How to Get a Japanese License
How the Graduation Test
Works
The final hurdle at driving school is the graduation test. A skills test on public roads and school grounds—pass with 70 points or more. Passing gives you eligibility to take the full-license written test.
🏁 Graduation Test Content
On-Road Course
Driving about 7 km on public roads
School-Grounds Task
Corner backing or parallel parking
Passing Score
70 points or more out of 100 (point-deduction system)
🎫 After Passing
Graduation certificate is issued
Passing earns you a graduation certificate, which allows you to take the full-license written test at the driver's license center.
Valid for 1 year
The graduation certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Take the full-license written test within this period.
Evaluation criteria
You are evaluated on safety checks, smooth driving, compliance with traffic rules, and other factors.
FAQ
What is the passing score for the graduation test?
You pass with 70 points or more out of 100. The on-road course and school-grounds task are scored using a point-deduction system.
How long is the graduation certificate valid?
It is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. You must take the full-license written test at the driver's license center within this period.
Is there a written test in the graduation test?
The graduation test is a skills test. The final written test is the full-license written test, which you take at the driver's license center after graduation.
Once you pass the graduation test, only the full-license written test remains. Master all 11 chapters in MenkyoQuest and aim to pass on your first try. The topics are well defined.
If you come across an unfamiliar term, check the 📖 glossary for full definitions.
Last updated 2026-06-04. Costs, durations, and rules vary by driving school and season. Always confirm the latest conditions with each school's or prefecture's official information.