If you obtain a large vehicle license, you will be able to drive large vehicles such as dump trucks and mixer trucks. Many people think that it is difficult to obtain a large vehicle license because the vehicle is larger than a regular car.
According to the ``Driver's License Statistics Reiwa 3rd Edition'' by the National Police Agency's Traffic Bureau Driver's License Division, the pass rate for large vehicle licenses (Class 1) was 92.6%.
The pass rate is higher than the 73.6% for a regular driver's license (class 1), so it is by no means difficult. Therefore, in this article, for those who think it is difficult to obtain a large license, we will explain the reasons why it is difficult and the points to pass.
What is a large license?
There are two types of automobiles: those based on the Road Traffic Act and those based on the Road Transport Vehicles Act. Of these, classification based on the Road Traffic Act applies to driver's licenses and traffic enforcement. The classification of large vehicles according to the Road Traffic Act is as follows.
- Gross vehicle weight 11 tons or more
- Maximum loading capacity 6.5 tons or more
- Crew capacity 30 people or more
Vehicles that fall under any of the above categories are classified as large vehicles. Typical large vehicles include buses, trucks, and dump trucks.
Difference between type 1 and type 2
Like regular and medium-sized licenses, there are two types of large-sized licenses: 1st class and 2nd class. The major difference between the two is whether they can transport passengers for a fee. If you are transporting passengers for a fee, you will need a Class 2 license.
Typical large vehicles that require a Class 2 license include sightseeing buses and route buses. Since you won't be carrying passengers during forwarding or test drives, there is no problem with just a first-class license. However, in most cases, when applying for a job at a bus company, a Class 2 driver's license is required.
Types of cars you can drive
If you obtain a large vehicle license, you will be able to drive vehicles other than large vehicles. You can drive the following vehicles that are ranked below the large vehicle license.
| Type of car | Vehicle total weight | Maximum loading capacity | Riding capacity |
| medium size car | 7.5 tons or more but less than 11 tons | 4.5 tons or more but less than 6.5 tons | 11 to 29 people |
| semi-medium car | 3.5 tons or more but less than 7.5 tons | 2 tons or more but less than 4.5 tons | 10 people or less |
| Ordinary car | Less than 3.5 tons | Less than 2 tons | 10 people or less |
| Small special purpose vehicle | – | – | 1 or 2 people |
| motorized bicycle | – | – | 1 person |
There are no regulations regarding the gross vehicle weight or maximum loading capacity for small special vehicles. Instead, the vehicle must have an overall length of 4.7 meters or less, an overall width of 1.7 meters or less, an overall height of 2.8 meters or less, and a maximum speed of 15 km/h.
In addition, ``How to obtain a large vehicle license? Let's solve your questions such as costs and conditions'' provides a detailed explanation of how to obtain a large vehicle license, costs, period, etc. If you are considering acquiring one, please refer to this article.
6 reasons why it is difficult to obtain a large license
Reasons why it is difficult to obtain a large vehicle license include the size of the vehicle and the number of blind spots. In addition, some people feel that the high cost of obtaining a license is a hindrance because the training time is longer than that for a regular license.
Vehicle size
Large vehicles are larger than small vehicles that can be driven with a regular license, so it is said to be difficult to obtain a license.
| Type of car | full length | full width | Total height |
| small size | 4.7 meters or less | 1.7 meters or less | 2.0 meters or less |
| large | 12 meters or less | 2.5 meters or less | 3.8 meters or less |
The size of a large vehicle is approximately 2.5 times larger in overall length and 1.5 times larger in overall width than a small vehicle. Since the width of the road you drive on does not change, it may feel difficult to drive if the size is large.
Many blind spots
Due to the large size of large vehicles, the area reflected in the mirrors is wider, resulting in more blind spots. The rear area is one of the areas where blind spots are likely to occur even when checking the mirror. A mirror that reflects the lower left rear view is installed to cover blind spots, but it is currently difficult to see.
In order to drive safely, it is important to not only rely on the mirrors, but also to use your eyes. When backing up, you must look through the rear window to see what is not visible in the mirror before operating the steering wheel.
Size of inner ring difference
Large vehicles have long bodies, so they tend to have internal wheel discrepancies when turning left or right. Driving with the wrong sense can lead to an accident, so be careful when turning left or right or driving around curves.
If you turn in the same way as a regular car, you may collide with people or objects. Additionally, the long body part that protrudes from the tires (overhang) may cause the vehicle to veer out of its lane when making a right or left turn. If you don't get used to it, you won't get a feel for it, so it's important to practice at a driving school.
Air brake effectiveness
It is said that operating the air brakes of large vehicles is difficult. Air brakes are braking devices that use air and are installed on medium-sized cars and above. Air brakes are characterized by stronger braking force than hydraulic brakes.
Therefore, when you step on the brake in the same way as with hydraulic brakes, it will be like a sudden brake. The feel of braking is different from that of a regular car, so it may take some people some time to get used to it.
