Practical test of standard small motorcycle with automatic transmission license(50cc to 124cc) at Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center in 2024
Keypoint
Exaggeratedly turn your head to side when changing lanes.
In my opinion, the most common failure during the motorcycle practical test at Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center is the emergency braking test.
Google Earth Pro is ideal for visualization training.
Prepare perfectly, excluding failures due to unfamiliarity with the motorcycle.
Information
The practical test(技能試験) referred to here is commonly known as the "Ippatsu-Shiken(一発試験)". Practical test of motorcycle at Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center is held on the morning of Wednesday. It takes about two months from application to implementation in 2024. If you pass the practical test, it takes several weeks or months for acquisition training(lecture and training for qualified persons) that is mandatory.
Cost
If you pass the test on your first attempt and do not need to take the emergency first aid training, the minimum cost would be the total of 18,100 yen, which includes the examination fee of 2,600 yen, rental fee of 1,450 yen, acquisition training fee of 12,000 yen, and driver's license issuance fee of 2,050 yen, plus the cost of producing the required identification photo when the first examination ticket is created. If emergency first aid training is required, it will cost an additional 4,200 yen. For each subsequent attempt, the total cost of 4,050 yen, which includes the examination fee of 2,600 yen and rental fee of 1,450 yen, will be required
Application
Apply by 11:30 AM on weekdays. I recommend the early hours on Wednesday.
It's necessary to prepare an ID photo inadvance.
Exam fee is 2,600 yen (when I did in 2024)
Driver's License if you already have.
Check your domicile address in advance.
An applicant need an ID photo 30 mm in height by 24mm in width before application. There is an ID photo booth(900 yen) along the road to the north outside of Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center. I recomend trying internet ID photo printing servise Pic-chan( https://pic-chan.net/ ). You can get ID photo by 200 yen at convinience store. This ID photo will be used only for the exam admission ticket and will not be used for issuing the license.
When you arrive Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center, ask the staff standing at entrance about the application procedure for practical test(Ginou-Siken) of standard small motorcycle with automatic transmission license(Hutsuu-Jidou-Nirin-Kogata-AT-Gentei-Ginou-Shiken). If you apply for Wednesday, you can tell the staff that you want to walk the practical test course, allowing you to inspect the course between 8:00 and 9:30 and from the end of other people's tests until 12:30. You can also observe other people's practical tests from outside starting at 9:45.
In my memory, I applied to take the test by submitting the driver's license I already had at counter number 22. I received an examination ticket, pasted my ID photo, and filled out the ticket, providing both my exact domicile address and mailing address. The payment of the exam fee, 2,600 yen, was made at counter number 1.
I returned back to counter number 22 and submit the ticket. Then I had a vision test at spot number 2. Moreover I returned back to counter number 22 and submitted the full filled ticket.
At the last minute, around 11:30, I submitted my examination ticket, and then around 12:00, the person who conducted my vision test provided me with test course map, manuals and explanations about the practical exam. There are two patterns for the test course, A and B.
The examination date is set exclusively on Wednesdays, and in my case, it was arbitrarily scheduled two months later. On the day of the examination, registration is from 9:00 to 9:20. Due to expected congestion, it is recommended to arrive by 8:45, queue at counter number 1 to pay the rental fee of 1,450 yen, undergo a vision test at location marked as spot number 2, and complete registration at counter number 21.
The staff member accepted a few questions. A thing I was taught that are not mentioned in the manual include: when stopping on an incline, it is unnecessary to use the left turn signal. It means that the test was not designed for parking on a hill. Additionally, I was instructed to check the surroundings to the left and right when coming to a stop before the straight narrow course (Ippon-Bashi).
You can reschedule your exam for an earlier date if there are cancellations by calling the contact number for the practical test department at the specified time in the manual.
Preparations
Read manuals
The manuals provides only a somewhat rough description. Personally, I found the points in the manuals(Nirin-Ginou-Shiken-Juken-no-Tebiki) provided at the time of application have these to be important information, excluding common knowledge.
At minimum, a motorcycle helmet, gloves, and a long-sleeved jacket are required.
The reception hours for the practical test are from 9:00 to 9:20, and the reception location is counter number 21.
The rental fee of 1,450 yen is required at the day of practical test. For the first attempt, you have already paid the examination fee of 2,600 yen at the time of application. For subsequent attempts, an additional examination fee of 2,600 yen is required.
