MANDATORY

Jidosha Songai Baisho Sekinin (JIBAISEKI) HokenThird party injury damage compensation insurance (in case you hit someone on the road) that is mandatory for ALL drivers. It only covers a portion of the damages cost (approx 1million yen).

RECOMMENDED

Jidosha Nini HokenOptional insurance, covering damage to your car, to property or passengers when you are driving.

Some ALTs have restrictions on driving during work hours, check before you start driving to your schools, but after hours and during the weekends, you have the right to use a car.

1)Call an ambulance if necessary 1192)Call the police on 110, inform:

•The time of the accident•The place of the accident•If anyone is injured or not•Your name and address3) Never flee the scene (you’ll be held responsible)4) If you can, move your car away from traffic to a safe place5) Give assistance to anyone injured, stop their bleeding with a clean cloth6)Do not move anyone with head injuries7)Note the registration of the other party8)Contact your Supervisor9)Take any necessary health checks

Responsibility for the cost associated with accidents is distributed relatively evenly as a % in Japan, even if you felt you were not to blame at all.

Failure to notify the police or give aid to the injured may lead to legal punishments.

Highly recommended automobile club of Japan ! Your equivalent of AAA or RAC.

For approx 6000 yen per year, you get roadside assistance if you breakdown, towing (certain distance), membership benefits and more. Recommended for inexperienced drivers.

http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/index.htm

US JETS face a more rigorous testing process to convert to a Japanese driver license. Tom Wanebo (former HIDA RPA) explains the process below:

1) Go down and drive the practice course. You have to have the entire test (every turn, every stop, every mirror-check) memorized, and there’s no possible way to do this without doing the practice course. This being Japan, the test has absolutely nothing to do with driving competence; instead, it tests your ability to take tests. You can ride along with other people who are driving the practice course, and that’s a great way to memorize it, so going down as a group is highly recommended. The practice center is open weekends.    2) Go on the date of your appointment, fill out some forms, take the written exam (easy to the point that you wonder if you’re being punk’d), take the driving test (verbalize everything you’re doing, so there’s no chance of the tester missing it! Literally, every time I looked at a mirror, or looked out a side window for traffic, I pointed and said "check." I've heard of people being failed because the tester didn't see them looking even though they did. It's your responsibility to tell the tester you're doing it.), wait around a bit, and get your license. You’re done!   Should you fail the driving test, you cannot take it again for a month.

Also, Americans, if you wear contacts, bring a case with saline solution to the test. I don't know why, but they made me take my contact out to do one of the eye tests, and I had nowhere to put it. I couldn't let it dry out, so I stuck it in my mouth... and then back in my eye for the test, so my eyeball was on fire while I "check...check...check"ed my way through the test. Sucked.

Every 2 years, your vehicle must be inspected for safety. Depending on the size of the vehicle and engine, this may cost between 50 – 150,000 yen. A vehicle cannot be driven without the inspection certificate displayed on the windshield and on the driver.

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year only. To continue driving in Japan, apply for a translation of your foreign license, gather required documents and submit them at the Mitabora Licensing Centre in Gifu City. You will then be scheduled a test date. Depending on where you are from, a behind-the-wheel test may or may not be required. Submission documents and other info available on the Gifu JETS blogDriver’s License Department:058 237 3376

GETTING HOME AFTER A BIG NIGHTGETTING HOME AFTER A BIG NIGHT

So you have had a big night, celebrating your arrival in Gifu. Your car is parked nearby, but you know you are not allowed to drive under the influence. What are your options?

A)Stay at a friend’s placeB)Take a taxi

In Gifu, rates start at 660 yen for the first 2 kms, then increase at 300 yen per km thereafter. A late night surcharge of 30% applies.

Hi no Maru taxi – 058-240-1111Nihon taxi – 058-246-1212

C)You have to get your car home, so why not try the DAIKOU service? Have a rep drive your car home as you take taxi.

2500 yen for the first 2 kms, followed by 450 yen per km. Insurance, waiting time and cancellations charges may also apply.

Aichi Daikou – 058-251-4312

@ Gas

Stand

ハイオク　 = High Octaneレギュラー　 = Regular軽油　 = Diesel

Other useful phrasesMantan ! = fill me up !Sensha = carwash

Oiru koukan = oil changeTaiya kuuki chekku = tyre air check

•Same card can be used anywhere in Japan•Cashless payment / avoid congestion

http://www.go-etc.jp/english/system/index.html