Guides to the practical test
How the gaimen kirikae practical test works at Samezu, what the examiner checks, and how to practise. Written by someone who has taken it.
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The gaimen kirikae practical test, explained (2026)
The practical test for foreign license conversion in Japan: what is on the Samezu course, which mistakes end the test, what the examiner says, and what changed in October 2025.
6 min read
The practical test
How the practical test is scored: 100 points, 70 to pass, and the mistakes that end it
How the examiner scores the gaimen kirikae practical test, in plain English: deduction from 100, 70 to pass, and the mistakes that stop the test on the spot.
3 min read
Practising
How to practise for the practical test in Tokyo
Every way to practise for the gaimen kirikae practical test at Samezu or Fuchu: the official course opening, driving schools on the test course, and rehearsing on your iPhone. Costs and catches.
3 min read
After a fail
Failed the practical test? What to do before the next attempt
Why good drivers fail the gaimen kirikae practical test, the retake rules, and how to use the time before your next slot. From someone who has taken it at Samezu.
3 min read