Jason Cormier wrote:

> On 12/31/03 13:46, in article 3FF31980.D989954E@yahoo.co.jp, "Eric
> Takabayashi" <etakajp@yahoo.co.jp> wrote:
>
>
> >> I still don't get the ranting about the testing centres. In both prefectures
> >> in which I lived, the foreigners generally had no problems getting a license
> >> and none were every told to go to driving school....and Mie and Aichi ain't
> >> exactly freewheeling, open-minded prefectures either.
> >
> > But they're still different from places where people (including experienced
> > drivers and Japanese who've driven abroad) rant about licensing centers.
>
> The testing results are certainly different but that's not what I'm talking
> about .Please don't try to tell me that Hiroshima-ken, Osaka, Tokyo, etc.
> are somehow much less open-minded about foreigners than Aichi and Mie.

It's not about being foreign. It's about the country where people, including
Japanese, got their licenses, and what the centers think about that place's
national driving standards if any. I am very satisfied with the explanation at
Japan Driver's License.

> It's obviously something else leading to the difference in results.

Would you like to take a guess?

For example, are drivers holding foreign licenses going for the test in Aichi and
Mie much better than drivers testing elsewhere? During the test, (of course it is
not how most people really drive on the road) did they all keep within 70 cm of
the curb for at least 30 m before a left turn (to prevent bicycles and scooters
from passing on the left, and also allowing cars to pass to the right, though the
driver must still turn their head to look to the left rear to confirm the way is
clear before turning) while signaling, or keep within 50 cm of the inside or
center line for a right turn? Did they turn their heads to confirm the rear was
clear before using the turn signal for three seconds before a lane change? Did
they roll down the window and listen for any oncoming trains while stopped at the
railroad crossing?

Please keep in mind I was not claiming to be good. I still don't know why I was
passed, while I have seen better drivers who've made more attempts (and also been
to driving school) failed for no explanation at all.

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