Stache wrote:

> When I lived in Japan several years ago I was able to obtain a Japanese
> driver license by showing my California license and taking a written
> test.  I understand obtaining a Japanese driver license has changed,
> does anyone know what the current laws are for obtain a Japanese driver
> license and a motorcycle license?

You will have to take a driving test, now.  I think you only get the 
automatic only license unless you take the manual transmission test, 
though.  I've been here since the days when a California license was 
good for an automatic pass on either the written or the driving test so 
I have never taken either one.  I had a large truck / bus endorsement on 
my California license which they told me to just forget.  A Japanese car 
license is good for anything with two axles (up to a 4-tonne box van, 
IIRC), but not anything bigger.

Your bike license is only good for a chuugata (up to 400cc) endorsement. 
  There have been some recent changes that may include taking a riding 
test there, too.  If you want to ride something larger, you'll have to 
take the full oogata test including the walk around and pick up combined 
with the skill test.

The skill test is mostly doing tricks.  You will fail at least once. 
That's just the way things are.  It's to make sure you understand 
patience.  I failed the first time for showboating -- I didn't put my 
feet down at the red light and I stood up on the seat of the bike when 
stopped on the bridge.  I came back the next day, started the bike and 
the tester said "Shut it off, you passed."  It's all about recognizing 
who is in charge and understanding that it isn't you.

There are ways to minimize the number of visits you make to the test 
center, especially to get your bike endorsement.  If you want to walk 
through them, let us know.  Remember that the license plate issuing 
system, the driver licensing system, as well as the driver training 
network, are all run by retired cops.  Piss off one part of the OB 
network and you piss of the rest of it, too.

CL