Those who pass the exam are required to pay a driver's license issuance fee of 2,050 yen upon receiving their license after acquisition training(Shutoku-Ji-Koushuu).
The test course will be assigned during on-the-day registration.
Weekdays from 8:00 to 9:30, and from 11:45 (after the morning session ends) to 12:30 are the times when you can walk inside the course.
The practical test generally starts around 9:45, with the meeting point located outside the course near the area where the emergency braking test is conducted, in front of the annex building.
The announcement of results will take place at 13:00 in front of counter number 22.
There is no coverage for medical expenses or injuries that occur during the exam. I've seen a few people fall during the emergency braking test, so if you have them, wearing protectors might be a good idea.
Before starting, it is required to take necessary safety measures such as adjusting the rear-view mirror, retracting the stand, and wearing a helmet.
For hill starts, align your front wheel with the pole, come to a stop, and then proceed to start.
For standard small motorcycles with automatic transmission(50cc to 124cc), please use the center stand when parking at the end of the practical test.
The emergency braking test requires stopping from a speed of 30 km/h for standard small motorcycles(50cc to 124cc).
If you exceed the designated emergency braking zone during the test, the exam will be terminated.
At the designated stopping point before the narrow straight path(Ippon-Bashi), you are required to come to a complete stop, maintain a seated position, and proceed for at least 5 seconds for standard small motorcycles(50cc to 124cc).
If you put your foot down on the narrow straight path, the test will be terminated.
To change the specified date, either visit Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center with your examination ticket and test result notification by 16:30 on weekdays, or call the practical test department(技能試験係) between 16:00 and 16:30 on weekdays. Your examination registration number is required for rescheduling.
You don't need to memorize all of the following official document, but I think it's good to read through it at least two or three times. It provides a basis if you have any questions or want to raise objections. For instance, if you need to discuss something with the person responsible for the motorcycle skills test on another day in person, they should be able to provide some answers when they have time. Printing out and bringing the official scoring criteria(Deduction criteria) PDF can be helpful for immediately filing objections during feedback sessions.
The official scoring criteria(Deduction criteria)
Search the PDF of guidelines for the implementation of scoring criteria in the driving license practical test (directive), "運転免許技能試験に係る採点基準の運用の標準について（通達）" in Japanese. Please note that information regarding practical tests for other licenses, such as those for four-wheel vehicles, is also included. It is on the website of the National Police Agency(警察庁):
https://www.npa.go.jp/laws/notification/koutuu/menkyo/menkyo20230330_44.pdf
This directive is expected to be updated in the future, with outdated PDF files being deleted and corresponding URLs likely to change.
The demerit point criteria that I personally believe are important to remember are detailed in the "Failure to Confirm Safety [Non-confirmation]" section, note 3. It states that when attempting maneuvers like lane changes, directly visually confirming blind spots not visible in the mirrors avoids demerit points, as long as the rear view is confirmed using mirrors. During feedback, I was instructed to ensure direct visual confirmation of rear view directly when changing lanes, akin to the checks made while stopping. I was also given a demonstration to turn my head completely backward until a full direct visual check was achieved. Furthermore, unsubstantiated claims were made about helmet visibility impairments. Despite using the Marushin M-530, I never experienced any obstruction to my peripheral vision. This has led me to believe that the demerit points applied were incorrect.
The official implementation standards
Search the PDF of guidelines for the implementation standards of the driving license practical test (directive), "運転免許技能試験実施基準について（通達）" in Japanese. There are information about setting of the test course such as the straight narrow course (Ippon-Bashi), the emergency braking test(Kyu-Seidou), the S-shaped course with right angles(crank in Japanese) and S-shaped course(Esuji). Please note that information regarding practical tests for other licenses is also included. It is on the website of the National Police Agency:
https://www.npa.go.jp/laws/notification/koutuu/menkyo/menkyo20220304_12.pdf
This directive is expected to be updated in the future, with outdated PDF files being deleted and corresponding URLs likely to change.
Let's learn from youtube videos
I will introduce some recommended YouTube videos.
The basic way to ride a scooter taught by a motorcycle riding instructor
A former motorcycle riding instructor teaches how to check left and right rear views before starting.
Common deduction points taught by a former motorcycle riding instructor. While the significance differs between the graduation test at driving school and the practical test at the licensing center, the content and deduction criteria are the same, making it useful for reference.
