Gaimen Kirikae (外免切替) Written Test Practice Questions Part 3

Updated for the October 2025 format

Introduction

If you’re converting your foreign driver’s license in Japan, one of the key hurdles is the written test for the Gaimen Kirikae (license‐conversion) process. As of October 2025, the format has fundamentally changed to better evaluate safe driving knowledge and familiarity with Japanese traffic rules.

Here in Part 3 of our “Written Test Practice Questions” series, we provide 10 new sample questions, each with correct answers and explanations so you can test yourself and deepen your understanding of the kind of questions you’ll face.

What you need to know about the October 2025 update

• The written test now consists of 50 true/false questions (previously just 10).
• To pass, the required score is now 90% (i.e., at least 45 correct answers out of 50).
• The scope has been widened and now covers more topics including safe driving habits, emergency response, highway rules, vehicle maintenance and more.
• Many questions now use scenario‐based wording (not simply straightforward statements or sign‐recognition). So you’ll need to carefully parse phrasing and logic.

Because of these changes, it’s especially important to practice with challenging questions and learn the underlying logic, not just memorize.

Practice Questions — Part 3

(Try to answer each one first. Then check the explanation to understand why it’s correct.)

1. Question 1
   When driving on a road with no lane markings and two vehicles approach each other, each must keep as far left as possible and allow the other to pass safely.
   • Answer: True
   • Explanation: On unmarked roads in Japan, the principle is “keep left” and drivers must anticipate oncoming vehicles and adjust so that both can pass safely. Failing to allow a safe passing space can lead to accidents.
     
2. Question 2
   If your vehicle breaks down on a highway and you activate hazard lights, you may remain in the car waiting for tow trucks as long as the hazard lights are flashing and you are parked as far as possible from traffic.
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: On Japanese highways, after a breakdown the driver and passengers should exit the vehicle to a safe area (such as the emergency walkway or service area), because simply using hazard lights and waiting in the car is dangerous and against traffic‐safety practice.
     
3. Question 3
   A motor vehicle driver must always yield to a bicycle (including electric‐assist bikes) when a bicycle lane is marked on the road, even if the bicycle is on the wrong side of the lane.
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: If a bicycle is riding against the flow or on the wrong side, the priority is lost; the driver should still pay attention and act with caution, but yielding automatically is not a legal requirement in that scenario.
     
4. Question 4
   At a traffic signal, if the green light turns off and is immediately followed by a yellow arrow pointing left, you must stop unless you are already so close to the intersection that stopping safely is impossible.
   • Answer: True
   • Explanation: In Japan, a yellow arrow indicates caution and impending signal change. Unless stopping safely is impossible, the driver must not proceed once the yellow arrow appears.
     
5. Question 5
   On a rainy day, even when visibility is good, drivers are required to reduce speed and increase following distance, because wet roads increase stopping distance and reduce vehicle control.
   • Answer: True
   • Explanation: This is a safe‐driving standard: wet surfaces reduce tire grip and extend braking distance. The test will often include such applicative statements, not just legal sign recognition.
     
6. Question 6
   A blue circular traffic sign with a white silhouette of a car and a motorcycle means: “Only these vehicles permitted beyond this point.”
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: Blue circular signs in Japan tend to indicate mandatory instructions (e.g., turn here, keep left, etc.). A sign showing both car and motorcycle silhouettes isn’t standard for “only these vehicles permitted”. It could indicate a shared lane or route, but the phrasing is misleading — the test often throws such traps.
     
7. Question 7
   It is legal to park a vehicle overnight on a road with roadside parking permitted (駐車可) signage, even if the vehicle is unattended and the engine is off.
   • Answer: True
   • Explanation: If the area is designated “parking permitted” (駐車可) and the vehicle is fully parked (engine off, unattended), then overnight parking is acceptable, unless other signs restrict times or types of vehicles. However, always check local restrictions.
     
8. Question 8
   If you approach an intersection, and the traffic light has malfunctioned (no lights showing), you should treat it the same as a flashing red light: stop fully, check and proceed when safe.
   • Answer: True
   • Explanation: When signals fail, the driver must adopt the most cautious behaviour. In Japan, that means stopping, checking for other traffic and pedestrians, and then proceeding when safe — similar to handling a malfunctioning signal or temporary stop sign.
     
9. Question 9
   A driver’s seat belt and all passenger seat belts must be worn before the vehicle moves, except when travelling in backward‐facing seats (e.g., in a campervan) where the law does not require the belt.
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: All occupants in moving vehicles must wear a seat belt unless the vehicle is legally exempt (for example, some taxis or special vehicles) — backward‐facing seats in standard vehicles are not routinely exempt. The exam expects you to assume belt requirement unless specified otherwise.
     
10. Question 10
    If you see a large pothole or damaged road surface ahead and you cannot avoid it safely, you should brake firmly before the hazard and steer around at low speed — even if the car begins to swerve slightly.
    • Answer: False
    • Explanation: The correct safe‐driving method is: reduce speed gradually, steady steering, and avoid sudden braking or abrupt steering maneuvers that may cause loss of control or cause vehicles behind you to crash. Swerving is discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

How to Use These Practice Questions

• Answer each question first without looking at the explanation, then check your reasoning.
• After reviewing, note any questions you got wrong and revisit the rule or concept behind them.
• Mix these new questions with previous sets (Parts 1 and 2) so you get broad exposure.
• Practice a little each day. Given the jump in number of questions (to 50) and higher passing rate (90%), consistent practice is key.

Study Tips to Maximize Your Passing Chances

1. Focus on nuance of wording — Many mistakes come because of phrases like “may”, “must”, “unless”, “immediately after” etc. The October 2025 update emphasizes phrasing and scenario‐based content.
2. Review Japanese signs & rules — Even if the test is in English, the underlying rule may refer to signs or terms used in Japanese. Familiarity with both language versions can help.
3. Think safety first — If unsure, pick the answer that leans toward the safest action. The tests often favor the safest option rather than casual behavior.
4. Use official resources — Books such as “Rules of the Road” are good resources, and if you pair it with our study app, you will have everything you need to know.
5. Simulate the test environment — Set aside uninterrupted time, do 10–20 questions in one sitting, and get used to reasoning steadily rather than rushing.

Final Thoughts

The “Part 3” sample questions above give you a fresh set of challenges to prepare for the updated Gaimen Kirikae written test. While you still need to study broadly and cover many traffic‐rule topics, regular practice like this will build confidence and reduce surprises on test day.

If this is your first article, and you want more, please check out Part 1 and Part 2!