High acquisition cost
Large-sized licenses require more time for Driving Lessons than medium-sized licenses, so they tend to be more expensive. Driving Lessons times for large licenses (class 1) and regular licenses are as follows.
| Type of license | Do you have another license? | Driving Lessons time |
| Medium license | Regular license (MT) |
|
| large license | Regular license (MT) |
|
| Medium license |
|
|
| Large special license |
|
You cannot take the test for a large-sized special license until three years have passed since you obtained either a regular, medium-sized, or large-sized special license. Holders of regular licenses and large-sized special licenses have longer training hours than those with medium-sized licenses.
Additionally, if you attend a driving school, it will cost around 200,000 to 500,000 yen. If you only have a regular license, the average price is around 350,000 to 500,000 yen. We will explain in detail how to reduce costs in ``How to save on the cost of obtaining a large license''.
Furthermore, "[2023] Comparison of large license costs! Training camp fees vs. commuting fees" (https://ziplus.jp/costcomparison) compares costs by area nationwide. We also introduce recommended driving schools by area, so please take a look.
Limited number of driving schools available
It is not possible to obtain a large driving license at any driving school. Some driving schools do not accept large licenses. Therefore, there are cases where it is difficult to obtain a large driver's license at nearby driving schools.
If there is no driving school in your area that supports large licenses, consider obtaining one at a training camp. A training camp is a program where you can receive intensive training in a short period of time. However, since you will be staying at the accommodation for a certain period of time, you will need to set aside a period of several days.
Requirements for obtaining a large license and passing rate
There are certain conditions for obtaining a large vehicle license, such as age and current driver's license. If you do not meet the conditions, you cannot obtain the license, so it is necessary to check in advance. Also, the pass rate for large vehicle licenses tends to be high.
It is said that it is difficult to obtain a large driver's license, but let's find out what the pass rate is for reference.
Acquisition conditions
There are two ways to obtain a driver's license: attending a driving school or taking a one-shot test. With either method, you will not be able to take the test unless you meet all of the following conditions.
| item | conditions |
| age | 21 years or older |
| Obtained driving license | Must have a regular license (MT), semi-medium vehicle license, medium vehicle license, or large special license and have driving experience of 3 years or more. |
| eyesight |
|
| Color Identification | Ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors |
| hearing | Being able to hear the sound of a 90 decibel alarm at a distance of 10 meters |
Please note that if you already have a regular driver's license, you will not be eligible for the AT-only license. Please note that the use of corrective devices such as glasses and hearing aids is permitted for vision and hearing.
Pass rate
According to the ``Driver's License Statistics Reiwa 3rd Edition'' by the National Police Agency's Traffic Bureau Driver's License Division, the pass rate for large vehicle licenses (class 1) was 92.6% in 2021 and 94.0% in 2020. I already know.
[Pass rate for large license (class 1)]
| year | Number of examinees | Number of successful applicants | Pass rate |
| Reiwa 3rd year | 72,720 people | 67,341 people | 92.6％ |
| Reiwa 2nd year | 69,644 people | 65,498 people | 94.0％ |
The pass rate is over 90%, so if you go to a driving school and take the written exam, it will not be difficult at all. However, if you enter the second category, the passing rate will drop dramatically.
[Pass rate for large license (type 2)]
| year | Number of examinees | Number of successful applicants | Pass rate |
| Reiwa 3rd year | 11,638 people | 6,944 people | 59.7％ |
| Reiwa 2nd year | 13,541 people | 8,145 people | 60.2％ |
The pass rate for Type 2 is around 60%, so it is important to Driving Lessons thoroughly at driving school and acquire driving skills.
General flow to obtain a large license
When obtaining a large driver's license, you first attend a driving school, and after graduation, you take a test at a driver's license center. If you pass the test, you can obtain a large license.
1. Study subjects and skills at a driving school
Large vehicle licenses are generally obtained by attending a driving school. At the driving school, you are required to undergo academic and Driving Lessons for a specified number of hours. Training hours vary depending on the driver's license you have obtained.
| Obtained driving license | academic training | Driving Lessons |
| Regular license (MT) | 1 hour | 30 hours |
| Semi-medium license (limited to 5 tons) | 1 hour | 26 hours |
| Semi-medium license | none | 23 hours |
| Medium license (limited to 5 tons) | none | 20 hours |
| Medium license | none | 14 hours |
| Large special license | 4 hours | 45 hours |
If you have obtained a quasi-medium-sized license and a medium-sized license, you will be exempt from academic training. In addition to the above-mentioned training, those with a limited license also need to take a course to remove the restriction.
2. Aptitude test/skills test at the driver's license center
After graduating from a driving school, you will take an aptitude test and a skill test at a driver's license center. You must bring the following documents to the venue:
- driver's Driver's License
- Driver's License
- Road practice declaration form
- 1 photo (height 3cm x width 2.4cm)
- application form etc.
If you have taken special training for entrance examination qualifications at a driving school, a certificate of completion of special training for entrance examination qualifications is required. Photos must be without a hat, front facing, upper thirds of the body, with no background, and must have been taken within the past 6 months. On the day, after completing the reception, you will proceed to the aptitude test.