Braking technique for emergency braking tests as taught by a motorcycle riding instructor.
Braking technique for emergency braking tests as taught by a motorcycle riding instructor. Although there are differences between manual and automatic bikes, it is still useful for reference. However, in the footage from 7 minutes and 50 seconds, it appears that the brake is being applied before the front wheel touches the reference pylon, so it will likely be considered a failure in the test.
This is a video where a motorcycle riding instructor demonstrates and comments on everything from mounting to dismounting. Although it does not include the straight narrow path course (Ippon-Bashi) or emergency braking test, it includes explanations of the undulating path, which is not required for the 125cc class, and the settings for the distance to parked vehicles and the centerline are different, and the stand used after dismounting is different from the specified center stand, it is still useful for understanding what to consider while riding.
In a similar demonstration video by a different motorcycle riding instructor, detailed instructions are provided in text. By comparing and reviewing, you can gain insights into what is important.
Although it includes tasks that are not required for the 125cc class and the indicated speed and stopping position for emergency braking are different, this is a demonstration video where all tasks are performed with commentary. Since the test day might be rainy, it is useful for mental imagery training.
Supplementary information
Do not place your finger on the brake until the front wheel's tip approaches the first pylon during the emergency braking test.
The emergency stopping area for the emergency braking test is up to the first emergency stop limit line(8m) when dry and up to the second line(11m) when wet. The precise emergency stopping area extends to the point where the front wheel's contact patch does not protrude beyond the end of the emergency stop limit line.
If you do not reach a speed of 30 km/h during the emergency stop test or if you touch the brake before the front wheel reaches the pylon, you will have to redo the test.
All safety checks must be completed before taking any action. For example, when changing lanes, you need to check the mirror, signal, and then check the blind spot that the mirror does not cover before looking forward and making the change. At intersections, safety checks must also be completed before entering the intersection. Perform safety checks early.
Since the exit of the S-curve course is also an intersection, perform left and right checks, and shoulder checks before exiting, then make a tight turn.
When checking for safety during a lane change, make sure to turn your head exaggeratedly. There is a video by a motorcycle riding instructor who argues that it is unnecessary to exaggerate the safety check, and I was convinced by his reasoning and used it as a reference for my test. However, my action of visually checking the blind spot of the mirror was perceived as simply checking the mirror, and I was deducted points for not checking safety. Humans have a field of vision of about 200 degrees, and it is a fact that we can sufficiently check the rear and side areas that are not reflected in the mirror by turning our heads in the direction of the bike's mirror. Unlike cars, motorcycles can check the rear view using mirrors with almost no head movement when adjusting the mirrors while seated. Even if wearing a helmet that does not narrow the side view at all, points are being deducted based on the assumption that the view is narrowed, which is not grounded in fact.
https://global.honda/jp/safetyinfo/think_safety/vol14/vision/
https://hondago-bikerental.jp/bike-lab/32306.html
Normally, you should drive with a keep-left position.
Keeping two or more fingers on the brake lever at all times will result in a deduction.
Generally, aim to use 2 to 3 pumps of the brake. This is essential for braking from speeds of 30 km/h or higher.
Do not put your right foot down when stopping.
Do not cross the stop line with the front wheel, so stop within 1 meters before the stop line. Stopping more than 2 meters away from the stop line will also result in a deduction.
Positioning the vehicle to the edge before turning is supposed to be at least 30m before the intersection and less than 1m from the left edge of the road as a measure to prevent left-turns, but the remarks state that traffic and road conditions should be taken into consideration, which I think is rather vague. When referencing the YouTube videos of motorcycle training instructors, it appears that they perform mirror checks, signaling, and visual checks of the mirror blind spots even when they are already positioned at the edge of the road before turning. Be sure to take this into consideration.
The characteristics of Higashi-Mikawa Driver's License Center
Before the practical test, you can perform a familiarization lap around the outer course with the test vehicle. I noticed a difference in the spring resistance of the accelerator returning on the test vehicle between the first and second exams. The test vehicle might tip over a few times before your next exam, so you need to stay focused and adapt during the practice runs, even if you take the test multiple times.
