

The total cost will be between 31,950 and 36,150 yen. Also, if you rent a vehicle for road practice, it will cost 20,000 to 40,000 yen each time you practice, so if you are unable to borrow a vehicle from your family or other family members, estimate how much you will need.

Cost breakdown for one-shot test

Next, let's take a look at the breakdown of each cost.

Breakdown of provisional license exam costs

The breakdown of the total provisional license examination fee of 5,500 yen is as follows.

• Examination fee 2,900 yen
• Test car usage fee 1,450 yen
• Provisional license issuance fee: 1,150 yen

Breakdown of this license exam

The breakdown of the total cost of 8,650 yen for this license exam is as follows.

• Examination fee 4,100 yen
• Test car usage fee 2,500 yen
• License issuance fee: 2,050 yen

Course fees at the time of acquisition vary depending on the region.

The cost items for the course fee at the time of acquisition are simple, but there are special circumstances that are not found in other costs, as listed below.

• 17,800 yen to 22,000 yen (varies depending on region)

The provisional license exam and the regular license exam are the same nationwide regardless of cost, but the cost of the course at the time of acquisition varies depending on the region. It is important to check in advance with the driving license test center where you will be taking the test.

Difference in cost between driving school and one-shot test

If you can pass the test on the first try, you can save money, but how much will you save compared to going to a driving school and getting your license?

There are the following differences between attending a driving school designated by the Public Safety Commission and taking the one-shot test.

If you attend a designated driving school	If you take the exam in one shot
170,000 to 240,000 yen (if you have a regular driver's license) 210,000 to 270,000 yen (if you have an automatic transmission-only regular driver's license)	31,950 to 36,150 yen + vehicle rental fee for road practice, instructor request fee

The cost burden for a one-shot test can be said to be cheaper than that of a driving school. However, please note that if you fail the exam, you will be required to pay the exam fee and test vehicle usage fee when retaking the exam. There are ways to improve your skills by hiring instructors, but if you are making a paid request, you will need to pay a request fee.

If you take it too many times, the burden of test fees and rental costs will increase, and you may end up paying more than attending a driving school. Consider your ability and practice environment before deciding whether to take the one-shot test.

Process for taking the medium-sized vehicle license one-shot test and required documents

The flow of the one-shot test for a medium-sized driver's license can be broadly divided into two: the provisional license test and the main test. Also, there are quite a few documents required for this process, so be sure to prepare them before you start taking the exam.

The test can be taken at a driver's license examination center (or driver's license center). Please check in advance where you can take the test in your area.

Flow of provisional license exam

The provisional license exam will be held in the following order:

1. aptitude test
2. Provisional license skill test
3. On-road practice for 5 days or more
4. Issuance of provisional license

Aptitude tests check visual acuity, color discrimination, hearing, and motor skills. Visual acuity is 0.8 or higher in both eyes, 0.5 or higher in one eye, and the average error of three deep vision tests is 2cm or less to pass. Correction with glasses/contact lenses and LASIK (vision restoration surgery) are also permitted.

The condition for passing color discrimination ability is to be able to distinguish red, blue, and yellow, which are used in traffic lights. To pass the test, you must be able to hear everyday conversations without hearing aids and hear the sound of a 90 decibel alarm at a distance of 10 meters. Athletic ability can be passed without physical disability.

If you pass the aptitude test, you will be required to take the provisional license skill test. After that, you will be issued a provisional license after practicing on the road for more than 5 days and 10 hours.

Flow of this exam

The exam will be conducted in the following order:

1. aptitude test
2. skill test
3. First aid course, required to take course upon acquisition

After the aptitude test, there will be a skills test. In a driving school test, you drive on the driving school's course that you normally use, but in a one-shot test, you have to drive on a course that you are unfamiliar with. This may be the reason why the one-shot exam is highly difficult and has a low passing rate.

By passing the exam, you will be required to take the first aid course and the certification course, but those who meet the following conditions will be exempted from the certification course.

• People who have obtained a semi-medium-sized license or a regular class 2 license.
• People who have graduated from a designated driving school within one year

required documents

The following documents are required for the one-shot test for the medium-sized driver's license.

• driver's license
• Provisional Driver's License
• Application photo
• Road practice declaration form

Don't forget to prepare it.

Tips for passing the medium-sized vehicle license test on the first try

In order to take full advantage of the benefits of a medium-sized driver's license, it is important to pass the exam in as few times as possible. Before you take the exam, learn the tips to pass it.

Make sure to drive carefully and in accordance with the laws and regulations.

The skill test (provisional license, permanent license) tests your awareness, such as whether you are able to drive in accordance with laws and regulations, and your technical ability, such as whether you are able to drive with sharpness and dexterity. Points will be deducted for failing to perform basic actions such as checking safety and preparing for starting and stopping. In addition to checking the safety when getting in the vehicle and adjusting the rearview mirror, it is also necessary to check for entanglement and safety when driving. Make sure to do the things you tend to forget when driving normally.

In terms of driving technique, it is important to be sharp by accelerating quickly in a straight line, keeping in mind the legal speed, and braking early before curves. Please be careful as indecisive driving will result in points being deducted.

The shortcut to passing the exam is to go back to the basics you had when you got your regular driver's license and do each step carefully.

Make sure your body is in good condition

Aptitude tests are conducted for both the preliminary exam and the actual exam, but if your visual acuity does not meet the standards, you will fail the exam. You don't want to have to retake the test due to a temporary problem such as eye strain that has nothing to do with your original vision.

The day before the exam, try to refrain from doing things that will make it difficult to see properly, such as staying up late or overexerting your eyes. If you wear glasses or contacts, it's also important to remember to wear them.

The one-shot test for medium-sized license is recommended for those with truck driving experience.

By passing the medium-duty driver's license test on the first try, you can obtain a driver's license more smoothly and at a lower cost than by attending a driving school. If you have a medium-sized license, you will be able to drive a medium-sized vehicle such as a 4-ton truck, and the range of jobs will expand, so it is very attractive.

However, unlike attending a driving school, the hurdles are high because you have to study and prepare on your own. The one-shot test for a medium-duty license is recommended for people who already have a semi-medium-duty license and have experience driving a truck, or for those who are in an environment where it is easy to practice driving a medium-duty truck. Learn reliable skills and acquire your medium-sized license more efficiently.