The items of the aptitude test are as follows.
- eyesight
- deep vision
- Color discrimination ability
- hearing
- Exercise capacity
Even if you pass the skill test, if you do not meet the aptitude test standards, you will not be issued a driver's license. After taking the aptitude test, you will proceed to the skills test. Please note that there is no written exam for large licenses.
Points to check to pass the skill test for a large license
Large cars are longer and wider than regular cars, so many people find it takes time to get used to them. In order to pass the test on the first try, it is important to know the tricks of driving.
Do not make sharp turns when turning left or right.
Large vehicles tend to have internal wheel discrepancies when turning left or right or rounding curves. In order to prevent entanglement due to the difference between the inner wheels, it is important not to make sharp turns. Before making a turn or curve, slow down and steer slowly.
On narrow roads, it may be best to inflate in the opposite direction of the turn and then make the turn, just enough to avoid going out of the lane.
Finely adjust the background visually.
Large vehicles have many blind spots and are difficult to back up because there are areas that cannot be seen with just the mirrors. Therefore, when backing up, you need to be aware of your distance to avoid colliding with people or objects.
In the skill test, there are tasks to check your rear sense, so be sure to practice enough to get the hang of it. During the test, a pole is installed at the rear, and if the distance between the vehicle and the pole is less than 50 centimeters, the test will pass.
The key is not only to make full use of the side mirrors, but also to carefully operate the steering wheel while visually checking the vehicle.
step on the brakes slowly
Large cars are equipped with air brakes rather than hydraulic brakes like regular cars. Air brakes have a stronger braking force than hydraulic brakes, so they are said to be difficult to operate until you get used to them.
Be careful not to step on the brakes like you would in a regular car, as it will be like slamming on the brakes. The trick to operating the air brake successfully is to step on the brake slowly and with enough time to reach the stop position.
Practice until you feel no more anxious
There is a limit to the amount of time you can practice at a driving school, so if you are worried about driving, one option is to increase your practice time. Some local trucking associations and driver's license centers will rent out tracks and vehicles by the hour.
If you want advice from a training instructor, choose one that offers accompanying guidance. In order to aim to pass the large driver's license on the first try, it is important to practice thoroughly until you no longer feel anxious.
How to save money on obtaining a large license
If you attend a driving school, it will cost around 200,000 to 500,000 yen. If the acquisition cost is an issue, check to see if there are any subsidies or subsidies available.
Use subsidies for large licenses
The cost of obtaining a large vehicle license can be partially subsidized by the Education and Training Benefit System. The Education and Training Benefit System is a system that provides a portion of the tuition fees upon completion of education and training designated by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare.
In the case of a large driver's license, an amount equivalent to 40% of the tuition fee (up to 200,000 yen) will be paid. In order to use the benefit system, you must meet the following requirements.
- Must be enrolled in employment insurance and have been enrolled for at least 3 years as of the start date of the course.
- If you are not enrolled in employment insurance on the day you start the course, the period from the day after your retirement to the start date of the course must be within one year, and your past enrollment period must be at least 3 years.
After completing the education and training, you will need to apply for a payment at Hello Work. There are only a few driving schools that offer courses eligible for the benefit system, so be sure to check in advance.
Ask if your company has any subsidies.
Some local trucking associations have established a subsidy system for businesses to cover the cost of obtaining a heavy-duty license. However, since this is a system that each prefecture implements independently, not all trucking associations implement it.
Additionally, even if there was a subsidy system in the past, it may have been abolished due to budget constraints. The subsidy is paid to the operator rather than the large license holder. Therefore, check to see if your company has a subsidy system.
Aim to pass the exam on the first try
Large vehicle licenses are generally obtained by attending a driving school. However, there is a way to obtain a driver's license in one sitting without attending a driving school. The one-shot test is a method of taking an aptitude test or skill test directly at a driver's license center.
Although it is more difficult than going to a driving school, you can keep the cost down as there is no training fee. The cost for taking the one-shot test is as follows.
| item | Acquisition cost |
| exam fee | 4,100円 |
| Driver's License issuance fee | 2,050円 |
| Test vehicle usage fee | 2,500円 |
| Course fee at time of acquisition | 22,000円 |
In the case of a one-shot test, after passing the exam, you will be required to take a course at the time of acquisition, such as hazard prediction and first aid.
Get the right knowledge and get your major driver's license.
If you obtain a large vehicle license, you will be able to drive a large vehicle with a vehicle weight of 11 tons or more, a maximum payload of 6.5 tons or more, and a passenger capacity of 30 or more people. However, in order to obtain one, there are conditions such as age and driver's license, so be sure to check beforehand.
Also, although it is said to be difficult to obtain a large license, the pass rate for Type 1 is over 90%. The main part of this license exam is a skill test, so you need to be fully familiar with the operation in order to pass on the first try.
If you are worried about just taking lessons at a driving school, rent a course and vehicle by the hour from your local trucking association or driver's license center and practice thoroughly before taking the test.