The vehicle used for the test is a SUZUKI Address V125 (probably). The lag in the speedometer's response is unusually large. It feels as if there's a coil or something between the speed sensor and the speedometer that delays the current. Even after acceleration, the speedometer continues to rise when maintaining speed, indicating a significant lag. Compared to the speedometer response of the 50cc scooter I usually ride and the Address V125 (probably) I rode during the lecture and training for qualified persons at Takara Driving School, this lag was remarkably different. This makes the emergency braking test much more difficult. Although I didn't see the practical test for all the other examinees on the application day, the first test day, the retest day, and the issuance day, I only saw one other person besides myself pass the emergency braking test for motorcycles.
In addition, compared to the 50cc scooter I usually ride and the 125cc scooter I rode at Takara Driving School after passing, the speedometer on the Address V125 at the Higashi Mikawa Driving License Center seemed to show a speed at least 3 km/h slower.
There are two crosswalks in the area where you need to accelerate before the sudden stop test. At the first crosswalk, you might need to turn your head to check if there are any pedestrians.
The fact that there's a roughly 115-degree turn before the emergency braking test also adds to the difficulty. I think I went through the turn at about 25 km/h, but I wasn't sure if I should have slowed down even more before entering the curve.
I recommend aiming to maintain a speed of around 32-33 km/h as early as possible from the middle of the curve. After surpassing the first of the two speed detectors placed on the ground before the pylons in the emergency braking test, throttle off and apply engine braking. Grip the brake once the front wheel's tip approaches the pylon. For braking technique, I focused on gradually increasing the grip with a 7:3 distribution between the right hand (front brake) and left hand (rear brake), rather than applying strong brake pressure all at once from the beginning, using YouTube videos as a reference. Please exclude the point about the timing of touching the brakes being too early, as it seems to be a mistake in the reference YouTube video.
The indicated speed on the back straight is 40 km/h, but since the distance before the turn is short, you need to open the throttle significantly to accelerate and then use pumping brakes to slow down sufficiently before making the turn.
The traffic signal is a flashing signal with yellow flashing for the north-south direction and red flashing for the east-west direction.
Since there is an intersection right after the exit of the narrow straight course(Ippon-Bashi), I think it is necessary to check both sides and the blind spots that are not visible in the mirrors while descending from the narrow straight platform.
If you don't make any course mistakes on Course A, the time from the start call to dismounting the bike is approximately 7 minutes. Including the familiarization run and other elements, the total test duration is about 10 minutes per attempt.
Write on test course map
I recommend starting by making a copy of the test course map. Then, it's good to write down everything from what to do before mounting, during the ride, to after dismounting directly on the course map. Also, note that the route lines depicted on the distributed test course map is not be accurate, and it may not show lane changes before right turns in two-lane roads or paths to avoid obstacles . Afterward, refine it by omitting or symbolizing areas that are fine, and it's good to review it before bed and upon waking up. I also think it's good to take screenshots of Google Maps satellite photos and create your own test course map digitally, as it helps to visualize easily.
An example of writing on a map
Procedure for getting on a motorcycle
Visual check of the front and rear of the motorcycle
Lower the motorcycle from the stand while applying the brake
Checking the rear of the motorcycle visually, then getting on
Adjusting the mirrors while applying the brakes
Turning the key and pressing the starter switch while applying the brakes
Visual check of the left and right rearward
Visual check of the right mirror, right turn signal, right rearward, then face forward before starting the motorcycle.
Below is an example of taking a screenshot of satellite imagery from Google Maps and adding routes and annotations on top of it. The "→" indicates the turn signal, and "OFF" means to turn off the signal. In consideration of Google Maps' terms of use, the Google Maps image has been removed, leaving only the routes and annotations as a transparent image. Please overlay this image onto your own screenshot of the Google Maps satellite imagery using image editing software. A higher quality transparent image file exported at zero compression level is included as a bonus chapter at the end.
Route A
Avoid an obstacle(Shougai-Butsu)
To reach a speed of 40 km/h on the back straight
The S-shaped course with right angles(crank in Japanese)
Starting on a slope(Sakamichi)
S-shaped course(Esuji)
The emergency braking test(Kyu-Seidou)
The straight narrow course (Ippon-Bashi)
To reach a speed of 40 km/h on the back straight
To pass through a level crossing(Fumikiri)
Route B
S-shaped course(Esuji)
Starting on a slope(Sakamichi)
To pass through a level crossing(Fumikiri)
The S-shaped course with right angles(crank in Japanese)
The emergency braking test(Kyu-Seidou)
The straight narrow course (Ippon-Bashi)
To reach a speed of 40 km/h on the back straight
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